Exercise for super morbid obese

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Replies

  • azlady7
    azlady7 Posts: 471 Member
    at walmart for 20 bucks they have a peddle thingy (forget what it is called) you can sit in a chair and peddle. That way you could do a short walk then peddle a few times a day....since you cant stand or sit for long this may give you the back and forth you need :) good luck!
  • caveats
    caveats Posts: 493 Member
    I'm no expert (and I firmly echo others' recommendations to consult a physician), and I hate to say that I'm suggesting this from watching reality TV (*hangs head in shame*), but I do think it may be valid here:

    One thing that struck me was a statement that a physical trainer made to a morbidly obese individual who was trying to get into shape but was not able to be very mobile for very long. She said that the key to starting exercise for people at this weight/health range is to just MOVE. Exercise doesn't have to be very lengthy or intense; the individual just needed to do more movement than what they were doing before. So if the individual would, for example, make 3 laps around the living room 5 times per day -- however long it took them to do it -- it would be enough of a start because anything was better than sitting on the couch all day (which is what this individual had been doing).

    Weight loss at the beginning for this individual would be driven a lot by caloric deficit (healthy eating!) more than exercise simply because freedom of movement was limited. The purpose of the "movements" or exercise would be to get long-unused muscles to start working again, building strength and balance and control. As progress continued, the balance of effectiveness of diet/exercise would shift toward exercise so that, eventually, diet and exercise would contribute more equally toward weight loss.

    Yes, this is pure hearsay from watching a reality show (not "The Biggest Loser" -- I think it was a show that followed a fitness camp), but I hope it helps.
  • shcarter67
    shcarter67 Posts: 46
    Hi there. Something you may want to look into is a pedal exerciser. I think it would be helpful because you can either pedal with your feet or use your hands. Even if you only did it by hand at first, this would at least get you moving. Any exercise is beneficial. Good luck with your journey. Feel free to add me if you want.
  • caveats
    caveats Posts: 493 Member
    Hey, all the above advice is great, and I would agree with most of it...

    I started out at 476 lbs, and would stick to walking.. That was my main form of exercise for the first 100lbs or so, when i hit 375lbs I discovered running, and the rest as they say was history!

    Feel free to add me as a friend, and check my site out www.500lbs2marathon.com, contact me if u want to talk or have any questions..

    Best of luck to you!!! This can be done!

    Wow, I didn't see this earlier. You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
  • JulieF11
    JulieF11 Posts: 387 Member
    You rock! You are ready to make a change and that takes courage that most people don't have. Hooray for you!!! Your calorie intake is most important, even more than exercise. I'd be concerned also about your heart rate. Your heart is working overtime just to get blood to your extremities right now. Any kind of movement burns calories and raised your heart rate, so you will do well just lifting your arms and legs even if you are stuck in bed. If you are blessed to be able to walk around, by all means, make an effort to walk around a little more each day. But please check into recipes that include fruits and veggies. That's the key to keeping you feeling satisfied while you go through this journey. You are in the right place. Many of us had a lot to lose.... (like Gary, "500lbs2marathon"... befriend him for sure) and we've done it. You can do this too. It's not brain surgery. It's actually simple. But, unfortunately, the difficult part is getting and keeping our brains motivated. We are our own worst enemies. Keep looking at success stories. Write down what you want to be able to do that you can't now. Think about being healthy. Think good, healthy thoughts. Think about what you like already about yourself, and what makes you special in this world... like being a loving dad, or thoughtful husband, or generous person, whatever. Please note that you are in control of your thoughts, and when you feel defeated (at times we all feel that way) take charge and change your thoughts. Your brain is the key to reaching any and all of your goals.

