Hello! feel like this is my last shot

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I am nearing 40 and I feel sicker and more tired every day. I lose and gain weight weekly. I have a very active career, and people think I'm so successful and have my life together. I have a wonderful significant other who is nothing but supportive and loves me no matter what. But I just feel so very, very defeated that it would be so easy to give up! It's pretty hard to read "go do something you like, like taking a walk or playing sports." Well, if I liked walking and playing sports, do you think I'd be in this shape! Ha! I like to eat! I like to try restaurants, I like to cook new foods. I HATE hurting and feeling sick and having pain for 3 days from trying to exercise!! I would appreciate anybody out there who has felt this way to respond and hopefully that will help me stay on track. I have a good sense of humor and am a good listener also. I would especially appreciate any help with SERIOUSLY beginner exercises (other than walking). I used to love tennis, hiking, rock climbing, geocaching, horseback riding, swimming and basketball. Now, none of that makes me do anything but cry.

Thanks!!
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Replies

  • fannybee
    fannybee Posts: 18 Member
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    Hey dear, I am in this situation. and I do lose weight and plan to exercise more once I lose some more. I don't really like walking but I try to walk slowly and try to change scenery . You will discover new places and will start finding it interesting to walk. I started with the app pacer. it counts my steps and sometimes i like to see that number increase so I eat my lunch in 15 minutes and find myself exploring around work. Don't give up and log your food so this way you can control better what is your intake. Trust me I know how you feel I love food too lol I am a baker. once you will see some pounds drop you will like it so much that you will not want to get them back . xoxoxo
  • evsplava
    evsplava Posts: 35 Member
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    If you don't enjoy walking you might want to look into chair exercises or moving using a stability ball. Be consistent and start slow gradually building up your endurance
  • pander101
    pander101 Posts: 677 Member
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    I've heard a lot of people have had success with water aerobics? It has less impact on your joints so maybe you won't be as sore. Soreness is going to be a part of it for the first week or two while you build up endurance. When I got back into crossfit I could hardly walk for 3 days and but kept on exercising. Work on mobility as well to try and reduce some of that stiffness. It won't get rid of it all, but it should help.
  • lajuice24
    lajuice24 Posts: 409 Member
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    I started in the same spot. I stared slow. Just walk, get moving! It does not have to be intense to be effective. I love to cook, bake and eat! I just turned that love into making new things that were healthy for me. There is a lot of support here. Take it a day at a time and figure out what is going to work for you. Good luck!
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
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    OK find a pool... the YMCA or somewhere, often you can get a reasonable price membership at a college if they have one... but find a pool! Exercise in the pool... you can do aerobics', jogging, walking, jumping jacks, swim laps... you can MOVE and NO PAIN... seriously you will have no pain from the exercising this is how you get started, then you'll be able to add things on land to it... like a stationary bike or treadmill and you put it in front of the TV, it becomes your "chair" for 30-60 minutes (or longer) and you workout while watching your favorite show or movie...

    YOU can do this!
  • Stripeness
    Stripeness Posts: 511 Member
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    Okay. Yeah. It's easy to feel like all the "right" stuff is too hard. But if you take a deep breath, look at what others have suggested about exercise - take it easy. There are plenty of successful folks here who haven't put themselves through 3 days of pain each time they exercise (or 2 or even 1). Heck, I didn't even count my walking at first, because it wasn't "exercise" and I hated even the idea of walking as exercise. What I *did* do was amble slowly and taking in the fresh air and take a mental break from work/home stuff.

    Also? You could start even EASIER, and just log what you're eating. So you like eating out. Big deal. Figure out how *you* want to log that easily - this isn't supposed to be a life-consuming thing. Give it just enough thought to work out how you're gonna do it simply, and move on.

    Why? Because often people notice a small change or two they can make pretty painlessly. Go for the low-hanging fruit so you can feel encouraged by the success! You'll also benefit from having a factual starting point - currently my macros look ~like this. Calories are ~that. Knowledge is power!

