Advice needed re best exercise for very overweight person

kirstym1108 wrote: »

my trainer is very down on me walking as much as I am and wants me to do other stuff;

I assume that your PT thinks that you could use that 30 minutes a day on an activity that would burn more calories than walking, which would allow you to reach your goal more quickly.

While that might be true, this is the part that caught my eye:

kirstym1108 wrote: »

I enjoy the group as it has helped me make friends after being very isolated.

Your walking group is doing something healthy, you like the people, and you're getting emotional support from it. Don't underestimate the value of a healthy social network.

You are more likely to stick with something you enjoy, even if it isn't the most efficient workout.

If the PT doesn't see that, then you might want to ask yourself if this PT is the best fit for you.

Hi

I think the walking group is good both because you enjoy it and because of the social aspect. Your trainer is trying to protect your joints, and, yes, there are bigger burns and more whole body workouts BUT I would definitely continue with your group. Perhaps not add the daily walks on your own, yet.

Diet is 80% of weight loss; exercise is for health. You can be really skinny and unhealthy and overweight and healthy. Muscle helps by burning more calories and making us feel and look better, We all want a good balance in the end. So, first and foremost, watch the diet. As the weight comes off, then exercise get easier. Again, a good conversation about your concerns as they come up will clarify. You don't want injury because of stress on joints and much enthusiasm too early in this journey. Too many changes all at once can be a problem too.

I am trained as a personal trainer for seniors. Many of them have the same aversion to gyms and pools. You don't have to go in a pool. Many enjoy aquafit once they try it, and you may find friends there too but stick with what you like. There are lots of seated exercises that you can do at home with bands and balls. There are a number of videos on the internet for ideas; a full body workout is easily achieved while seated. And, easier on joints at the beginning stages of strength training. I would try the gym before the pool. You are paying for training. Sort of like piano lessons. The lesson is good but without practice, hard to get better. A trainer doesn't care where you practice, at home or in the gym, but you have to practice. I think of others in the gym as simply being in a different 'grade' than I am. And they were beginners once too.

Congratulations for being on this journey. The hardest part is starting. With a walking group, a trainer and I am assuming, going to the gym to meet the trainer, you are already out there, doing. Good for you! And, I know it is hard, but being in a gym or a pool as a bigger person, I always stand a little straighter because I am a role model. Let us reclaim the spaces where we need to be, regardless of body shape. As an older large woman, I know it takes courage to wear a bathing suit in public. But in exercise circles, I have found nothing but encouragement.

Keep it going and you will soon be encouraged to walk daily.

Keep doing what you're doing.

I would keep up the walking some at least, a social network is key to maintaining weight loss. Maybe on other days you could try swimming (a great exercise that's easy on your joints... and I promise that everyone else is only concerned about what they look like and not you) or maybe cycling at the gym. good luck!