How do I cut down on intensity in a group?

Kerry513
Kerry513 Posts: 1 Member
edited December 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm taking an intense 6 week program for weight loss, but, oh, was I not ready! Now when I'm doing the activities, I can't breathe and it's super hard. They said it was a class for beginners, but I feel like the only one who has to step off to the side to catch my breath. Is being out of breath and having a pounding heart normal, something I should push through?

Replies

  • rldeclercq4
    rldeclercq4 Posts: 269 Member
    Do what you feel comfortable doing. Talk to the instructor that you need to pull it back a little bit so that they don't think you're just wasting their time. You have to be able to go at a pace that you're comfortable with so you don't burn out and walk away from it. Your capacity for exercise will come from doing it more and more.
  • YinxFed
    YinxFed Posts: 1,094 Member
    Being out of breath following physical exertion - especially if you're not used to it - is normal. At first. But you SHOULD be able to catch your breath and get your heartbeat back to normal quite quickly.

    Are there no modifications that you can make so that you can keep up without feeling so exhausted?

    I worry that you are doing too much too soon.

    Take care of yourself!
  • jessiferrrb
    jessiferrrb Posts: 1,758 Member
    you can try slowing down instead of stopping completely, maybe slow before you get too out of breath and pick it back up when you're mostly recovered.

    also: Go Dolphins!
  • HeidiFuture
    HeidiFuture Posts: 54 Member
    edited August 2016
    Agree, slow down, but keep going!! Starting a new program is supposed to be hard! I'm 36 now and find exercise is not the same as when I was 26. If you keep going, you get stronger and faster... Best advice is it gets easier!

    Check in for support and let us know your progress :smiley:
  • HeidiFuture
    HeidiFuture Posts: 54 Member
    "The real workout begins when you want to stop." So true!!
  • heatherheyns
    heatherheyns Posts: 144 Member
    I just want to mention that when I worked out on my own, I thought I pushed myself hard. Then I got into a team training environment and realized I had no idea what working out hard felt like. I was breathing Hard, heart pounding, but I stuck with it and realized that hard work is way harder than I had realized. I got better, of course, but it is still hard, as it should be. So, just remind yourself also that a hard workout should be uncomfortable, it should be challenging. Only you can decide what that means, but don't believe that you can do something that is easy and expect to have it change you much.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    if there is arm work-waving arms or moving them about above the waist, try minimizing it.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    There is no shame in stepping to the side and taking a break when you start a new routine. I nearly always have to do it, it is preferable to keeling over. Nearly did that once.
    Most of these classes can be a tailored.
    Don't be afraid to step in place, instead of jumping, taking the low impact option, or doing just the footwork and giving your arms a rest.
    If it is more a Pilates type class, do what you can, safely don't be afraid to modify or pass on a move that is beyond your capabilities at the moment, it will come with time.

    Push yourself, but don't feel you have to be at the same level as everyone else. Some have been doing the class for a year or two.

    The out of breath and pounding heart is normal, step back on your intensity once it becomes too uncomfortable.

    Cheers, h.
  • mommamia30189
    mommamia30189 Posts: 82 Member
    I have had 11 ankle surgeries and during my recoveries i tried to work out. When i would begin back taking classes i quickly learned that you just do what YOU are capable of. It doesnt matter what everyone else is doing. If you cant keep up, just do what you can do and keep at it, it will get better each time.
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