    I'm not calling you obese - so apologies for the title of this article, but it's got some great info and encouragement for you:
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/training-the-obese-beginner.html

    And of course the MFP classic (someone had to post it!):
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    If nothing else, read those to feel a bit inspired. You can do this! :flowerforyou:
  • chippiebear
    chippiebear Posts: 6 Member
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    Don't be discouraged, we have all been there, and yes it can at times feel like it's your last shot. You have wonderful activities that you used to enjoy doing, try getting back into them slowly and don't worry about how fast your pace should be, focus on you and your body! Enjoy it!! Have you tried incorporating yoga?? You can even do chair yoga and if you can add that into your weekly routine whether you do 20, 30, or 45 minutes it will be a start plus you will get that nice deep stretch. Keep us posted and let us know.
  • Bogditzy
    Bogditzy Posts: 110 Member
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    We have all been there and it feels like s*it sometimes. But you have to believe in yourself ; after a few attempts, it seems that it's slowly working for me. Calculate your TDEE (maintenance calories), eat about 10%-20% less than that, eat in moderation (no restrictions of what you like required), log / weight all the food you eat and stay within your goals. Adjust as required. Sport helps as well. Trust me, it really works! Start moving as well. (It's Sunday and went for a walk to complete my 10000 steps goal).Also start to lift weights if possible. Set small goals. Try intermittent fasting.

    Use the forum, there is a lot of support in here. See what works for others as well.

    Good luck and I know you can do it!
  • bdenitto
    bdenitto Posts: 210 Member
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    I know exactly how you are feeling! I started slowly changing some of my eating habits. I gave up soda and started counting my calories by using My Fitness Pal. I use to eat out 5 to 7 times a week. As I became aware of my nutrition, I decided to make other changes. Consider this a learning process and pick small things you can change for the better. I got a gym membership and at first I could last 30 minutes. I would walk for 15 minutes on the treadmill and then do 15 minutes on a recumbent bike. Slowly, I tried other pieces of gym equipment, then classes, then weights! I also increased my time at the gym until I could go one hour or more. I am turning 39 this month and I am amazed at the changes I have been able to make! I am sending you a friend request. You can do this!!
  • melzer26
    melzer26 Posts: 1 Member
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    It's never your last shot! For me, dieting and eating well has taken years of practice, over and over again, still practicing. I LOVE fresh foods, but for some reason (always in a rush typically) I tend to go back to processed things that make me feel bad, inside and out. I was on a fried chkn kick for months. Let me see who does the best fried chkn sort of thing. Also, I can eat. Love to eat. I eat when I'm not hungry OR was typically starved all day and then eat everything in sight at night.
    For the last year I've been thinking about "dieting" again, but just didn't feel like I had it in me; I didn't want to be hungry, lose 10lbs, and then go back to the norm and gain it back plus 5. Nope, not up to that again. Not injecting myself with HCG again to starve to skinny, but still be fat.
    I shop Amazon like its my job and a couple weeks ago came across a book through a process of review reading and thought, huh, I'll give it a try. Had about 5 stars from hundreds of reviewers which seems hard for any product to get. So, a few days later I had "Burn the fat, Feed the Muscle" in my hands. Once I actually picked it up and began reading, I could feel things changing in my thinking, believing it! You mean I can actually EAT and not starve on 1200 calories a day? It really helps you understand WHY foods do what they do, understand what YOUR body needs to lose fat, and is just plain inspiring. I love it so much I've sent out 5 more copies to girlfriends of mine who also struggle with their bodies. I'm so far eating pretty much to the book , LOVING my foods (esp since its summer and so many yummy fruits are available...stuffing myself on watermelon & eating pints of blueberries at night!!). I've been on for about a week and a half, actually used my "Free Meals" having BBQ last weekend with friends and pizza last night at a meeting, just not going crazy all day. I've lost 4lbs, found myself thinking that's not enough...what the heck! That's GREAT! I cannot recall losing 4lbs while eating quantities I WANT and NEED to eat to feel satisfied. I should note that generally I'm fairly active, up until 2 months ago did a Pilates class 2x/week, but due to a herniated disc in my back and severe leg nerve pain I had to stop everything...was seriously laid up on my couch for almost 2 months. As of today, I have not had any exercise other than stretching for over 2 months. I followed the book and made weekly & every 3 month BIG goals for myself, and followed suit with a REWARD chart to coincide with those goals. My first reward is tomorrow...going on a day trip Whale watching! So excited. I had to put a lot of thought & research into my rewards to make them things I would love, not normally do on a weekly basis. I came up with a great list and I find myself thinking about them, not wanting to let myself down on the agreement I made with myself. As my good friend says, "be impeccable with your word..to yourself!" We are often impeccable with our word to others, but not often to ourselves. If I don't adhere to my plan and make my goal for the week, then I don't get to have my reward, and I REALLY want my rewards.
    Just something to think about. I'm sure there are other books and things out there to provide some inspiration. Just sharing what has really changed my process and been easy. For once.
    I'd like to sign this from : Not starving. :)
  • cuckoo_jenibeth
    cuckoo_jenibeth Posts: 1,434 Member
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    I know how you feel! My biggest fear is that if I fail this time, I will never believe that I can succeed at weight loss & fitness...therefore, failure is not an option!
    I have never been one to exercise or work out, so water aerobics & swimming arr my saving grace! It is fun & gentle on this 40+ year old body!
    I have been on MFP for 6-7 weeks. I log everyday. Please add me as a friend, if you wish!
    Welcome!
  • ziggification
    ziggification Posts: 8 Member
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    CHEER UP. I am in the same boat! This is my third time trying MyFitnessPal. The first time I lost 10 lbs. It took less than 2 months to gain it all back and then some.