    Best of luck! I'm sending good thoughts your way! :-)
  • KnottyJen
    KnottyJen Posts: 1,070 Member
    I don't really have any advice to offer that hasn't already been given. I just wanted to say WTG for deciding to do something about it. When I started, I was pushing 400lbs. I know firsthand that it's not an easy choice to make - I always equated it to feeling like I had this enormous mountain in front of me and there I was standing at the bottom. Wishing I could just snap my fingers and be on the other side. Here's the thing - I found that *making* the decision to make changes in my life gave me a turbo pack to really get moving. The other thing that I found - just take it one step at a time. Literally and figuratively. Feel free to Friend me. MFP is a great tool and the friends that I've made here have been a huge support and asset in my weightloss and I would happy to be a part of your journey as well. :-) *hugs* and good luck to you!
  • maab_connor
    maab_connor Posts: 3,927 Member
    i can only ditto what everyone has already said on here. When i first joined, i was nearing 400lbs and it was SCARY. I know what that first step is like. GOOD FOR YOU for doing it!! it does get easier. just don't give up. don't ever give up.

    YOU ROCK!!
  • Crowhorse
    Crowhorse Posts: 394 Member
    Just start off by getting in some short walks. But I do agree with the above poster that you should consult an exercise physiologist.

    This.
  • bigdawg025
    bigdawg025 Posts: 774 Member
    Walking is the best place to start... as you continue to become more able to exercise you can increase from there.
  • silvergurl518
    silvergurl518 Posts: 4,123 Member
    congrats on making the decision to change your life! say goodbye to old you. be 100% committed. listen to gary aka 500lbstomarathon. we believe in you!
  • TMcBooty
    TMcBooty Posts: 780 Member
    you can focus more on your diet and just walk as much as you can
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Ask your doctor. You may need to start off with some seated or lying exercises, but your doctor will know best what will work for you.
  • anewattitude
    anewattitude Posts: 483 Member
    From a medical standpoint I don't have any advice however I can offer words of encouragement! It is FANTASTIC you want to make some healthy changes and if you need a little extra support feel free to send me a friend request. I will motivate and support you as much as I can.

    I do think, like others have stated, that any movement on your part is a step in the right direction. Movement is key, within your capabilities of course but the more you do the stronger you will get.

    Best of luck and with your own determination and drive you CAN and WILL make a postive change for yourself!
  • mandeiko
    mandeiko Posts: 1,657 Member
    Hey, all the above advice is great, and I would agree with most of it...

    I started out at 476 lbs, and would stick to walking.. That was my main form of exercise for the first 100lbs or so, when i hit 375lbs I discovered running, and the rest as they say was history!

    Feel free to add me as a friend, and check my site out www.500lbs2marathon.com, contact me if u want to talk or have any questions..

    Best of luck to you!!! This can be done!

    This man right here is the BOSS!! Befriend him, and he will be there for you each step of the way as he has been there!! He inspires me each and every single day!!!

    It's all about baby steps that can grow into a marathon. GOOD LUCK!!
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,342 Member
    The great thing is losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise, so while you can't do a great deal of exercising yet, you can control your diet to help you get the weight off first, once you get that started and feel good about it, just start moving around more, and increase from there as you feel more comfortable. Also if you have access to an indoor pool that is great exercise and good for joints and low impact. You don't have to swim just get in and walk back and forth. move your limbs through the water and feel the resistance, that is still working out. Good luck to you and Welcome!!
  • ncole3
    ncole3 Posts: 164
    I weigh around 500 pounds and exercise is a huge challenge. I need help figuring out exercises I can do without killing my joints and back. I have severe arthritis and spinal problems that prevents me from sitting or standing for very long.

    I would say that you start with walking and swimming. These are low impact and aerobic that is a little easier on your joints. Please check with an exercise physiologist as well.... Feel free to add me as a friend....we are here to help encourage along the way!
  • adalton6
    adalton6 Posts: 204 Member
    I would just focus on your diet for now. Changing your diet can be very suprising at the weight you will lose just by this! Take some weight off this weigh and then worry about exercise when you and your body are comfortable with it. You can do this! :happy: :happy: :happy: :happy: :happy:
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    all the advice above is awesome!! You can do this ..please feel free to add me..I would love to help- along the way!!!
  • missysmission777
    missysmission777 Posts: 82 Member
    Hello... I think SWIMMING would be your best bet... You would not have the "pounding" feeling in your joints , muscles as you would with other excercise programs....and swimming would be very good for you... I would try swimming first.....

