I can't keep up with any workouts... help!
pippifax
Posts: 13
Hi everyone!
I'm just looking for some insight and some personal experiences here, because I feel pretty discouraged looking at the workouts everyone seems to be doing that I can't keep up with. I just started about 4 weeks ago seriously trying to get healthy. I went from literally just sitting around all day (I lost my job in June) and eating almost nothing but fast food and drinking nothing but soda, to (I think!) being quite healthy. I've quit soda and fast food all together and have been eating whole foods, drinking my water, and been very consistent.. my only indulgence is my occasional mint/honey iced tea.
My workouts typically consist of Leslie Sansone's 1 mile walk dvd, once a day 6 days per week, and this week have started doing it twice per day. A few days a week I walk outside for the same duration, instead. Where I'm getting really frustrated is that the 1 mile is the absolute most I can possibly do at once! I'm so out of shape that right into the workout I'm already sore, but I can push through that and end up generally feeling good afterward having worked up a good sweat. But when I try and do anything more, my body just can't. I even tried the 2 mile dvd and only got about halfway through before I had to give up and sit down. I've tried so many dvds and programs and I just find myself completely out of breath and done so fast that its impossible to continue.
I'm finding it impossible to get a good calorie burn or workout for the time I should each day because my body is so out of shape that it just can't. I've definitely learned that weight does not necessarily indicate overall health... as I'm seeing people much heavier than me who seem to be healthier and have the heart power to go much longer.
Props for reading this far if you have What do you think? Am I expecting too much to be able to up my stamina so soon? Or am I just being whiny? I'd love to hear some personal experiences... or even just that someone else started out where I am! How long did it take you to feel like you could keep up?
-kristyn
I'm just looking for some insight and some personal experiences here, because I feel pretty discouraged looking at the workouts everyone seems to be doing that I can't keep up with. I just started about 4 weeks ago seriously trying to get healthy. I went from literally just sitting around all day (I lost my job in June) and eating almost nothing but fast food and drinking nothing but soda, to (I think!) being quite healthy. I've quit soda and fast food all together and have been eating whole foods, drinking my water, and been very consistent.. my only indulgence is my occasional mint/honey iced tea.
My workouts typically consist of Leslie Sansone's 1 mile walk dvd, once a day 6 days per week, and this week have started doing it twice per day. A few days a week I walk outside for the same duration, instead. Where I'm getting really frustrated is that the 1 mile is the absolute most I can possibly do at once! I'm so out of shape that right into the workout I'm already sore, but I can push through that and end up generally feeling good afterward having worked up a good sweat. But when I try and do anything more, my body just can't. I even tried the 2 mile dvd and only got about halfway through before I had to give up and sit down. I've tried so many dvds and programs and I just find myself completely out of breath and done so fast that its impossible to continue.
I'm finding it impossible to get a good calorie burn or workout for the time I should each day because my body is so out of shape that it just can't. I've definitely learned that weight does not necessarily indicate overall health... as I'm seeing people much heavier than me who seem to be healthier and have the heart power to go much longer.
Props for reading this far if you have What do you think? Am I expecting too much to be able to up my stamina so soon? Or am I just being whiny? I'd love to hear some personal experiences... or even just that someone else started out where I am! How long did it take you to feel like you could keep up?
-kristyn
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Replies
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WHy are you comparing yourself with others, this isn't a competition... you're talking about only being able to do 1 mile???? You know how much I did when I got started... 10mins at a 2mph pace... that's 1/3 of a mile. You know how much weight i lost in 3months?? a little over 30lbs...0
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you get stronger everytime you try. Just keep trying.0
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i know the feeling. when i started out, my workout was also Leslie Sansone's 1 mile. it took me a while to actually get up to going further. in the back of my head i always thought about Jillian Michael s yelling at the ppl on Biggest loser saying that your mind gives up before you body will. It is true. Just keep pushing yourself. You'll get there.0
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Just keep plugging away at it and eventually you'll be able to do more. Just takes time, don't get discouraged!0
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Thanks for reading/replying... its comforting to hear that, because I feel like all I see is people saying they're burning 500 calories running but not losing weight, and it makes me wonder what hope I even have.0
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Just go at your own pace. I used to be able to run 5 miles and now I can't even jog a lap. It will take time, but it is better if you go at your pace and not rush in and end up giving up. In time you will see results. Best of blessings!!0
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Thanks everyone... I'm so glad I'm not alone! you have no idea... (or maybe you do )0
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When I first started, I couldn't even burn 100 calories in one go! Give yourself some time, stay dedicated, and you will be burning hundreds of calories per day too!0
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When I first started I could only do 6 min on the treadmill. I kept at it, now I can go over 5 miles with no trouble. It takes practice. Good luck.. :flowerforyou:0
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I started with just walking with Leslie.... now I can do her 5 miles with toning bands, and I have also completed Jillian's Ripped in 30... yes I modified where I had to, but the point it I completed it. I am now working on Jillian's 30 day shred.