    My weight is more than ten times my age, which I think is a bad sign for an adult.

    Here is what I am doing to make this round more successful. (I am sharing in the hope that one or more of these activities will resonate with someone out there.)

    1) Set My Goal to 1 lbs per week to make the change manageable. I will try to undereat by about 200-300 calories every day. (That will bring me closer to the goal for losing 2lbs a week, but will leave me cushion for those hard days!)

    2) Focusing on non-food related activities. Instead of going out to eat, going out to window shop or see a movie. I like books....buying some of those instead of food might be nice...Also, opting for less fast food joints. If I am going out to eat, I want something I cannot make at home for 1/3 the price.

    3) Keeping portions down by pre-portioning my meals for the week on sunday and Wednesday (or Thursday). This will include cooking several dinners and dividing the meal into individual servings and making tiny mason jar salads, which is exciting for me since I do like preparing attractive meals.

    4) Spending my precious few grocery dollars on fresh, fragrant, (expensive) ingredients so that there is literally LESS to eat in my house. This will also ensure that what food I do have is healthful. (e.g., more fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, fish)

    5) Weekly weigh-in.

    6) I tried to join the gym to workout with my bf and failed. (I blame him...because I can.) But I have had REALLY great success joining a martial arts class at the YMCA. The class I attend is run by two nice guys. They teach Cuong Nhu, a Vietnamese martial art that combines several "soft" and "hard" styles including tai chi, wing chun, aikido, and american boxing to name a few. I don't go often (maybe once a week). It can be a very intense OR a very relaxing workout depending on the day and how everyone feels. The instructors ALWAYS take the time to ask how everyone is doing so that no one gets hurt. The goal is always, "participate as much as you can, safely stretching your mind and body based on YOUR individual abilities." I found that the other members of the dojo are just super cool and supportive. It helps...I may still be gaining weight, but I know that my roundhouse kick could probably rip a door off it's hinges----I am not going to put this to the test.

    7) Become more familiar with my "danger times" and "uncontrolled foods." No food is good or bad, but there are DEFINITELY some that I just cannot control right now. Pasta. Pizza. Fresh bread. Cake. Cookies. I will ensure that I have set portions and limited access to seconds if I opt for one of these treats!

