First Walk

charlottemilton
charlottemilton Posts: 144 Member
in Success Stories
It seems kind of silly to post this but I need encouragement. I talked hubby into walking with me around the block last night. When I mapped it, it was only .4 of a mile.

I was scared to do it alone. I am over 100 lbs overweight and have knee problems. I was afraid I wouldn't make it. As it was, it wasn't my knee that gave me the trouble. It was a muscle, tendon, ligament between my thigh and body that would hurt and make me stop. Guess I have been sitting so much it has shortened. Walking must stretch it. Any ideas?

Replies

  • RockClimber69
    RockClimber69 Posts: 82 Member
    Sounds like your hip flexor. I would take it slow, stretch gently afterwards and ice it to reduce inflammation. If the pain is sharp instead of dull & aching, see a doctor and get it checked out. Good for you for taking the first steps!
  • Chimis_Siq
    Chimis_Siq Posts: 849 Member
    It seems kind of silly to post this but I need encouragement. I talked hubby into walking with me around the block last night. When I mapped it, it was only .4 of a mile.

    I was scared to do it alone. I am over 100 lbs overweight and have knee problems. I was afraid I wouldn't make it. As it was, it wasn't my knee that gave me the trouble. It was a muscle, tendon, ligament between my thigh and body that would hurt and make me stop. Guess I have been sitting so much it has shortened. Walking must stretch it. Any ideas?

    I am 240 lbs now, I was 270. My body was at the point of my knees & ankles hurting just walking 3/4 of a mile. I couldnt breathe. But I knew that i had to just move. My body was so used to not moving, half was probably physical pain, half was mental. Everyday I did a minute more. Everyday I got a little stronger. Everyday my body hurt less. 3.5 months later I can now walk 10 miles and still come home and run errands and clean house. So just keep doing it, everyday. Dont over do it, but push yourself a little. Just keep walking. Dont stop. Your body will get stronger. I promise!
  • sprintto50
    sprintto50 Posts: 410 Member
    Every step you do is one more step than before, and one more step towards a healthier life. Keep at it. You will get stronger and fitter by the day. Be proud of yourself.
  • slim4health56
    slim4health56 Posts: 439 Member
    If you've been inactive for an extended period as I was, your muscles are weak. I've been going to the chiropractor and working through the pain by walking...worst thing you can do (unless you have a legitimate injury) is to remain inactive. If the pain persists or is more than you can handle see your health care provider. Otherwise, the best remedy is to move every day. Sore muscles from activity has become my delight! Good luck and congrats on losing the weight and walking!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Standing stretches (after a walk)..... hopefully this makes sense

    Standing Hamstring - put one foot out in front of you. "Squat" on the back leg, point toes (of your front foot) up so that the heel is on the floor, and then push your hips back.

    Standing Calf - plant one foot on the floor in back of you. "Lunge" forward on the opposite leg, keeping back foot planted. Bend forward at the waist for a deeper stretch

    Standing hip opener - cross your ankle over your leg (above the knee) then squat on the standing leg.

    I find I have really tight hamstrings, so I stretch those every time .....everyone is different.