When I started Jillian I could barely do one push up on my knees. Now, I do at least half of them regular military style. I find myself getting stronger all the time.
You just have to keep doing what you are doing and eventually you will get where you want to be. This isn't a race, it isn't a competition. Every person is an individual with unique abilities and specific needs. Walk until you are strong enough to do more.
You will do just fine. This is about you... not everyone else on here. Just keep on keepin on. You WILL get to where you can do more things.
Good luck and stay strong.0 -
If you're working out once or twice a day 6 times a week - that's fabulous!!
You don't need to be doing someone else's workout, you need to be doing what gives YOUR body exercise and gets YOU moving.
Endurance and strength will come with time and practice. Walking is great exercise.
Don't stop!0 -
Wow! Great job! Just keep pushing through. Variety is key, make sure you put strength training into your routine as well. Muscle burns fat! My favorite is Chalene Johnson's Turbo Jam the Turbo Sculpt workout. Love it!!! Plus the turbo kick is fun too. Ever watch Biggest Loser? I always think to myself, if they can push through those insane workouts and aren't dead, then I can handle my workouts. Just remember to do what's comfortable so you don't hurt yourself. Keep it up, you're awesome!!!0
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I wouldn't sweat it. 4 weeks seems like a long time but it's just a blink of an eye.
I work a desk job and all winter I literally did nothing. Once it started to warm up I decided to do someting.
When I started out I too was doing 1 mile. It would take me 20 minutes (roughly 3mph). At the very beginning, after just 1/4 mile my legs would start burning badly and become so sore that I would start limping.
After a length of time, I could do the whole mile without hurting too badly. Then I started doing it faster and faster. I eventually got down to 15-17 minutes for the mile (almost 4mph). So I started upping the distance. Did 1.25 miles for a bit, then 1.5 miles for a bit. Now I'm up to 2 miles in ~33 minutes after approximately 4 months (shooting to get it down to 30mins currently). My leg muscles have literally grown a solid 50% and I have lost ~25lbs overall in those 4 months. I won't lie, walking that "fast" for that long definitely makes my muscles burn and I sweat pretty good the second mile still. But I'm getting there. And you will too.
Give it time. You don't lose 50lbs in a few weeks and you don't get significantly stronger/better endurance in a short period either. It takes months and months and possibly years, chipping away at the various goals to get there. Just take it one day at a time.0 -
You have no idea how many times I've felt this way!! That I can't keep up!...Fitness builds slowly and with practice.... and it will happen for you too. All the best.0
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You have so got this girlie. . . Don't ever say never. . . . You are going to get stronger with each step you take and the more you push yourself on your walks the easier it is going to get. . .
Just because someone else is doing something different that works for them. . doesn't make what you are doing any less difficult. . .everyone here has a different weight and body composition as well as different goals. . . Always remember that. .
And you are going to find a lot of support of those that have been right where you are right now. . .my neice was only able to walk 30 mins a day when she started around the neighborhood. . and it was really hard for her and now she is shakin it up with biggest loser videos. . . ones that are hard for me. . and I am lighter than she is. . . so it is not always about weight it is about endurance. . and muscle strength. . and attitude. .
"Trust the process, change forever!" a quote I like. . . another is "Finish strong, you DO have it in you!
Good luck in your journey here hon. .0 -
i'd agree, don't compare yourself. as long as you are working hard, and doing your best, you will get results.
If you aren't sweating, you aren't working hard enough, that's my theory, and i'm sticking to it.
i started being able to do 1 man pushup, now i can do maybe 15 man pushups. it's taken my over 6 months to get there. i don't care what anyone else can do, that's what i can do.
i started out doing 1-2 minutes on a cross trainer, now i can easily do 20-25 minutes, not a problem
i started out barely being able to jog slowly for 1 minute, now, well i can jog for about 2 minutes, but i do it on incline and intervals with walking, jogging, walking, jogging.
as long as you improve over the months, that's all that matters.
