Why is (carefully planned) rapid weight loss bad?
Replies
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Why wait to get stronger and improve your issues before you are "skinny" enough to do it.Also, when you are maintain your muscle, that means you will have greater body fat % reductions quicker, which means you will get to a more ideal body weight and image quicker. And I can't tell you how many people I have worked with to correct the issues caused by their dieting practices (similar to yours or the typical cardio queen mentality). And I will say, it's a lot harder to rebuild what you lost, than maintaining what you have. But if you are ok with potentially, prolonging this because you don't think it will cause issues, then it's ok. You would have to live with this consequences.
It's actually quiet the opposite of what you believe. Including a combination of cardio and resistance training will improve short and long term health, improve fat loss, and will reduce your current pains caused by being so weak.
Also, we live in an age where you have tons of free resources where you don't have to craft anything. For resisntance trainng programs, you can use: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1 or go to www.fitnessblender.com for free videos. There is everything from body weight, free weight, and full lifting routines in that link. There are several books in there as well if you want to develop knowledge.
For cardio, you can use fitnesblender, go for walks, bike ride, run, etc.. Its just about finding something you are interested in.
I will say, I have never met a person who was mad they started lifting early. But I have met a ton of people who are mad they didn't start earlier because they thought like you did.
I find all the bodyweight programs I find online are far too advanced for me even when they claim to be for beginners I can't manage them. Like I can't do a pushup, only a couple (like 3 at best) of very poor form girl pushups - and the form thing is what worries me, I don't know if I am doing everything wrong and making stuff worse not better.7 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It absolutely does. It's generally the only cardio I get. Exercise doesn't need to be hard work. At 254lbs, I pushed myself to walk 25 minutes/day at 2.8mph. Now I do 2 hours at 3.5. It is GREAT for your heart.19 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.7 -
Why wait to get stronger and improve your issues before you are "skinny" enough to do it.Also, when you are maintain your muscle, that means you will have greater body fat % reductions quicker, which means you will get to a more ideal body weight and image quicker. And I can't tell you how many people I have worked with to correct the issues caused by their dieting practices (similar to yours or the typical cardio queen mentality). And I will say, it's a lot harder to rebuild what you lost, than maintaining what you have. But if you are ok with potentially, prolonging this because you don't think it will cause issues, then it's ok. You would have to live with this consequences.
This makes absolutely no sense. To improve your muscles you need to work them. When you're over-weight your fat acts as something you need to lift... the fat is built in weight for you to lift/move. So you're going to wait until you're thin and then pick up something? Why not just pick up your current body-weight?
Plus, everyone has told you that your muscle is going to be worse when you're thinner if you get there by your plan. You will be doing something to make your muscle worse AND waiting until later to try to help the situation.
Please stop trying to out-think the world. There are literally thousands of experts who know much more than you about how the human body works and virtually none of them recommend the approach you are describing. Experts have been studying weight loss for decades.35 -
Why wait to get stronger and improve your issues before you are "skinny" enough to do it.Also, when you are maintain your muscle, that means you will have greater body fat % reductions quicker, which means you will get to a more ideal body weight and image quicker. And I can't tell you how many people I have worked with to correct the issues caused by their dieting practices (similar to yours or the typical cardio queen mentality). And I will say, it's a lot harder to rebuild what you lost, than maintaining what you have. But if you are ok with potentially, prolonging this because you don't think it will cause issues, then it's ok. You would have to live with this consequences.
It's actually quiet the opposite of what you believe. Including a combination of cardio and resistance training will improve short and long term health, improve fat loss, and will reduce your current pains caused by being so weak.
Also, we live in an age where you have tons of free resources where you don't have to craft anything. For resisntance trainng programs, you can use: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1 or go to www.fitnessblender.com for free videos. There is everything from body weight, free weight, and full lifting routines in that link. There are several books in there as well if you want to develop knowledge.
For cardio, you can use fitnesblender, go for walks, bike ride, run, etc.. Its just about finding something you are interested in.
I will say, I have never met a person who was mad they started lifting early. But I have met a ton of people who are mad they didn't start earlier because they thought like you did.
I find all the bodyweight programs I find online are far too advanced for me even when they claim to be for beginners I can't manage them. Like I can't do a pushup, only a couple (like 3 at best) of very poor form girl pushups - and the form thing is what worries me, I don't know if I am doing everything wrong and making stuff worse not better.
so you can do 3 push ups currently... keep doing them, then next week try 4, the week after try 5... that's how it works... losing weight wont magically make you be able to do 50 military press ups in a row...25 -
Do you have a stroller for the kiddos? Pushing a stroller for walks is deff a good option. Mine is 2 1/2 now and riding a bike, which is nice because I have to walk at a fairly descent pace to keep up with her.
