Tips for how to excersize when you are super fat? Back pain.
Tropicalfirestorm
Posts: 61 Member
I'm 23 years old, female, 5'5 and roughly 230lbs.
I decided to get serious and try to loose weight, as I am not happy with my appearance and my back constantly hurts because of the size of my boobs.
That said, I am having some trouble.
The plan was to do this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN8cwK3zM20
Then do this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFE
Well, I finished the first video and got nine minutes into the second vid before I had to stop. My lower back was killing me (also sweat was dripping down onto my eyelashes). This has been happening the last few days when I simply walk two blocks. My bike was stolen two weeks ago so I've basically become a vegetable since then. Thus I gained weight. thus my boobs got bigger (again), thus my lower back hurts. It's happened many times. And yes, I read up and am mostly positive that I am keeping my back in the correct position. I have a sway back (undiagnosed) where my back curves in a lot, so when the instructor says "keep that back straight" and the kettlebell manuals I read say not to curve the back up, for me that means keeping it curved down.
So I waited a minute or two and tried to do it again. At the twelve minute point my back was KILLING me. So I stopped. I really want to finish this- but I am embarrassed that I keep stopping and starting. I'm also worried about back pain tomorrow.
Furthermore I can't do a lot of the exercises now that they say. "kick your legs up to your butt," for example. I would, but my thigh fat gets in the way, and even squished I can't get my food up there.
): Tips, tricks, anyone whose been in this situation before?
I decided to get serious and try to loose weight, as I am not happy with my appearance and my back constantly hurts because of the size of my boobs.
That said, I am having some trouble.
The plan was to do this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN8cwK3zM20Then do this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFEWell, I finished the first video and got nine minutes into the second vid before I had to stop. My lower back was killing me (also sweat was dripping down onto my eyelashes). This has been happening the last few days when I simply walk two blocks. My bike was stolen two weeks ago so I've basically become a vegetable since then. Thus I gained weight. thus my boobs got bigger (again), thus my lower back hurts. It's happened many times. And yes, I read up and am mostly positive that I am keeping my back in the correct position. I have a sway back (undiagnosed) where my back curves in a lot, so when the instructor says "keep that back straight" and the kettlebell manuals I read say not to curve the back up, for me that means keeping it curved down.
So I waited a minute or two and tried to do it again. At the twelve minute point my back was KILLING me. So I stopped. I really want to finish this- but I am embarrassed that I keep stopping and starting. I'm also worried about back pain tomorrow.
Furthermore I can't do a lot of the exercises now that they say. "kick your legs up to your butt," for example. I would, but my thigh fat gets in the way, and even squished I can't get my food up there.
): Tips, tricks, anyone whose been in this situation before?
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Replies
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A little about myself 5'3, 33 and a female starting weight 355.
Now, before my change I had lower back pains on short walks, out of breath sweating with the littlest of workouts. In April I started at the gym as well as MFP and it was hard at the gym, but I pushed myself to do 25 minutes to 30 minutes on the treadmill and weights. Eventually it got better losing weight, doing the work out and I'm not tired. I walk around the mall the last couple weeks and it was no problem. I went from 355 to 290 (current weight in counting) I think once you get use to it and don't give up you can work past the lower back pains and the sweating.0 -
I.am 224, 33 years old and 5'1. I do zumba on the wii, walk, lift free weights, yoga, bike ride etc. everything I do is at home. plus I have a 2 kids, one of which is a toddler. you can find lots of stuff to bump up your exercise. just find something that is fun for you. the more you lose, the easier it will get
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Take a walk! Seriously, I walked off my weight. It's a wonderful exercise when you have a lot to lose. You don't have to jump into difficult workouts to find success, especially in the early days of trying to lose weight.0
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Hi, I'm not in the same boat as you, but I'm in a boat that's nearby. I'm 21, almost 22, and weight 345. A lot of the exercises that I watch and try to imitate, I can't do. What do I do to get by? Change them just a bit so that I can do them. Some exercise programs or movies have a 'beginner' or 'simple' way of executing the move, but not all do.
In the specific example you gave, the kicking your butt, just modify it so that you're kicking as close to your butt as you can. After a while, you'll see your thighs thinning, or at least you'll be able to get closer and closer, ultimately reaching your goal.
Basic exercises that are easier to keep your back straight might include walking, jogging, biking, and that might limit lower back pain. Stretching beforehand might help with alleviating some pain, as well.
Just modify exercises to make them doable(but while still being a challenge) and sooner or later you'll be able to do them like a pro!0 -
Take a walk! Seriously, I walked off my weight. It's a wonderful exercise when you have a lot to lose. You don't have to jump into difficult workouts to find success, especially in the early days of trying to lose weight.
