Suggestions Please:)

lelaperez317
lelaperez317 Posts: 4
in Fitness and Exercise
I started MFP December of last year, and after some struggling I've finally lost close to 20 pounds. I'd like to take it up a notch, and I've decided that I want to add some fitness into my routine. My husband and I do go walking about 2 - 3 times a week but I feel like I need to do more. I wouldn't mind jogging but my knees aren't as great as they used to be and I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for finding a good beginning work out that's easy on the joints.

I'm not opposed to joining a gym but I would rather see what other options there are. (I find gyms to be a bit intimidating and then there is the cost involved...)

Does anyone have suggestions or suggestions where I could look? Thanks!

Replies

  • SLHysell
    SLHysell Posts: 247 Member
    I was massively intimidated the first time I went to a gym. I literally sat in the car for half an hour trying to get the courage up to go in and ask someone to give me a tour....and this was at Planet Fitness, the least intimidating gym around. On my first day, I was so self conscious that people were watching the "dork" who didn't know what he was doing that I actually abandoned the exercise bike after a few seconds because I couldn't figure out how to turn it on! Here's a hint: It comes on AFTER you start peddling. Even with that rough start, I'm now totally comfortable in the gym. The real truth is that everyone is in their own little world (ear buds) at the gym, and they don't give a flip who is there or what they are doing. I actually find the gym a little boring now days....but it is worth every penny. I don't have any alternate recommendations for working out (unless you want to be a runner), but if you can overcome the intimidation factor, I highly recommend the gym. Just getting away from the house makes me exercise more....
  • jamielee2786
    jamielee2786 Posts: 11
    pool exercises, stationary bikes, and lifting are all really easy on the knees when compared to running. Lifting may not get the same "calorie burn" initially that you get with cardio, but it does sort of reprogram your body to burn more calories on a daily basis. I love running, but I understand your concerns about knee problems. If you want to try it, I would suggest wearing a neoprene knee brace (you can get them at most exercise stores like city sports, EMS, or ****'s) and start out on softer surfaces (aka not pavement). Trail running or running on a track might be a good start, and be sure to take as many walking breaks as you need/want. Enjoy! :)
  • jamielee2786
    jamielee2786 Posts: 11
    Okay, MFP blanked out the name of the other store I was talking about because it's also a nickname for a particular appendage, let me try this again "Richard's Sporting Goods"
  • tortie125
    tortie125 Posts: 1 Member
    I highly recommend fitnessblender.com. They have tons of videos for whatever you are in the mood for... cardio, strength, or flexibility. They have quite a few low-impact cardio routines that don't require any equipment. Best of all it's totally free!
  • lelaperez317
    lelaperez317 Posts: 4
    Thanks for the feed back! I will definitely look into that! I have a feeling that losing some weight will make things a little easier on the knees. (I've also been thinking about taking a supplement to help improve my joints.)

    Thanks again:)

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