15 -
Why wait to get stronger and improve your issues before you are "skinny" enough to do it.Also, when you are maintain your muscle, that means you will have greater body fat % reductions quicker, which means you will get to a more ideal body weight and image quicker. And I can't tell you how many people I have worked with to correct the issues caused by their dieting practices (similar to yours or the typical cardio queen mentality). And I will say, it's a lot harder to rebuild what you lost, than maintaining what you have. But if you are ok with potentially, prolonging this because you don't think it will cause issues, then it's ok. You would have to live with this consequences.
It's actually quiet the opposite of what you believe. Including a combination of cardio and resistance training will improve short and long term health, improve fat loss, and will reduce your current pains caused by being so weak.
Also, we live in an age where you have tons of free resources where you don't have to craft anything. For resisntance trainng programs, you can use: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1 or go to www.fitnessblender.com for free videos. There is everything from body weight, free weight, and full lifting routines in that link. There are several books in there as well if you want to develop knowledge.
For cardio, you can use fitnesblender, go for walks, bike ride, run, etc.. Its just about finding something you are interested in.
I will say, I have never met a person who was mad they started lifting early. But I have met a ton of people who are mad they didn't start earlier because they thought like you did.
I find all the bodyweight programs I find online are far too advanced for me even when they claim to be for beginners I can't manage them. Like I can't do a pushup, only a couple (like 3 at best) of very poor form girl pushups - and the form thing is what worries me, I don't know if I am doing everything wrong and making stuff worse not better.
I checked out books from the library on strength training and eventually bought this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Strength-Training-Exercises-Women-Pagano/dp/1465415807
She's got multiple exercises for each muscle group ranging from beginner to advanced. So, for example, she starts off with wall push-ups, moves on to counter/table push-ups, and then cardio step, before you have to worry about getting down entirely on the floor. She's also very clear about form and has tips on how to make sure you maintain it. The main drawback I find isn't one that'll be relevant at your stage: she doesn't go beyond 12lb dumbbells for most exercises. I've been increasing them on my own, but I've been at this for just about a year now.
You might also want to look into resistance tubes and bands.8 -
collectingblues wrote: »Look. You made your own choices that got you to this weight. You're still going to be fighting against your bad decision making.
Eat at a reasonable deficit. Move more. If you don't want to move more, eat less.
Well that's what I tried to do the last 4 or 5 times I lost weight and I still fell off the wagon. Ultimately sticking with whatever I choose to do is the hard part.
TBH the easiest weight loss I ever had was wholefood vegan. I have no desire to overeat lentils and rice (even though it's delicious) but I just don't have it in me to say I will never eat butter and eggs again (I could probably manage vegetarianism or pescatarianism, but veganism means never eating butter croissants or fondant potatoes ever again and that just seems beyond the pale).7 -
TavistockToad wrote: »
Why wait to get stronger and improve your issues before you are "skinny" enough to do it.Also, when you are maintain your muscle, that means you will have greater body fat % reductions quicker, which means you will get to a more ideal body weight and image quicker. And I can't tell you how many people I have worked with to correct the issues caused by their dieting practices (similar to yours or the typical cardio queen mentality). And I will say, it's a lot harder to rebuild what you lost, than maintaining what you have. But if you are ok with potentially, prolonging this because you don't think it will cause issues, then it's ok. You would have to live with this consequences.
It's actually quiet the opposite of what you believe. Including a combination of cardio and resistance training will improve short and long term health, improve fat loss, and will reduce your current pains caused by being so weak.
Also, we live in an age where you have tons of free resources where you don't have to craft anything. For resisntance trainng programs, you can use: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1 or go to www.fitnessblender.com for free videos. There is everything from body weight, free weight, and full lifting routines in that link. There are several books in there as well if you want to develop knowledge.
For cardio, you can use fitnesblender, go for walks, bike ride, run, etc.. Its just about finding something you are interested in.
I will say, I have never met a person who was mad they started lifting early. But I have met a ton of people who are mad they didn't start earlier because they thought like you did.
I find all the bodyweight programs I find online are far too advanced for me even when they claim to be for beginners I can't manage them. Like I can't do a pushup, only a couple (like 3 at best) of very poor form girl pushups - and the form thing is what worries me, I don't know if I am doing everything wrong and making stuff worse not better.
so you can do 3 push ups currently... keep doing them, then next week try 4, the week after try 5... that's how it works... losing weight wont magically make you be able to do 50 military press ups in a row...
To add there are tons of variations of push-ups. You can even do a push-up on the back of a couch or table. Point is you will gain strength slowly and then be able to improve.7 -
I guess because I'm not unhappy and lethargic. Honestly I get a bit of an adrenaline rush from it. I can promise you, I am not a person who is harsh on myself - the second it gets difficult I will almost certainly cut it out, and probably before then just because my husband is iffy on the idea.
Is this not ringing ED alarm bells for anyone else?
