Anyone want to join me in a get a bit fitter support thread for the seriously unfit?

Hello everyone. I went into hybernation mode a bit. I did go back to the gym today though.

This rain makes me just want to go back to bed.

Hi domesticgodless. I think if you can run for one minute and walk fast for twenty you're doing better than me. I posted before that any exercise is better than none so just because your gp says you have to run half an hour doesn't mean that anything else you do doesn't count for anything. As long as you are doing it regularly you will get there!!

Well done whyme2 and amillion. You've both done well too. I agree that you have to build things up and just try to go a bit longer each time.

Exercise for ankles : (I learnt this the other day). Raise to your tiptoes slowly and hold for a few seconds then slowly lower back down. It strengthens the ankles apparently.

Also exercise for flexible legs : (I used to do this one when I danced). Sit on the floor in front of the tv with you legs spread as wide as you can keeping them straight, walk your hands forward in front of you and stop when it just gets a bit uncomfortable. It shouldn't hurt. Hold that position whilst watching telly and every few minutes try to spread your legs wider and put your hands further forward. Do this every time you watch telly and in the end you should end up in the splits with your stomach and head resting on the floor.

Oh and thank you GlassofRose.

Right sorry for the mammoth post I'll shut up now.

Please do tell me if I'm getting annoying.

I did do a brisk 30 min walk with a couple of hills last night in the wind. And it helped. I felt less depressed.

Yeah v sick of that sort of 'advice' generally. Do exactly as I do... even if you can't...you're just making excuses.

Tbh I don't think severe depression will ever vanish however fit you get but then I'll never know as I'll never get really fit :D

9year old would run with me bless him :D 5 year old would rather eat a whole plate full of greens than that :D

Ah DG don't feel bad. Your gp sounds like a twat imo. If you read the depression alliance website I think. Exercise can be very beneficial especially the being outdoors bit. Not only does he have a wife he has money to pay for a babysitter. Sounds like he had no understanding of your life or the demands on you.
As a family we do swimming (the kids get far more exercise than I do though), walking and rarely bike riding. Fortunately my 9yr old loves climbing trees which is a good bribe.
The other thing I do is let the dcs ( I have 4) watch a film in my room while I do a workout dvd downstairs. If I let them watch they all want to join in and I get nothing done.

Well I would be wary if his advice is to just go and run for half an hour. I think you need to build up to that level. I am also convinced that brisk or power walking is very beneficial and much easier on the joints, especially if you are overweight. I did try running a couple of years ago when I was about 4 stone overweight. I did build up some stamina but I could really feel it on my knees and ankles and I knew I would knacker my body by pushing on with it. I do a lot of walking now.

Amillionyears I don't think that is poor. You know your body best and that is still an improvement. If you are feeling okay with that I would keep going. I did at Mr Motivator. He always made me laugh when he was on morning telly. and he also had a rather lovely backside

If any of you do manage to take a 9 year old and (truculent and highly sedentary) 5 year old with you on aerobic exercise missions I'd love to hear how :) honestly any ideas welcome.

Hmm. I don't think my trainers are right.

(Am now tempted not to go running today in case ankle twists. Am I being a copout???)

I agree. He was v rude. Basically blamed me for all my problems cos I am 'unfit'. He had a lot of theories about human evolution and how we are all living in an unnaturally sedentary way. Probably true. But can the majority of the population realistically live like hunter gatherers or even mid-Victorians now?

he suggested I ought to train for marathons etc. Coming out of severe depression to do that seems a big ask- but heck what do I know. Left the consultation angry and inadequate rather than encouraged.

Oh btw I'm also a single parent half the time and he said I ought to 'tke the kids exercising with me'. He has 4 children apparently and 'managed it', but then he does have a wife, which probably makes a big difference.

argh. i want to join.

Trying to run as per medical advice for depression and fatigue. Can't manage 4 mins without pain and having to slow down and walk!!

Also very mood dependent, managed 20 mins one day (stop start and with pain!!) then only 10 the next.

A lot of muscle pain esp in ankles...just from a flipping jog!!!

My doctor tells me the thing about 20 mins walking per day being 'enough' is BS and everyone needs to run for HALF AN HOUR.

how?? how???
I've never managed to run solidly for more than 10 mins in my LIFE!!!

Well how is everyone doing this week?

I have been using my Rosemary Conley dvd's every day over the last week. She is very gentle but I still struggled at first but I am feeling stronger now. Another month of this and I might dare to dust off my copy of the shred.

I would love to be more flexible. Has anyone got any cheapish suggestions?

Just managed to find this thread again!

Hair I love the squat for the dishwasher idea

Sounds good TOWTH, I do a kind of jumpy jig when I'm waiting for the kettle to boil, or lift a couple of cans. Better than nothing. I know my dh reads this and he will now be spying on me when I am in the kitchen to catch me in the act I am a secret ballerina too

Thank you.

It's really simple. I figure that the people who make up gym exercise know what they're doing however sometimes I have no desire to go to the gym or do formal exercise and I think that moving more in my own way is better than not moving at all.

I don't Hoover, I dance. I don't bend to do the dishwasher, I squat. I raise and lower really slowly while I wash up. And I always have loudish music on as it helps me to fake feeling energetic.

I know it sounds stupid but it works for me and I kind of make it up as I go along.

Oops. I'm a bit late.

Today was better. I didn't go to the gym but I did lots of walking and also I have my own way to exercise at home.

Give this a go if you feel like it. Very simple for any piece of junk mail that comes through your door you have to run up and down the stairs twice. So if you get one bit it's an easy day. Today I got seven. Running up and down stairs fourteen times is harder than you'd think.

If you don't have stairs it's five squats per piece of junk mail.

Deal.

. Get moving!!

I had yesterday off but I was far from still. I removed a radiator and skirting from two walls, then removed the wall paper. It was bloody hard work.

Today, apart from the school run, I have done nothing. I just really couldn't be bothered.

See, my motivation is waning too. :(