As long as you are worn out, sweating, hot, sore after your workouts, you will get benefits.
some people lose a lot of weight doing exercises that I would consider a bit weak, and all power to them, i have to work very very hard indeed for my weight loss, no 1kg dumbells here, that won't do a thing for me.0 -
Leslie sansones 5 mile fat burning dvd. Turn it on, put on a show you like (lol I watch Maury or jerry or something) and just go... maybe not even worry about everytime she changes stuff up.. just move! When you feel it is when you're making progress! You can walk a hell of a lot more than a mile, I guarantee that! Just do it once... push yourself and see afterwards how you feel.0
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ugh, thanks everyone! looks like I just need to focus more on doing all that I can do and less on what everyone else is doing. I don't know why thats been so hard for me!
@ohamberx0 that's a great idea and I'm going to try it tomorrow. If I can walk through one episode it'd be such a huge improvement!0 -
ugh, thanks everyone! looks like I just need to focus more on doing all that I can do and less on what everyone else is doing. I don't know why thats been so hard for me!
@ohamberx0 that's a great idea and I'm going to try it tomorrow. If I can walk through one episode it'd be such a huge improvement!
Also... don't push yourself too much, if you push yourself too much you won't like doing it, and your body will start to give which will lead to failure.0 -
When I first started my weight loss journey at 200lbs, I couldn't get through HALF a mile of Leslie Sansone's 1 mile DVD. I honestly had to stop to catch my breath halfway through, and rest for 5 mins. After my mini-recharge, I'd finish the workout.
Listen to when people say 'it gets easier', because it's true. I went from not being able to do 1 mile to doing 5 miles a day, if not more. Her workout DVDs are seriously addicting, lol.
I was on Leslie's website for awhile as a success story, I totally credit her for my initial 60lbs weight loss. The rest came off with a lot of hard work at the gym.
Good luck to you, & stay strong and positive. You can do this!0 -
1 mile twice a day ... i wish i could do that when i started 10 min if i pushed lol even got myself a dog to force m to exercise :b
u doing great keep up and begore u know it u will b running instead of walking0 -
The biggest step is the one off the sofa! You've come a long way already, well done on your dedication.
There's no problem at all with splitting your exercise over two sessions if needed.
Why not use your outdoor walks where you dictate the pace as an opportunity to build stamina. Go much, much slower than you usually would (and certainly not Leslie pace!), but just add a minute or two to the duration each time.
You'll get there, and much sooner than you think, and you'll be looking back weeks from now amazed at how much fitness you now have, I promise!0 -
When i started back at exercising I broke down her videos. Did a quarter or half mile avnd came back later to do more. I like little bursts throughout the day. I downloaded some good music ( good beat for doing the moves on leslie's videos) and jst do some of them to the music for 5 or 10 minutes during the day. A little here and there adds up and will increase your ability to do kore little by little. Hang in there! Our bodies eventually respond over time.0
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Just keep building up to walking further, then faster, then jogging, etc. The very first time I got on a treadmill I, literally, went for 30 seconds. Then I found a comfortable walking pace and did that for as long as I could stand (I think I was around 1-1.5mph). I slowly worked up to increasing that to a faster waking pace. And one day, attempted a 4mph jog. Again, I think I made it about 30 seconds.
But I just kept doing those 30 second jogs, then I'd push myself to a minute, then longer, and longer. Making myself keep going if my body wasn't what was telling me I needed to stop. (compared to my brain saying I should stop) And I really just kept that mentality through advancing to faster paces and longer and longer runs. Nowadays, I'm still not a full long distance runner or anything, but I can run a solid 60 min without walking breaks at 5.7-6mph. Are there a usually a bunch moment in that time that brain is trying to convince me that I should move to a walk for a bit (just five more minutes, once you hit 3 miles, you've gone 45 minutes, you deserve a break, etc) but unless my body physically needs to (pain) I keep going. And more often than not, that little desire to want to slow goes away and the running continues.
So don't get discouraged, keep at what you're doing, and just slowly build yourself up to where you want to be. It felt totally impossible at first, but now it just feels like my body knows what it's doing, and likes it.0 -
some people lose a lot of weight doing exercises that I would consider a bit weak, and all power to them, i have to work very very hard indeed for my weight loss, no 1kg dumbells here, that won't do a thing for me.
