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AIBU?

To ask you to help me get fit!

21 replies

AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 10:23

I've not been well so slowly trying to build up my movement and fitness.
I eat well but I've lost around a stone since being unwell. I am now 10 stone. I've got a good BMI but I am so unfit.
Where can I start?
I was doing joe wickes PE before being I'll but i think that's even too much at the moment. Any tips would be great.
I have a little mum tum still but would like to tone and generally get fitter.
Any suggestions??

OP posts:

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Myneighboursnorlax · 21/05/2020 10:37

Couch to 5k is brilliant. I’m on week 5 (out of 9) and would never have imagined getting this far before.

AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 11:11

I did download the app. How easy is it to start. At the moment I'd be lucky to run up the stairs

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unappreciativeoh · 21/05/2020 11:13

C25k is brilliant!

PurpleDaisies · 21/05/2020 11:14

Another vote for couch to 5k.

Also yoga with Adriene on YouTube is great.

MrsTJOsbornee · 21/05/2020 11:17

Another vote for couch to 5k. Finished mine a couple weeks ago. Now running at least 4 times a week. Good luck!

AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 11:25

All those that do c5k.. were you relatively fit before starting? I may have to invest in some running shoes.. and also a disguise so I am not mocked forever more

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MrsTJOsbornee · 21/05/2020 11:29

No. I'm overweight but am losing weight and toning up.

I used to the gym for classes etc but not religiously.

Decided to get this done as an achievement for me. I run early. Around 530am as it's cooler. I cancelled my membership pre lockdown and very unlikely to restart.

It's worth it. Get good trainers and music with a good beat and give it a go.

unappreciativeoh · 21/05/2020 11:29

No

Pukkatea · 21/05/2020 11:33

Fitness is basically split into cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and flexibility.

You need - something to get your heart rate up, for 30 or so minutes, a few times a week at least. That can be whatever gets your blood pumping at your own fitness, whether that's walking, couch to 5k etc.

You also need a bit of resistance work - again this can be anything from less sweaty pilates, or maybe bodyweight circuits of things like squats, lunges, crunches, push ups etc (joe wicks sort of stuff, popsugar) which have the benefit of also being cardiovascular, and you will gradually want to add weights to these. You want something that will hit most of your muscles each week in at least 1 session.

Mobility or stretching work - yoga with adriene is great and will also give you a bit of strength benefit. Just make sure to stretch after any workout!

If you have any joint issues, I would recommend swimming, which is cardiovascular, low impact and has some strength and toning benefit.

If you're easily bored, something more fun such as dance workouts or a sport will help you stick to a regime. If you hate your workout you won't do it.

If you don't want to think about it, most of the fitness DVDs like jillian Michaels have good mixes of cardio and strength with some progression.

Pukkatea · 21/05/2020 11:35

Also I just realised I put swimming when we are in lockdown - sorry, habit! Swimming when the pools open maybe...

SoapyChoc · 21/05/2020 11:36

I am on week 4 of couch to 5k. Despite weighing nearly 16 stone I am coping with it. I'm in a similar boat in that I was really poorly earlier in the year and struggled to walk up the stairs. I had a few weeks of going walking before starting couch to 5k. It may be worth starting off with walking if you are still recovering. Good luck

Popc0rn · 21/05/2020 12:05

I like couch to 5k. But if you've been unwell and don't feel particularly fit atm it's probably a good idea to start off getting into the habit of going for a walk everyday to start easing yourself back into exercising. I'm no expert but I'd wait until you can comfortably walk 5km without stopping before you try couch to 5k. You don't want to lose motivation or injure yourself by pushing yourself too much too soon. Make sure you get good running shoes too, preferably with a gait analysis at a running shop, but doubt that'll be available for a little while longer :/.

BloddersMum · 21/05/2020 12:16

Someone just before lockdown recommended Leslie Sansone walk at home (we use YouTube) and I'm eternally grateful for their recommendation. Each mile is 15 minutes. Just start with a mile...

It has been amazing for me, I'm finally fit! I even managed to get my size 22 dm moving at the start of lockdown doing 1 mile every day and she is now up to 2 miles every day and 3 on a Sunday! It's so great to see her being healthier and her mobility is vastly improved.

The steps are simple and repetitive which is great as she struggles with coordination.

Lexilooo · 21/05/2020 12:33

Go for a daily walk.

It is the safest thing in terms of getting maximum benefit with minimum risk of injury.

Decide how much time you have to spare and begin by just being able to walk for that time without stopping for a rest.

Increase the challenge by including hills, increasing the speed and carrying some weight.

Using a tracking app will help you monitor your progress, especially if you want to vary your route and distance.

Only start running when you can walk fast comfortably.

BobbinThreadbare123 · 21/05/2020 12:44

There is a C25K walking version which you could do before trying the running. Just got to get the old heart rate up and get a bit out of puff for a starter. Pilates/yoga on Youtube is good too.
I have been here - I've got Crohn's so I've been very ill and skeletal in the past and it was as hard to attain fitness as it is when you're overweight (also been there thanks to the steroids for the Crohn's!!). Take it easy, don't overdo it and don't try to rush.

AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 12:59

Thank you everyone, so much!
I tried a beginners pilates yesterday and I couldnt even do that. I seem to have lost all my strength. I have an excerise bike in the garden. I might start with a bit of that and the step machine to try and increase stamina a bit.
The walk indoors sounds helpful too! I would love to work my way into running.
I'm suffering alot with intercostal muscle damage which is probably affecting my ability to do pilates and the like.

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AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 20:04

@BloddersMum well done to your mum!
Thank you for the recommendation. Just done my first mile. Was fun and it felt good to get moving! It's so hot though I'm sweating now!
Thanks again.
I shall work my way up with walking and then attempt C25k

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BloddersMum · 21/05/2020 20:25

@AvocadoPrime brilliant! Just keep walking... One mile a day and you will get there. If you miss a day don't beat yourself up just do it the next day.

I am so proud of my mum

AvocadoPrime · 21/05/2020 20:33

@Bloddersmum
I bet you are! She she be proud too!
I am 'only' 28 and it got me out of puff!

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flingaling · 21/05/2020 20:37

I have to recommend Les Mills on demand. I get so bored running. You can choose your class style - step, body attack, weights, core, cardio style or strength classes including HIIT and you can choose the length of the class - 30 mins, 45 mins, or 55 mins. Means you can mix up what you do and how long you do it for and build up gradually. The instructors are fab as is the music.

It feels like really good value for money too - I'm pretty sure I won't bother to go back to the gym as / when they reopen.

BloddersMum · 21/05/2020 20:43

@AvocadoPrime she is 65 and never been fit before in her life!

Is she can so it...

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