Agreed! Walking is a great way to start exercising. Most importantly, weight loss is primarily diet, so don't stress out if you aren't able to go nuts at the gym right away. Eat right, track your calories, and do what you can in terms of exercise and you will start to notice big changes.0 -
I started out walking, and doing "back strengthening exercises" this helped me tremendously! You can google those exercises. If I were you.... I would look up the back strengthening exercises. Do those first and then do the video that you can do until you feel better. Then try moving on to the next video. We didn't gain this weight over night. It won't come off over night. Ease into a workout. If you go to hard to fast you'll only injure yourself and set yourself back even more.0
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Thanks guys. I think I'll do just that- take a walk and just get this done. The main thing is getting the time I allotted in, not that I do it all hunky dory and perfect on the first time. Hearing that tootchute has been where I am and she worked through it helped. Broox80 rather inspired me by saying she did all her stuff at home- I don't want to go to a gym yet, and most of the stuff i've found has required tons of equipment or a gym. And Of course I am taking Celeigh12's advice.0
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5'3", 26, 225 when I started. The first few times I walked I couldn't go more than 30 minutes because my lower back was killing me. I just kept at it and continued to be able to add time. Three months later I've completed Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and can walk 6+ miles at a time. Just keep at it and push through. If you can't do certain moves all the way due to body composition just do them to the best of your ability.0
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yep!! I plan on losing 50 more and not planning at all to go to a gym. it makes me have a panic attack just thinking about it!! plus I cant afford it. I am a firm believer in at hone exercises. once you feel comfortable enough, google all the different 30 day challenges. I am doing the ab challenge this month. add me if you like!! im kinda weird and perverted though so you have been warned 0
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I am charging my cell phone now (cause it's nearly 9 at night in chicago, and while this is a safe neighborhood to work out at night I am NOT going out without a cell) and going to do just that. Walking doesn't bother me if I wear a backpack with a textbook in it to offset my chest.Hi, I'm not in the same boat as you, but I'm in a boat that's nearby. I'm 21, almost 22, and weight 345. A lot of the exercises that I watch and try to imitate, I can't do. What do I do to get by? Change them just a bit so that I can do them. Some exercise programs or movies have a 'beginner' or 'simple' way of executing the move, but not all do.
In the specific example you gave, the kicking your butt, just modify it so that you're kicking as close to your butt as you can. After a while, you'll see your thighs thinning, or at least you'll be able to get closer and closer, ultimately reaching your goal.
Basic exercises that are easier to keep your back straight might include walking, jogging, biking, and that might limit lower back pain. Stretching beforehand might help with alleviating some pain, as well.
Just modify exercises to make them doable(but while still being a challenge) and sooner or later you'll be able to do them like a pro!
I've tried to loose weight in the past, with varying success (usually I would get distracted with school and work, and that was my downfall. I plan this time to be the last time) and I've always loved the working out part. I just think it's really fun. The dieting not so much haha. I know I need it though, I just quit a job where I was on my feet 10 hours a day, and obviously that didn't cause me to loose weight. Gotta work on that diet.0 -
I started at 248. I started with zumba, then Insanity, then TurboFfire, now Les Mills Combat.
While I did all the videos I just went at my own pace and what my body allowed me to do. I tried to push harder and harder and slowly but surely my stamina improved and got tired less frequent.
When I started insanity my back was killing me during the first week. After that week it went away. I chalked it up to me using muscles I wasn't use to using. Going from sedentary to active was a shock to my muscles but it got better0 -
Will def do.I started out walking, and doing "back strengthening exercises" this helped me tremendously! You can google those exercises. If I were you.... I would look up the back strengthening exercises. Do those first and then do the video that you can do until you feel better. Then try moving on to the next video. We didn't gain this weight over night. It won't come off over night. Ease into a workout. If you go to hard to fast you'll only injure yourself and set yourself back even more.
I have a secret. I used to really like walking, but I've had these back problems for years. I wear a backpack and put a textbook in it. It helps to balance by chest out thus I can walk for an hour or more. Whereas otherwise I walk ten minutes and am like "ow".5'3", 26, 225 when I started. The first few times I walked I couldn't go more than 30 minutes because my lower back was killing me. I just kept at it and continued to be able to add time. Three months later I've completed Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and can walk 6+ miles at a time. Just keep at it and push through. If you can't do certain moves all the way due to body composition just do them to the best of your ability.