I'm no expert but they say that you burn more fat on lower to medium intensity training, than in high intensity training. If you work out too hard you'll get to the anaerobic state - where you burn carbs instead of fat - too fast:
http://www.polar.fi/en/training_with_polar/training_articles/improve_fitness/the_three_exercise_zones/exercise_zones
http://www.polar.fi/en/training_with_polar/training_articles/get_active/what_is_fitness/aerobic_and_anaerobic_exercise0 -
I started MFP in July, with a goal of losing 11 lbs in 5 weeks. Boy, was I in for a surprise!! It's taken me till this morning (end of August) to lose 5! BUT - here is the good thing: at the beginning of July, I was thinking like I did back in the old days-I want it now, I have to lose it as fast as I can, no matter what. I was coming in under 1200 and proud-for about 2 weeks, when I discovered that my metabolism slowed to a crawl because I was not feeding it properly.....MFP has taught me to slow down my ""goals" - to learn more about my own body, what it needs, and how to exercise and feed it in such a way that in the end, I will attain those goals in a healthy way. Which meant resetting my goals to lose 1/2 a week instead of the 2 / wk I wanted to lose so badly. It has been hard for me to accept that there are no quick fixes.....I guess what I am sharing is that you are doing very, very well. I know how hard it is to want to repair a lifetime of poor food choices and no exercise like *poof*. One thing I was thinking about: don't forget to give your body rest if it needs it-one of my personal sabatoges in the past was when I was trying too hard, and got burned out and resentful.
Yesterday, I got on the treadmill to walk for about 30 minutes - usually I walk about 3.5/hour. I decided to run, and after what seemed an eternity, I was horribly out of breath, gasping and sweating, I looked down at the timer, and had made 3 whole minutes. haha......another MFP lesson in patience for me.....:ohwell:
best wishes0 -
Exercise can be very frustrating especially when you just get started. Several years ago when I started riding my bike again I was slow and could not go very far. Now I am signed up to do a 100 mile ride!
Finding an exercise that you like is the first thing. If you hate whatever you start to do, its hard to keep up with it. Try different exercises like biking or roller blading and maybe one will be so fun you can't stop from doing it!
Another thing is to check out exercise DVDs from the library. That is how I found the yoga one that I love.
Lifestyle changes such we are all making here can be a challenge at times but the results are worth it. Keep at it and rememebr we are here to help you!0 -
Some years ago I was in terrible shape. I had been struggling with an illness for several years, and was often binge eating on top of that. I wasn't obese, but definitely overweight. I started on a walking/jogging program that was meant to gradually build you up to be able to run a certain distance after a certain amount of weeks. I got to about week 4 of the program, and I just couldn't get past that. It wasn't because I wasn't pushing myself hard enough. When I exercised I always got to the point where I felt like I was burning up, I got terrible headaches and I almost blacked out. Pushing myself harder was not an option. Most people would have been able to follow that program, but I was just not ready for it and it wasn't the right type of exercise for me. But then I started swimming and that was so much better. It didn't have the high impact on my untrained muscles and joints and the water kept me cool so I didn't "overheat" like I did when I was walking/jogging. If you're stuck and you've really made an effort, trying something else could be a good idea.
When I was still quite out of shape, but improving, I got a dog and of course I had to take it for walks every day. That's when things really started to get better and the kilos started to come off. Not because I was exercising hard, following training programs and counting calories, but because I just spent a lot of time outdoors walking and playing! I'm not saying that everyone should get a dog or throw away their training dvds, but my point is that sometimes it can be a good start just to go outside and do something - whatever it is, as long as you're not sitting on your butt - not trying to keep up with a program or keeping up with anybody else!
Of course, if you want to get in good shape, you have to start pushing yourself at some point, and I understand that that is what you've been doing. But as everyone is saying, it takes time and it's not a competition. If you don't enjoy yourself, you push yourself too hard and you feel like a failure all the time, you're not likely to keep it up for as long as i takes. 4 weeks is not a very long time, especially if you were really out of shape. Losing weight and getting in shape takes commitment and hard work, but as long as you know you are really making an effort, don't get discouraged by people who seems to do a lot more than you. I can't go for a 500 calorie run either, and I probably never will, but I can walk off a couple of hundred and I am losing weight - and so can you Have you considered getting a HRM? Then you can adjust your training intensity to your heart rate and you can get a better estimate of how many calories you are really burning.
Have you had a general medical check? A couple of years ago I was completely drained of energy. I had some blood work done and it turned out I had an iron deficiency (but don't take iron unless you know you have a deficiency!). Are you sure that you don't lack any vitamins or minerals?0
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