Best Physical Activity to start with....??

smashley_mashley
smashley_mashley Posts: 589 Member
in Getting Started
Hi All,

My mother-in-law is turning 60 this Saturday (June 7th). For her birthday she wants to start doing some sort of physical activity (i.e. a class). She is approximately 270lbs and has a slew of health conditions (obesity, COPD). Currently she has difficulty walking the two blocks from her house to the Walmart. What would be something good for her to get started?

Replies

  • dlionsmane
    dlionsmane Posts: 674 Member
    A) Whatever she can physically do and
    B) Whatever she will stick with.

    There is no 'best', it's really what's she considers best for her. (sounds like continue walking the two blocks would be a good start though)
  • ataylorgardner
    ataylorgardner Posts: 203 Member
    The best is to have her start out simple. If she can walk 2 blocks have her keep doing that until it gets easier. If she pushes too hard right off the bat she will probably get discouraged by what she cant do and end up quitting. She needs to focus on what she can do and work her way up. Another important thing is to make sure she is working on a healthy diet. 80% of weight loss comes from eating correctly. Best of luck to her :)
  • aleggett321
    aleggett321 Posts: 186 Member
    Are there any water fitness classes near her? They're great for people of all ages and sizes and put much less strain on the joints.
    I also agree with continued walking, as far as she can make it.
  • 77tes
    77tes Posts: 8,511 Member
    Twinges in the Hinges at the YMCA?

    ETA: I hate to suggest this since I DON'T think being 60 makes you a senior (I'm getting pretty close myself), but senior centers probably have classes or could recommend a class for the youngster.
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
    I definitely think walking is the way to go, starting with what she is doing now and gradually increasing the distance. And/or she can get some kind of pedometer and gradually increase her step goal. Many pedometers are inexpensive and work just fine. Before I got my fitbit, I used the Walk4Life pedometer for several years. It was easy to figure out and accurate. And it came in many colors.

    It sounds like a person who has been very sedentary just just aim to move more and also choose activities that are sustainable. That is why walking is an excellent choice.

    I have to add that when I read the first line of the OP about this person being 60, I thought, well. . . that's getting older. Then I realized that I will be 60 in 7 months!
  • MeanNurseGM95
    MeanNurseGM95 Posts: 49 Member
    Walking in a pool is fun and easy on the joints. Some places even have aquatic classes.

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  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    The best is to have her start out simple. If she can walk 2 blocks have her keep doing that until it gets easier. If she pushes too hard right off the bat she will probably get discouraged by what she cant do and end up quitting. She needs to focus on what she can do and work her way up.

    +1
  • CHSegl
    CHSegl Posts: 89 Member
    What does she like to do? I hate running, and would only do it if pursued by rabid wolves. Maybe not even then...
    However, I adore riding bikes, lifting weights, and horseback riding. Have her choose something she really likes, then go for it.
    Mallwalking? and second to the water exercises- the water support will make her cooler and more comfortable.
  • roanokejoe49
    roanokejoe49 Posts: 820 Member
    Tell her to just keep up the walking. Pretty soon, she'll be doing laps around the Walmart.
  • Chris_Pierce
    Chris_Pierce Posts: 267 Member
    Walking is best
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Are there any water fitness classes near her? They're great for people of all ages and sizes and put much less strain on the joints.
    I also agree with continued walking, as far as she can make it.

    This is what I was thinking.
  • Zodia81
    Zodia81 Posts: 43
    The first physical activity I started with was walking and then I started riding a bike shortly after. My first ride was only 1.5 miles and I was so embarrassed. It's been a little less than two months and my longest ride to date is 11 miles. I ride atleast 4 days a week and for atleast 40 minutes each time. On days I don't ride I miss it terribly. I love my bike! :)
  • glitznglamour15
    glitznglamour15 Posts: 54 Member
    Definitely something along the lines of an aerobic water class where she is in the pool and has no stress being put on her knees! They are great for beginners and burn a lot of calories. I wouldn't recommend walking for her since it seems she may have some knee difficulties.

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