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New to exercise/weight loss (UK).

Dackers75
Dackers75 Posts: 2
edited February 10 in Getting Started
Hi everyone!

I'm a 38 year old man standing at 6' 1" and weighing in at 14.9 stone. I've never really done any exercise or dieting before but really need to start so I joined MFP so I can keep an eye on what I'm doing. Having found the forum it would be great to get some tips and support!

I've joined a gym although mainly for pilates classes because I suffer from back problems and my physio sugested pilates would help but now I'm there I'd like to use the facilites to get rid of excess gut, bum, thighs etc.

Any hints/tips or general motivation would be of great assistance!

Thanks all - and good luck with your endevours!

Replies

  • georgieb23
    georgieb23 Posts: 76 Member
    Hiya and welcome, I'm from the UK too :)

    If you have a back injury it's really important not to put too much stress on it too soon. Have you tried swimming or water aerobics? It's low resistance so helps to protect your back whilst still giving you a good work out and is nice to mix it up a bit.
  • Dackers75
    Dackers75 Posts: 2
    Hi and thanks! I don't get to swim as often as I'd like - mainly because I really only get a chance to exercise at lunchtime and there's no pool that I can get to in my part of London. The back injury isn't too bad - it aches every so often as a result of an injury 15 years ago but I haven't been laid up with it for about 5 years now. Thanks for your input georgieb23!
  • HelenDootson
    HelenDootson Posts: 443 Member
    If you are a member of a gym ask for an induction! Explain your back issue when you book it and they should ensure that the person that creates a circuit for you is aware and takes it into consideration. Explain to them what you want and they will create a good starting point routine for you.
    Good luck and enjoy the journey - It is fun :)
  • angelfish257
    angelfish257 Posts: 81 Member
    I agree with HelenDootson - you should get a free induction anyway, and in a lot of gyms you can speak with the fitness instructors who will help you develop a workout regime for free. The ones that will charge you are the personal trainers, though often they will do a first-session-free as a sortof taster.

    If you are interested in pilates I think you should also consider yoga which is also low impact and great for building up your core, your gym may offer classes in each - also look out for classes using a swiss ball, again another low impact one which is great for core work!
  • callyart
    callyart Posts: 209
    Hi there

    I also have chronic back and leg pain (I suffer from Fibromyalgia) which stops me from doing lots of exercise. I am going to start going for short walks 10-20 mins at slow pace and swimming to begin with.
  • KinoM
    KinoM Posts: 359 Member
    I'd agree, get an induction and ask your physio for advice in advance too. You should probably keep it to low impact cardio and work on gradually strengthening your core with swimming, pilates, calisthenics and possibly some light weights. Then build from there on what you enjoy doing & don't be afraid to try new things! Best of luck in your journey.
  • Grumbers
    Grumbers Posts: 111 Member
    Try the cross trainer/elliptical and the bikes. These are reasonably low impact.
  • Sjenny5891
    Sjenny5891 Posts: 717 Member
    Hi everyone!

    I'm a 38 year old man standing at 6' 1" and weighing in at 14.9 stone. I've never really done any exercise or dieting before but really need to start so I joined MFP so I can keep an eye on what I'm doing. Having found the forum it would be great to get some tips and support!

    I've joined a gym although mainly for pilates classes because I suffer from back problems and my physio sugested pilates would help but now I'm there I'd like to use the facilites to get rid of excess gut, bum, thighs etc.

    Any hints/tips or general motivation would be of great assistance!

    Thanks all - and good luck with your endevours!

    Talk with your doctor about what you can and can't do so you don't end up hurting yourself.
    Be realistic about what food you cut out. If you are craving something plan room for it or you could end up binging on it.
    Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. Pilates is good for you. So is swimming if you can do it.
    You don't have to do Insanity 5 days a week to lose weight. I did it by staying under my goal and walking 30 minutes a day.
This discussion has been closed.

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