    If an indoor walk is less intimidating (or weather, darkness, whatever) ....you could try Walk At Home DVDs
  • ftballmom9296
    ftballmom9296 Posts: 70 Member
    Definitely do not give up. Things will get easier I am very proud of you and the first step is ALWAYS THE HARDEST. Work yourself up for the first few weeks do once around the block until you get that down then after a few weeks add another block. You can do this you already took the first step so just keep it up. I promise it will get easier and you will start feeling so much better. Then when you skip a day you will feel it. I am not an expert by no means but have learned a few things since being on MFP and there are some wonderful people on here. Feel free to add me as a friend. Have a wonderful day. I will leave you with some words.
    We did not gain it in a day we will not lose it in one..... Good luck you can do this. DO NOT GIVE UP....
  • blc1971
    blc1971 Posts: 170 Member
    First of all, you are a Rock Star for taking that first step to getting yourself healthy. Way to go! As all the others have said, take it slow at first, stretch after each walk, and don't overdo it, but push yourself a little bit. Ice is your friend!! Finally, be patient with yourself and your body. As others here have said it's a journey and not a race. Progress at your own pace and you will do great! Best of luck as you move forward!!
  • qtgonewild
    qtgonewild Posts: 1,930 Member
    all i know is it gets easier. when i started thats probably all i could walk. my back hurt, my feet would get numb. i manage now to walk about 2 miles at a time. i unfortunately have a torn atfl in my ankle so sometimes every step i take hurts and theres no way i can walk during one of those flare ups. but pretty much its been good. but sometimes i will start to walk and my ankle will hurt (bad) and i have to stop. so if its an injury, i dont know. if its just being overweight, it gets better. and easier. great job on your first walk.
  • kowajenn
    kowajenn Posts: 274 Member
    I am so happy for you!!! I was 100 pounds overweight at the start of my journey too, and while I'm fortunate in that my knees are good to go, it took a lot of courage for me to trudge around OUTSIDE where PEOPLE COULD MAKE FUN OF ME. It was a hurdle it took me a while to get over but I'm so glad I did. I love walking now.

    Keep going. Add a minute or two a day and you will be shocked at how quickly you improve.
  • lewandt
    lewandt Posts: 566 Member
    Wow, good for you for getting off the couch and doing something. Someday you will look back on this post and be amazed at how far you have come!

    Take it slow to begin with and stretch your muscles gently afterwards.
  • nielsonfam
    nielsonfam Posts: 138 Member
    Yeah for you!! You might also think about getting a pedometer to track your steps and try to increase your steps on a weekly basis - I find that helps me get motivated. Keep up the good work!
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
    Well done on taking the first step. As others have suggested try stretching afterwards and it does get easier and less painful.
  • greattimes
    greattimes Posts: 123 Member
    Start slow and than like magic you will be doing that block in record time and more. You have to start somewhere. Good job.
  • cwaters120
    cwaters120 Posts: 354 Member
    I started with over 130 lbs to lose. You CAN do this. Start slow, build up and remember that all movement is more than you were doing before you started. Each day you move is a day of progress. As you increase the days of progress, you will find it easier to increase your distance. Ice muscles that hurt, ibuprofen if necessary, a non-scented muscle rub (the smelly ones if you can stand it :wink:) and don't give up!

    You CAN do this! :drinker:
  • FourIsCompany
    FourIsCompany Posts: 269 Member
    I am also over 100 lbs overweight and I was bedridden in April because of my back and I have torn meniscus in both of my knees.

    I just walked a mile yesterday. I can't believe it! And you can do it, too.

    You have to start somewhere and nurse the injuries along the way. I've had so many injuries, I thought I would never make it! But just KEEP GOING and you will get there. Make up your mind that there's ONE way out of the spot you're in and take that road and don't look back.

    There's a group here called The Get Fit Chicks. We're women who have or have had over 100 lbs to lose. Great support!
  • vickyplum
    vickyplum Posts: 193 Member
    Have to agree with everyone

    Congratulations on taking your first steps
    take it slow and steady you will get there and it WILL
    get easier

    dont be so hard on yourself your doing great stick with it

    take care and good luck in the rest of your journey

    Vicky xxx
  • charlottemilton
    charlottemilton Posts: 144 Member
    Thanks! Yes the exercises make sense. I'll try them but probably fall on my face. I may have a chair nearby to steady myself.

    My goal is to get to where I can walk on the Greenway which is a wonderful trail that connects to others. The local entry point is just under a mile from my house. On nice days it is fairly busy, but always there is someone who will come along if I would happen to have an injury. It is patrolled by the local police as well. Once there I can add a minute or a marker each day or week to add distance.
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    i have to say a huge Congratulations for getting out there and walking round the block! How far it was is irrelevant - you got out there and did something to improve yourself, and managed to drag hubby along as well! Just keep on going, a little at a time, reasonably regularly and I am sure you will see the improvements. Just watch out for the injury - lots of ice required there as has already been said! Lastly, never ever feel silly about posting something as significant as this, no matter how trivial you may think it is. It is a success, and you should be proud!

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