Should I take it up a notch?

alottamama
alottamama Posts: 46
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

Im new here, and have just started (2 weeks now) my diet and excercise regimen. Right now my excercise consists of me using my treadmill...I do 30 mins of brisk walking each night on it. This, believe it or not, was a huge step for me because before 2 weeks ago I didnt get any formal exercise whatsoever in my day....just the usual busy mom running up and down the stairs and rushing around doing errands...

I have osteoarthritis in both knees and also degenerative disc in my spine. I know exercising is great for me and the doctor advises me to stick to low impact. My pain has lessened just from my 5 pound weight loss so far! Im looking forward and hoping to lose 20 pounds at least.

Most of my weight is in my belly and hips (small waist, large hips) and Id really love to get some of that fat reduced! (see my post about looking pregnant) .....can you suggest some additional ways for me to "work out"? Do you think there would be anything at the gym that would be suitable for someone who has restrictions like mine? Thanks :o)

Replies

  • carla113
    carla113 Posts: 27 Member
    I would talk to your doctor about working in some resistance training. This can be low impact, and building muscle is always good. With your medical conditions, I'm not sure what the limitations would be, but body weight exercises, i.e. push ups, squats, etc. are a really easy way to incorporate resistance.
  • HappyNewTamera2014
    HappyNewTamera2014 Posts: 91
    Swimming
  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    good thing I have a pool then :O) ....ooops theres about 2 feet of snow on it. Lol. Maybe the Y in the winter :o)
  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    do you think Pilates would be good for me?
  • Play_outside
    Play_outside Posts: 528 Member
    Is there any way you can see a physiotherapist? I also have knee osteoarthritis (from injury) and I am SO thankful for the physiotherapist who guided me into getting back into my activities! With OA I bike (great low impact exercise for when you don't have snow on the ground), run, surf, hike, etc-I do everything I did before the OA, just had to work back up to it.

    You could use resistance bands, do squats using the kitchen counter to brace yourself at first, hip bridges-lots of stuff that can build strength around the knees. Also make sure you stay hydrated, that can REALLY make a difference! Anyway, if it's possible to see a physiotherapist, I'd start there as they are MUCH more informed in such things than doctors usually are. (Totally not knocking doctors at all, it's just that for a physio that's their specialty).

    A good rule of thumb is: Does it cause pain, beyond the usual workout pain? If so, then don't do it, or you may need to do something to build up to it.
  • alottamama
    alottamama Posts: 46
    thank you for your input. I actually haven't started seeing my physiotherapist yet but I'm supposed to be doing that lol...I will definitely be soon...what do you think of Pilates?

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