My phone should be charged enough in another five, ten min
Funny you should mention it, part of the reason I am doing this is because I noticed my agoraphobia/anxiety disorder/depression (whatever you want to call it) coming back and was like "yeah, no way am I going to get to that low point I was at years ago. Time to do the only thing that has been proven time and time again to combat it- get off my butt!yep!! I plan on losing 50 more and not planning at all to go to a gym. it makes me have a panic attack just thinking about it!! plus I cant afford it. I am a firm believer in at hone exercises. once you feel comfortable enough, google all the different 30 day challenges. I am doing the ab challenge this month. add me if you like!! im kinda weird and perverted though so you have been warned
And don't worry. There is a good chance I'm more perverted than you and I rarely watch what I say either. But this is a public forum that kids can come to (I think?) so I'll just leave that statement as is without going into detail.0 -
Looking at the video that was linked, I see a bunch of exercises that if done with less than ideal form will cause back pain. I agree that walking is a great exercise to start with. I would also suggest body weight exercises rather than using weights to start with.0
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Take a walk! Seriously, I walked off my weight. It's a wonderful exercise when you have a lot to lose. You don't have to jump into difficult workouts to find success, especially in the early days of trying to lose weight.
that was inspiring, happy to hear that, my muscles are very week to do some hard exercises, i've been sedentary for my whole life! i cant do more than walking and few minutes on the elliptical, but i was in doubt that walking could really make me lose weight0 -
I'm 23 years old, female, 5'5 and roughly 230lbs.
I decided to get serious and try to loose weight, as I am not happy with my appearance and my back constantly hurts because of the size of my boobs.
That said, I am having some trouble.
The plan was to do this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN8cwK3zM20
Then do this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFE
Well, I finished the first video and got nine minutes into the second vid before I had to stop. My lower back was killing me (also sweat was dripping down onto my eyelashes). This has been happening the last few days when I simply walk two blocks. My bike was stolen two weeks ago so I've basically become a vegetable since then. Thus I gained weight. thus my boobs got bigger (again), thus my lower back hurts. It's happened many times. And yes, I read up and am mostly positive that I am keeping my back in the correct position. I have a sway back (undiagnosed) where my back curves in a lot, so when the instructor says "keep that back straight" and the kettlebell manuals I read say not to curve the back up, for me that means keeping it curved down.
So I waited a minute or two and tried to do it again. At the twelve minute point my back was KILLING me. So I stopped. I really want to finish this- but I am embarrassed that I keep stopping and starting. I'm also worried about back pain tomorrow.
Furthermore I can't do a lot of the exercises now that they say. "kick your legs up to your butt," for example. I would, but my thigh fat gets in the way, and even squished I can't get my food up there.
): Tips, tricks, anyone whose been in this situation before?
5"11, 28 and started at 339lbs. I was huge and couldn't do things I wanted to do. But that didn't stop me. I was in pain most of the time (back and knee) but I pushed through anyway. I don't mean to sound mean, but that's what you have to do to get passed that point. You just have to push through the pain, otherwise you'll always stop and start again from the beginning. And you simply don't want to do that. Also, I had a lot of fat in the way when I started, heck I still have a gut that gets in the way now and then, but you just do what you can and push a little further every day.
I never thought, when I was at my heaviest, that I would ever manage to lose weight, but I did and I'm still going strong. If I can do it, so can you. You just have to stop with the excuses and keep moving forward.
Good luck!0 -
Hi, I'm not in the same boat as you, but I'm in a boat that's nearby. I'm 21, almost 22, and weight 345. A lot of the exercises that I watch and try to imitate, I can't do. What do I do to get by? Change them just a bit so that I can do them. Some exercise programs or movies have a 'beginner' or 'simple' way of executing the move, but not all do.
In the specific example you gave, the kicking your butt, just modify it so that you're kicking as close to your butt as you can. After a while, you'll see your thighs thinning, or at least you'll be able to get closer and closer, ultimately reaching your goal.
Basic exercises that are easier to keep your back straight might include walking, jogging, biking, and that might limit lower back pain. Stretching beforehand might help with alleviating some pain, as well.
Just modify exercises to make them doable(but while still being a challenge) and sooner or later you'll be able to do them like a pro!
exactly this, I am having a lot of trouble doing the exercises in my chosen routines, but I do as close to what they are doing as I can. My stomach and legs are to big to bend as much, get into positions they do etc. But that's ok, now I have made it a goal that whether it takes me 2 months or 2 years, I will be able to do them all the way 0 -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tVXfEStevY&feature=share&list=PLICGbEZ5W-smkRS2h6Akr1ElAC6e6YYff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXY3lFh3Vpw&feature=share&list=PLICGbEZ5W-smkRS2h6Akr1ElAC6e6YYff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Ke0oV1G6g&feature=share&list=PLICGbEZ5W-smkRS2h6Akr1ElAC6e6YYff
THese are just some of my fav workout videos that I use. I would start with the first one then work yourself into the second one, then try to do some of the last one> tae bo. It seems to me that the kettle ball execises would hurt my back too. The first two videos are yoga for beginners and chris Freytag vinyasa/flow yoga.. it really makes you sweat. I walk for my exercises and swim too. If you want to go on my youtube channel and I have some good playlists on my channel for food, exercise, and even motivation ideas. You will notice eventually that you wont sweat as crazy even in thirty days. Just find something that you like and keep trying new things.