    Feel free to ADD me.... Good luck and you are in the right place..........:drinker: :drinker:
  • lulupallooza
    lulupallooza Posts: 48 Member
    Every little bit counts!!! Short 5 min walk everyday will turn into longer 10 min walks, then more and more.

    We're here to support you! :-)

    All the best to you!!!!

    Lulu
  • cabaray
    cabaray Posts: 971 Member
    I agree with everyone else, definitely consult a doctor. That being said, making sure you eat healthy and maintain a calorie deficit is key right now. You should drop a lot just by following the calorie deficit. When I started, I was 370. I have a recumbent bike. In case you don't know, it is an exercise bike with a regular seat, not a bike seat. It puts no strain on my joints and it works well for my back because it is supported.

    Best of luck to you, I know you can do it if you follow a plan. It's a big step and I'm proud of you for it!
  • brandalini
    brandalini Posts: 237 Member
    How about swimming

    ^^This should be super easy on your joints. Water aerobics could benefit you as well.

    Also, you could do short walks and short bike rides on a recumbent stationary bike.

    I was going to say water aerobics too!

    And definitely tracking your calories etc! This site is great for motivation and awesome people to help you along the way. :D
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    I think if you focus on your eating first you will see results.

    I agree, swim. It burns a ton of calories and is easy on the body, eventually add some walking in :)

    GOOD LUCK!
  • smashatoms
    smashatoms Posts: 144 Member
    Hi there!
    Swimming would be an excellent option because it allows you to move your whole body without putting much weight on your joints. Also, walking! At first you won't be able to go very far or do it for very long, but start out at 5 minutes and work your way up.
    If you have time, watch the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. There is a gentleman in it that was your size when he started to exercise and do a juice fast. I think it might help you just to see his challenges and how he did it since he was very close your weight, and it sort of chronicles his whole journey. Take or leave the juice fast, the movie alone is wonderful for inspiration and motivation.
    Best of luck to you honey! It's hard, I know it is. I was over 420 at my heaviest, so I know it's a little daunting at first. You're doing the right thing by seeking out encouragement and support from others here on MFP and starting to change your diet.
  • wickedcricket
    wickedcricket Posts: 1,246 Member
    GOOD FOR YOU for coming here -
    swimming swimming swimming

    Good luck & God bless you!
  • Kelly50054
    Kelly50054 Posts: 141
    Maybe water jogging is something to consider. I do it almost daily and I have fibromyalgia, a long with very bad feet and it helps a lot. Makes me feel better too! I began water jogging 5 months ago and I am amazed at how it has helped in just walking!
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    Maybe water jogging is something to consider. I do it almost daily and I have fibromyalgia, a long with very bad feet and it helps a lot. Makes me feel better too! I began water jogging 5 months ago and I am amazed at how it has helped in just walking!

    Water jogging can be really hard if you really push it! Good job!
  • TromaRon
    TromaRon Posts: 228 Member
    Sounds like you're in the same position I was when I started this. I weighed about the same & could do very little with a bad back & knees. So far I've lost almost 70 pounds just by counting calories on here. I've already been amazed at how much better I feel with this (relatively minor) weight loss. Even if you can't exercise yet, just following the prescribed calorie intake and weighing in weekly (then adjusting your calories from that) will make a huge difference pretty quickly. I think this site/app is so easy to stick to for me because I still eat what I want, just less than I would have before. It doesn't feel like I'm depriving myself or dieting, but the results say otherwise. Good luck with it!
  • alina726
    alina726 Posts: 30 Member
    Consult your doctor and don't give up! We are all here to help and support you! Best of luck to you on your journey....If you need extra support, send friend request! Take care and look forward to hearing about your success!
  • ummommyme
    ummommyme Posts: 362 Member
    I'm so proud of you for deciding to live your life. You are just as important as any skinny person.:flowerforyou: You deserve love and happiness and a healthy life that's yours for the taking. You are taking the first step to a long journey and a long life. Congratulations to you!! You will be soo proud of yourself for being in charge of your own destiny. Little steps will lead to bigger steps.
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