    8) I did not want to end on an odd number.
  • mandycasey
    mandycasey Posts: 274 Member
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    Hi, when i started out back in 2011 i hated all exercise, i would much rather sit on sofa watching tv and eating but i couldn't carry on like that!! I was very big and very unhealthy! I couldn't do much exercise and got out of breathe very quickly. The thought of going out in public to exercise made me feel ill - far too embarrasssing!! Instead I used the wii fit it was fantastic and the best thing i done i lost the first bit chunk of weight on there, my fitness improved and slowly got myself up to doing hour plus a day . Now i loveall exercise and have done alsorts walking, swimming, zumba, jogging, cycling. I'm now joined at the gym and go about 4/5 timesa week which includes some classes. i love combat class.
    Take it slow and find something you enjoy! good luck xx
  • GrammyPeachy
    GrammyPeachy Posts: 1,723 Member
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    My exercise bike is my friend. I do 10 minute bursts on it . It's easy on me but still gets my heart pumping. I do arm exercises while I pedal, (thinking about adding hand weights). I don't do much else yet except for walking once or twice a week and a few stomach crunches/sit ups. I log all my food/calories and have been finding some recipes to try. It's actually getting funner. Oh, and I'm 44.
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
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    I am nearing 40 and I feel sicker and more tired every day. I lose and gain weight weekly. I have a very active career, and people think I'm so successful and have my life together. I have a wonderful significant other who is nothing but supportive and loves me no matter what. But I just feel so very, very defeated that it would be so easy to give up! It's pretty hard to read "go do something you like, like taking a walk or playing sports." Well, if I liked walking and playing sports, do you think I'd be in this shape! Ha! I like to eat! I like to try restaurants, I like to cook new foods. I HATE hurting and feeling sick and having pain for 3 days from trying to exercise!! I would appreciate anybody out there who has felt this way to respond and hopefully that will help me stay on track. I have a good sense of humor and am a good listener also. I would especially appreciate any help with SERIOUSLY beginner exercises (other than walking). I used to love tennis, hiking, rock climbing, geocaching, horseback riding, swimming and basketball. Now, none of that makes me do anything but cry.

    Thanks!!

    You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?

    I will be 62 this week...I still have time left to get it right. It will also be my 1 year anniversary with changing myself. I have lost 80lbs...started exercising...I am not too old to change the rest of my life.

    You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?
  • Skout528
    Skout528 Posts: 17 Member
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    Thanks to everyone who responded with helpful advice and ideas. I will certainly take them to heart and will also look at the links and suggestions. Thank you all!
  • focused4health
    focused4health Posts: 154 Member
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    Shallow water walking is a great low impact exercise. Google it and do it. Your local pool is likely to have group walking. Great wsy to exercise and socialise.:smile:
  • REDE2GO1973
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    Please please add me I will do my very best to help and I can relate
  • CindyMarcuzAdams
    CindyMarcuzAdams Posts: 4,006 Member
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    Check out this website. Walkathome.com. Its not like walking at all. She gets your *kitten* moving.
  • amy8400
    amy8400 Posts: 478 Member
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    I am nearing 40 and I feel sicker and more tired every day. I lose and gain weight weekly. I have a very active career, and people think I'm so successful and have my life together. I have a wonderful significant other who is nothing but supportive and loves me no matter what. But I just feel so very, very defeated that it would be so easy to give up! It's pretty hard to read "go do something you like, like taking a walk or playing sports." Well, if I liked walking and playing sports, do you think I'd be in this shape! Ha! I like to eat! I like to try restaurants, I like to cook new foods. I HATE hurting and feeling sick and having pain for 3 days from trying to exercise!! I would appreciate anybody out there who has felt this way to respond and hopefully that will help me stay on track. I have a good sense of humor and am a good listener also. I would especially appreciate any help with SERIOUSLY beginner exercises (other than walking). I used to love tennis, hiking, rock climbing, geocaching, horseback riding, swimming and basketball. Now, none of that makes me do anything but cry.

    Thanks!!

    You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?

    I will be 62 this week...I still have time left to get it right. It will also be my 1 year anniversary with changing myself. I have lost 80lbs...started exercising...I am not too old to change the rest of my life.

    You're 39 and you think it is your last shot?

    ^^This. You make not like walking or sports (anymore) but you need to get moving again. Start slow; find a friend. Sorry, but you're coming across like a whiner. 39 is way too young to talk like this! I started on my journey last year at 52. It's NEVER too late.