http://www.youtube.com/user/amymichele3
Man if you could get to a pool its great for your knees and back. I love it.0 -
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I agree with the walking about exercise to start. But I wanted to comment on the chest and back issues. The women in my family have large boobs, so I can relate to that. Are you wearing good bras during the day? I know when my bras are going bad, because the back pain starts to creep in on me. Have yourself professionally measured and invest in good bras if you can. What type of sports bras do you where when you exercise? I like Nike bras. Several women in my family have had breast reductions. You may want to check with your doctor about this. Most insurances will cover them. You are too young to suffer this way. I would hate for you to have to go through life with pain. Please check into this and stay strong. You will lose the weight!0
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I am 5'2" and when I started going faithfully to the gym I was about 210lbs. My heaviest was 260lbs. I went to the gym but it was more like 30-45 min on a machine and then some weights about 3 days a week, nothing super serious. And I was having babies during that time, so it wasn't my goal to be fit. So I got into group fitness classes at around 210 lbs and just went for it. Started with strength training. I did what I could and now I teach classes myself. I have a small chest though, a pear shape, and never had back issues (even when I was obese I did core exercises daily----I was fit in my teens). I would suggest A KICK BUTT BRA to hold you in and try water. Swimming is great. Easy on your body. Do Pilates. Do what you can, and as you go it will get easier and you'll be able to do more.0
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try swimming?0
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Walk, Seriously just walk. Pain is a warning and you could end up hurting yourself if you are not doing things right. You honestly do not need to do any exercise to lose weight.
Always remember this::: Weightloss happens in the Kitchen, Fitness happens in the Gym.
start with walking then work up slowly, even if you never do you can still lose weight. God Bless and good luck0 -
I am 5'5" and started at 251 in January and am happy to say the weight is slowly dropping off. Honestly, I walk a lot, I started with that last year and have kept it up. Find a friend to go with you, take it as slow as you need to at first. Remember - ANY exercise beyond what you were doing before is a plus! Don't beat yourself up. There's no such thing as "Just" walking. It's exercise and a great place to start.0
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Take a walk! Seriously, I walked off my weight. It's a wonderful exercise when you have a lot to lose. You don't have to jump into difficult workouts to find success, especially in the early days of trying to lose weight.
This.0 -
Do what you can do and eventually you'll be able to do more. You mentioned walking with a backpack to offset your chest. That sounds great
. Also if you can get a bike like you had and ride that. It sounded like the bike didn't hurt your back. You might also want to try strengthening your back muscles so they can better support you. Don't forget the rest of your core as well.
Another thing, if you stretch by touching your toes make sure to keep your back straight. If you bend and curl your back while doing that it can give you lower back pain.
I don't have back pain usually, but I have knee pain. I just do the exercises that I can and modify the ones I can't so I still get all my leg muscle groups.0 -
I'm your height and started at 207. When I first started exercising I exclusively used the recumbent stationary bike, the one with a full seat and a back. I used that to lose about 20 pounds and then started using the elliptical, which is easy on the joints. I didn't start running until I got down to about 170. If you have access to a gym with a recumbent bike, definitely try it.0
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Hi, My name is Charlene. In April I started at 247 lbs. I spend better part of 8hrs on my feet every day, and when I would get in the car to come home. My hips would be hurting so bad I would be walking like a old woman. I just started with walking and my fitness pal. I just give myself a half hour a day to do it and take Wednesdays off. I now weigh 194 lbs and doing fitness blender. com for exercise. My hips no longer hurt my knees still do on occasion.0
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I was in the same boat as you. 23 years old and 252 lbs. Start of slow, ease yourself into the exercises. After a couple days/weeks of doing them, it will get easier for you.
Push-ups on your knees to start. Calf Raises, squats, etc are all great ways to build strength but go easy on your body. Do a couple sets of each every other day.
A walking schedule is great, too! That is how I started my weight loss. Start with a half an hour every day. Then the next week do a half hour, and then another 15 minutes in the evening. Next week, do 45 minutes every day. Then start adding interval bursts. Walk to warm up(5 minutes) brisk walk(2 minutes) Power Walk(2 minutes) and repeat. Ankle and hand weights are great additions as well!
Good luck!0 -
Just keep moving. Be very careful about going overboard with weights and routines as you start. Once you start seeing results, you'll want to tackle bigger and better things quickly, but without a proper base of core muscles, you can easily hurt yourself.
I was on track early this year when I overdid it and had to have back surgery. 5 month setback and regained all the weight I lost.
Walking will be the best, and core exercise such as squats and planks will give you a good base to start some of the bigger routines.0
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