Beginners exercise?

I didn't do anything besides walk initially. My focus was just on moving more so I made it a point to go for a walk pretty much every day for about an hour.

Walking is great exercise and doesn't cost a thing (other than buying decent shoes if you don't already own them).

I started with walking and stretching. I have recently added running and some strength DVDs.

There are tons of things you can do at home with little to no equipment that are really beneficial. Walking and running obviously. Modified push ups, lunges, working with dumbells, dips etc. There's also tons of free exercise videos online if you want to some cardio but I'd keep the focus on bodyweight exercises and weights to help maintain your muscle as you lose weight. Losing weight through a calorie deficit and focusing on cardio inevitably leads to the "skinny fat" issue and you'll lose muscle as well as fat.

so what i would do where i used to live there was a big space in the living room and i found that my cable had on demand work out that i would do when no one was home now i just joined a gym and yess i feel some self conscious (im 250) i feel like you said the effort is whats important to start if i can just go and start its much better than not going at all. when I do go (this is all new to me only week one) i bike which is something i used to like even tho i find it now hurts my tail bone and i use a couple weight machines. after that i usually go swimming i do a few laps mabe shoot a few basket balls and use the hot tub to relax my sore muscles not only from the work out but from actual work (i worn in a kitchen).

You should check out fitnessblender.com. They have tons of videos catered to all levels, and you can select the equipment you have, or none at all.

dindon68 wrote: »

I started by walking around the block twice a day. I had to use my inhaler 4 times the first day. I the progressed to walking to work, the first time I walked it took me 1.5 hours, I now do it in 45 mins. Walking really is the best way to start, put some good music on and walk away the weight.

Wow - good for you!

Yes - fast paced tunes and I'm ready to go.

OP - if outdoor walking isn't your thing, look for "walking style" workouts on YouTube. Leslie Sansone & Jessica Smith. These are low impact and you can do them rain or shine, any time of the day.

TheJourneyToFabulous wrote: »

Hi

Looking for some advice started my weight loss 2 weeks ago and down 11lbs, I would like to get in exercise aswell as looking to be healthier and fitter.

I am currently 19stone13 (279 lbs) so obviously not the fittest! I take the stairs at work now instead of the lift but looking to see what best exercise to start with and how long each day? Cant really afford a gym membership at the moment so not really an option

If anyone could help that would be great

I will share with you something that has worked for me and a lot of my friends I am helping.


Week 1: Daily do the following. The key is, NO resting in between exercises. You rest one muscle group while working out the next and you want to stay moving the entire time. Everything is done with body weight. Do it in this order.

Monday-Friday

10 min of Deep Stretching/Yoga (I have playlist of classical music that last 10 min that I stretch until the 3 songs are over.) - Do this either in the morning, or before you do your workout.

20 Jumping Jacks
20 Deep squats
20 Lunges
20 Push Ups
20 Sit ups
20 Push Ups on knees

Then do one of the following:
Run stairs 10 times
Set timer for 2 min and shadow box.
Jog for 5 min
Walk for 10 min

Week 2:

Same as week 1

Monday, Wed, Friday

10 min of Deep Stretching/Yoga

20 Jumping Jacks
20 Deep squats
20 Lunges
20 Push Ups
20 Sit ups
20 Push Ups on knees

Then do one of the following:
Run stairs 10 times
Set timer for 2 min and shadow box.
Jog for 5 min
Walk for 10 min

Tuesday, Thursday

10 min of Deep Stretching/Yoga

Set Timer for 10 Min
Then simply do all your normal exercises nonstop until the timer goes out. (The focus is on 10 min of activity non-stop as opposed to simply meeting a rep requirement. If you finish all your exercises, do them all again.)

Set timer for 10 min. Walk to cool down

Week 3
Same as Week 2

Week 4

Same as Week 3 Except Tuesday, Thursday you set timer for 20 min.


Week 5

Same as week 4

Week 6

Same as week 5. But now flip the days you do the 20 min circuit training. Now do circuit training on Monday, Wed, Friday and then add an activity that last an hour on Tuesday and Thursday. (Playing basketball, a martial art, kick boxing class, etc) Do this at least 2x a week for a total of 120 min of fun but hard activity.) If you can't get this activity, do an areobic or kickboxing class you follow on youtube.

Now, welcome to your new life

You will get daily activity and burn calories. You will get more flexible and stronger while building endurance and you will have fun. This also slowly builds your endurance and flexibility to get your body ready for doing more active things in the later weeks I mentioned. Doing this and prepping my meals I lost 1-2 pounds a week. (This is with also having a cheat day and rest from workout on weekends.


Edit: If this is too hard for you, it is easy to manipulate the reps or timer to suit your needs. Just make sure that once you get your starting point, you still make the increases according to schedule.

And remember, there is a difference between not being capable of doing something and simply being uncomfortable doing it or exhausted. The point is to be tired. You should be a little sweaty. Arms and legs might be shaking a little and you'll be out of breath. Thats a good thing! You'll notice that as you increase in flexibilty, strength and endurance, it will stop being torture and it will be something that feels good and you'll look forward to.

I would do pilates 3 times a week and at first when I was 279 lbs, it was a LOT of pausing and catching my breath..and I walked three times a week... that I didnt have to catch my breath on but I started at a mile only. I NEVER used a scale to measure my food. I calculated what was on the packaging. I "guessed" on fresh veggies. I tried to aim for 1200 cal a week but of course with any new diet I failed a lot to start with. I lost over a 100 lbs in less than a year. Now I am having to do it all over again. Lots of pausing.

You tube---Leslie Sansone walking DVD's.