Where to start?

LucidPanda
LucidPanda Posts: 14
in Fitness and Exercise
I am 455lbs. I want to start exercising but I dont know where to start. I don't have money for a gym or equipment. Should I just start walking for 10 min a day and increase time every week? Is that enough?

Replies

  • amyllu
    amyllu Posts: 432 Member
    That would be a very good place to start!
    Set yourself a goal of exactly where you are going to walk to..and don't forget the walking back as well..and as you get used to that increase the distance and/or the pace and you will be surprised what a terrific difference that will make to your overall fitness and well being.

    There are also plenty of exercising routines on Youtube that you can follow too.
    All the best to you.
  • tashamoulds
    tashamoulds Posts: 13
    10 minutes a day is a good start if it's comfortable for you. But it might be fun to push it (like walking to work or to the store if they're not totally out of reach or taking a nice hour long stroll.). You have a good idea of starting off slow and increase your activity gradually because if you go to fast you might feel miserable or hurt yourself (because your bodies not used to the sudden burst of activity, I've hurt myself like that before.)
    P.S. sorry for babbling but if there are any trails near your area you could walk on them and go off the path and explore (if it's legally allowed, some trails in the area I used to live in didn't allow you to vear off the path.) Have fun :)
  • gspieler
    gspieler Posts: 29 Member
    Walking is excellent exercise. Lots of people us it to lose weight. One way to make it interesting is to listen to a favorite radio show while you are walking. If you have the time, start when the show goes on, Use it as a marker.

    It works.
  • Fitburd
    Fitburd Posts: 92 Member
    When I started 2 years ago I was 374 and couldn't walk to the end of my drive without pain, being out of breathe and breaking a sweat. I now workout 4-5 times a week doing various classes the gym and walk 5k everyday. If I had started trying to do everything I do now I would have fallen off the wagon within a month. But small weekly commitments have helped me slowly get to where I am now.

    Firstly, well done on announcing and owning your current weight - that's a huge step to start taking responsibility and making some much needed changes.
    Secondly I have to say that you should get a medical practitioners seal of approval for any plans as all your internal organs are under a lot of strain and exercise is going to put more strain on them. That said, anything that affects your weight is going to be a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Watch your heart rate - I would suggest a heart rate monitor you think you can afford it, but it's an investment that could save your life so get a good one.

    All that said I can share what worked for me. I started with what I felt I could do which was one trip upstairs and down and walking to the end of the drive a few times each day. I made a weekly promise and keep it for the whole week. It doesn't have to be a huge amount. You can use your weight to your advantage and do exercises that incorporate your bodyweight without equipment to build up your muscle for more strength and to help lose the fat quicker. a cheap pedometer will enable you to assess your improvements and reassess your goals.

    Simple things like lifting your arms towards the ceiling and then touching your shoulders without relaxing them fully 10 times, rest and repeat are a good start. I can remember starting with squats to strengthen my legs but I would sit on a chair and then stand again, 20 times over several times a day.
    I did invest in a personal trainer because I found I was saving on my food bill, in 6 short months he helped me make a huge dent in my weight loss and fitness ( last year I did Tough Mudder!)

    The bottom line though is that you need to focus on diet to reduce your weight to make exercise easier.

    Good luck and feel free to friend me :)

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