You can't work with a moderate deficit because eating during the day causes you to "lose control". So instead you restrict completely. It isn't all or nothing OP. It doesn't have to be feast or famine. This isn't a healthy way to relate to food and I think your mental state needs more work than your diet plan.
Also; please do not teach your children that this is a normal or appropriate way to eat.37 -
StellaClaireE wrote: »Do you have a stroller for the kiddos? Pushing a stroller for walks is deff a good option. Mine is 2 1/2 now and riding a bike, which is nice because I have to walk at a fairly descent pace to keep up with her.
I'd love to get the almost 2 year old onto a bike omg! It can be done by 2 and a half?, omg omg, that would be awesome??? Man I had stabilisers on my bike till I was 8!3 -
Something else to consider...
Maybe you're just not at a point in life where you are willing/able to do what it takes to lose weight and keep it off? It's a significant thing to do, and there's a reason why most people aren't thin/fit/whatever. It takes work. And consistency. And patience. And lots of it.
Maybe you just aren't there right now. Which is OK.10 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?14 -
Is this not ringing ED alarm bells for anyone else?
You can't work with a moderate deficit because eating during the day causes you to "lose control". So instead you restrict completely. It isn't all or nothing OP. It doesn't have to be feast or famine. This isn't a healthy way to relate to food and I think your mental state needs more work than your diet plan.
Also; please do not teach your children that this is a normal or appropriate way to eat.
Thank you! I have been trying for the last 10 minutes to find a way to word this without everyone jumping down my throat.
OP if you have issues stopping eating right now it might be more helpful to get counseling for that issue rather than just add another disordered way of eating to the mix.21 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
lung discomfort!? :huh:17 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
Not true. Any extra movement is burning extra calories.
There are so many things you believe that aren't true. There's an awesome podcast called Halfsize Me that you may find educational and entertaining. Maybe you could give that a listen.12 -
Stop focusing on the word "exercise." Just move more. That can mean walking around town or walking circles in your house.
Unfortunately, most people who want fast weight drops won't listen to reason and only change their mind after they've lost a bunch of weight and realize that they've sacrificed way more muscle than necessary, don't like the results, and then have to climb back out of that hole.15 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
Trust me, it burns calories. This was in my first week on MFP. I weighed about 254lbs at the time:
It doesn't burn the most calories, but it does have an effect.
16 -
TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
When a person is starting from 0 exercise walking is great. No one expects a person to go out and speed walk around the neighborhood. Each week you want to strive to walk a little further and over time you will walk further and faster. Start out walking at your comfort level and build. It burns calories, improves cardiovascular health and helps build strong muscle and bones.
I walked this morning. Give it a try.13 -
Something else to consider...
Maybe you're just not at a point in life where you are willing/able to do what it takes to lose weight and keep it off? It's a significant thing to do, and there's a reason why most people aren't thin/fit/whatever. It takes work. And consistency. And patience. And lots of it.
Maybe you just aren't there right now. Which is OK.
I am not going to just give up because I am impatient jeez.
If what I try now doesn't work I will try something different. I refuse to gain back the weight I've lost so far, I refuse! I stayed the same weight for months while ravenously hungry during my last pregnancy, and after 2 pregnancies in the past 3 years I was no heavier than before I got pregnant the first time, if I can do that I can do this. I counted my calories through both pregnancies and managed fine. I am not worried about maintaining after that experience apart from worried about knowing the right amount of calories. I can count calories for the rest of my life. I just don't want to be fat a minute longer than I need to be11 -
Obviously walking burns calories but its not going to improve cardiovascular fitness unless your baseline is so bad that walking is actually effort.28
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Something else to consider...
Maybe you're just not at a point in life where you are willing/able to do what it takes to lose weight and keep it off? It's a significant thing to do, and there's a reason why most people aren't thin/fit/whatever. It takes work. And consistency. And patience. And lots of it.
Maybe you just aren't there right now. Which is OK.
I am not going to just give up because I am impatient jeez.
If what I try now doesn't work I will try something different. I refuse to gain back the weight I've lost so far, I refuse! I stayed the same weight for months while ravenously hungry during my last pregnancy, and after 2 pregnancies in the past 3 years I was no heavier than before I got pregnant the first time, if I can do that I can do this. I counted my calories through both pregnancies and managed fine. I am not worried about maintaining after that experience apart from worried about knowing the right amount of calories. I can count calories for the rest of my life. I just don't want to be fat a minute longer than I need to be
Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come off as "give up because you're impatient"
You seem to have a reason/excuse for everything. My point was maybe you're not where you need to be mentally to be successful right now. Most people aren't going to be successful if health/weight/fitness is their 12th priority.14 -
Obviously walking burns calories but its not going to improve cardiovascular fitness unless your baseline is so bad that walking is actually effort.
