Just started working out, is 15 mins ok?

FluffyGirl711
FluffyGirl711 Posts: 2
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi I just recently got my very first elliptical to start my fitness journey. I did my first workout today and I only lasted 15 minutes. I was wondering if that is ok to start. A little bit about me.. I have a bad back and have had it for almost 14 years, and have been over weight all my life. I am at my heaviest now and have been pretty sedentary for the last few years. I know that I am out of shape and I know that I need to lose weight for my back and over all health. My concern is that 15 mins is not enough, but I am physically exhausted and dripping sweat after it. So I'm wondering if that's all I can do at this point will it help? I guess I'm just looking for a little help/guidance/support as I kind of feel alone and unsure.. Anyways any tips/suggestions are much appreciated! :smile:

Replies

  • Supadoopafly
    Supadoopafly Posts: 248 Member
    Hi I just recently got my very first elliptical to start my fitness journey. I did my first workout today and I only lasted 15 minutes. I was wondering if that is ok to start. A little bit about me.. I have a bad back and have had it for almost 14 years, and have been over weight all my life. I am at my heaviest now and have been pretty sedentary for the last few years. I know that I am out of shape and I know that I need to lose weight for my back and over all health. My concern is that 15 mins is not enough, but I am physically exhausted and dripping sweat after it. So I'm wondering if that's all I can do at this point will it help? I guess I'm just looking for a little help/guidance/support as I kind of feel alone and unsure.. Anyways any tips/suggestions are much appreciated! :smile:

    15 mins is excellent. Build up slowly, but always promise yourself to do your very best
  • AlysonG2
    AlysonG2 Posts: 713 Member
    Absolutely! Do what you can, and don't try to do too much too soon. Small changes.
  • Anniebotnen
    Anniebotnen Posts: 332 Member
    15 minutes is a great start! Just keep at it and increase your time gradually as you get used to the machine and increase your fitness level. You could try just increasing by 1 minute every week or so, and pretty soon you'll be able to keep going for 20 minutes, then 30...

    Congratulations to you for getting started!
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Always need a starting point. I think it's great!
  • lorim200
    lorim200 Posts: 38 Member
    That is exactly how I started in March 2013. I now do 30 min every day. I also ate back 1/2 my calories when I was hungry. Count your calories and enjoy your workout. You will be losing before you know it. Best of luck to you.
  • robinmmurphy3
    robinmmurphy3 Posts: 65 Member
    Good for you for starting!! If all you can do is 15 minutes, that's perfectly fine! At least you are doing something and 15 minutes is great! Especially for having a bad back and being mostly sedentary. Starting is the first hardest step and you are doing it!! Keep up the work and you will be surprised at how quickly you will be able to go a bit longer on your workouts....your stamina and energy level will increase and you will sleep better. Hange in there!! Best of luck!!
  • sugarmagnolia55
    sugarmagnolia55 Posts: 12 Member
    15 minutes is awesome! As others said, just keep working up to more time. Also, think about trying some other activities so you don't get burned out on the elliptical. Maybe a beginners yoga video, walking outside, light weightlifting etc. Congratulations on taking the first step. :)
  • Kenazwa
    Kenazwa Posts: 278 Member
    Yes! You have to start where you are.

    When I first got back into working out about 5 years ago, I could only do about 10 minutes.
  • hmaddpear
    hmaddpear Posts: 610 Member
    15 minutes is 15 more than if you didn't start. Go for it - you'll be doing more in no time.

    I started back in July last year with a 20 minute walk, which tired me out, after being mostly sedentary for a very long time. I'm now able to walk for several hours or swim for an hour without a break.

    Good luck!

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