Losing weight over 40 and low impact exercise

irejb
irejb Posts: 64 Member
edited November 26 in Introduce Yourself
8 months ago, I was struck by a car and slowly but surely my body is healing.

Unfortunately, I gain a lot of weight prior and during the 8 month period and am unable to do high impact exercise which I use to do before. High impact exercise easily aggravates the disc bulges and herniation which I now have.

Has anyone lost weight by doing low-impact exercise (of course in conjunction with a healthy diet)? I've read so many conflicting information stating that people over 40 need to do high impact information along with weight training in order to lose weight; but, at 41 years old, with disc bulges and herniation, I am unable, at the moment, to engage in high impact activities;plus, I want something easy on the joints.

Replies

  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    People can lose weight with low impact exercise. Some people even lose weight with no exercise. Weight loss is just a factor of eating less than you burn. exercise helps you burn more (and has lots of awesome health benefits so definitely try to do whatever you can) but it is not absolutely essential for weight loss.

    Just set your calorie goal using MFPs guided method and start logging.

    ~best wishes
  • gearhead426hemi
    gearhead426hemi Posts: 919 Member
    Swimming is best way to lose weight with no joint impact. Other options would be cycling, depending on how it would effect your bulging discs. My daughter has bulging L4 & L5 and she can mountain bike with me for 5-7 miles but then it starts to really hurt. Rowing is another low impact but again depends on your back. Age is just a number so don't let it hold you back. Just ease into whatever you decide to avoid reinjuring or aggravating your back. Don't forget that it took months to put the weight on so it will take as long or longer with an injury to get it back off. Best of luck!
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    See your other identical thread cross-posted here for more replies: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10667170/losing-weight-over-40#latest
  • Kathryn247
    Kathryn247 Posts: 570 Member
    High impact exercise is definitely not necessary for losing weight. Weight loss is about eating less than you burn. I lost my first 25 pounds with diet and walking the dog.
  • domez1974
    domez1974 Posts: 2 Member
    Nutrition is probably the essential factor for weight loss.
    And about exercise ..I think we have to do only ..activities that we' ll keep mantain for ever .
    I mean walk...ciclyng...and actually low impact exercises.
    I lost 8 kg by counting calories.. walking and just avoiding the elevator
  • Keran24
    Keran24 Posts: 90 Member
    After cancer treatment and a divorce, both of which tried to kill me, i have become a huge fan of buti yoga. It feels like it helps my body and my soul.
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