But you don't need to improve cardiovascular fitness to lose weight. Losing weight is a matter of burning more calories than you consume. Walking helps you burn more calories.13 -
I walked this morning. Give it a try.22 -
Obviously walking burns calories but its not going to improve cardiovascular fitness unless your baseline is so bad that walking is actually effort.
Now you're sounding ridiculous. I think you need to look up exercise and its benefits and the types you can do and how to begin. Good luck.21 -
TavistockToad wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
lung discomfort!? :huh:
Lol. Maybe smoke a Lucky Strike or two to get that extra-good workout! OP clearly has a LOT to learn about health and fitness.
I’ve found that once you start working a reasonable strategy, and spend some time on it, all the lame excuses regarding exercise fall away. I find it amusing, and maybe a little embarrassing, to think back about the excuses and nutty rationalizing I personally engaged in. “I can’t eat those foods”, “I’m too fat to exercise”, “I don’t have the right equipment to work out”, “I can’t do any of these programs”, “I can’t afford healthy food”, etc. etc. etc. All I was really saying was “It’s not my fault I’m fat.There’s nothing I can do about it.”15 -
Obviously walking burns calories but its not going to improve cardiovascular fitness unless your baseline is so bad that walking is actually effort.
But you don't need to improve cardiovascular fitness to lose weight. Losing weight is a matter of burning more calories than you consume. Walking helps you burn more calories.16 -
TavistockToad wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »walk for exercise
I don't know if walking counts as exercise really, it's not exactly hard work. Since having the kids I am only averaging 6000 steps a day (when carrying my phone - so outside, I don't carry it round in the house - when I used to have a wrist tracker I got 10-15k average, usually with one 30-35k day in there, in a hilly area, but that was before kids - my son can't walk far and carrying him is - as I mentioned - quite difficult).
I am trying to get out more in the evenings when the kids are in bed but I feel super guilty because it means my husband is stuck alone at home feeling lonely. Like last night I went out for a walk but I rushed home because I felt bad for him.
I really miss it though, my husband and I loved walking before we had kids, but the cost/logistics of getting childcare or the difficulty of carrying children for miles is hard to work with. I'd really like to build up to going mountaineering one day, I am genuinely sad at how trapped in the local area having kids makes us - you add in having to be home for nap time (so no whole days out just walking around anymore) - a bus or train to anywhere interesting to walk is an hour in itself so it's 2hrs round trip, getting him and the baby fed, dressed, ready etc is another 2hrs, at best you get a measly hour walk. We used to go for 6hrs or so. It's the one thing I regret about having kids - but I know once they're older and we build up some stamina we'll be able to get back into it (although I plan to have more so who knows when everything will fall into place...)
It does count as exercise. You stated above your cardiovascular fitness is awful and its hard to exercise efficiently, this is something that can help you improve that and build on that over time.
I always felt like if you don't get your breathing rate up/some lung discomfort you're not exercising really?
lung discomfort!? :huh:
Lol. Maybe smoke a Lucky Strike or two to get that extra-good workout! OP clearly has a LOT to learn about health and fitness.
I’ve found that once you start working a reasonable strategy, and spend some time on it, all the lame excuses regarding exercise fall away. I find it amusing, and maybe a little embarrassing, to think back about the excuses and nutty rationalizing I personally engaged in. “I can’t eat those foods”, “I’m too fat to exercise”, “I don’t have the right equipment to work out”, “I can’t do any of these programs”, “I can’t afford healthy food”, etc. etc. etc. All I was really saying was “It’s not my fault I’m fat.There’s nothing I can do about it.”
I know it's my fault I am fat and I *AM* doing something about it.14 -
StellaClaireE wrote: »Do you have a stroller for the kiddos? Pushing a stroller for walks is deff a good option. Mine is 2 1/2 now and riding a bike, which is nice because I have to walk at a fairly descent pace to keep up with her.
I'd love to get the almost 2 year old onto a bike omg! It can be done by 2 and a half?, omg omg, that would be awesome??? Man I had stabilisers on my bike till I was 8!
Sounds like a buggy is the same thing, take the kiddos on more walks, you'll see a difference. She loved going for walks in her stroller when she was younger. She still has training wheels(stabilizers I assume) on her bike but I have to walk at a descent pace to keep up with her. Granted she is 2 and gets distracted easily and we stop because she has to pick up a stick or a rock or just talk about the sky...
Point is though that changes can be made to get where you want to be, you just have to make up your mind and do it, you can make excuses or just do it. Hell I've been making excuses the last 3.5 years and decided to just f*&king do it. It doesn't take more than a week or so to feel it, to feel better, a little stronger, a little more motivated etc. It's not really about the scale, it's how you feel. Every day try to be better than yesterday, if it doesn't happen try again the next day.
"Get uncomfortable being uncomfortable.That's how you break the plateau and reach the next level"6
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