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Original poster

Cardio for the overweight and unfit

32 replies

PreppingForSchool · 20/02/2023 06:20

Hi,

I've had two children in the last few years and have gained a ridiculous amount of weight. My BMI is way too high and I'm trying to incorporate exercise but I'm finding it tough.

I'm slowly rebuilding core strength via online videos but know that I really should do some cardio as I'm obviously of an unhealthy weight and my body needs it. I'm now managing to fit in two lots of exercise a week.

I just struggle to find something. Between work and the children and no help I don't have time or money to go to the gym for swimming or to any classes. I can't run as I have/had a double prolapse that I'm working hard on improving. So I can't really do anything too high impact yet as I don't want to influence the great progress I'm making with that. I also think at my weight running may actually be awful for my joints.

Is just walking enough? What else could I do at home? And how often should I aim for?

OP posts:
BatsPigeonsRatsSquirrels · 20/02/2023 06:38

There are some good apps for walking too, that tell you to speed up for short bursts etc.

Original poster
PreppingForSchool · 20/02/2023 06:36

@pawz thank you, I'll check these out on YouTube. To be honest I haven't really tried anything yet! I am just kinda getting back into the swing of things.

@CupOfAnxieTea excellent, I'll have a look at it. That sounds very good. I had awful pelvic pain in both pregnancies and the prolapses. I had one vaginal and one C-section. So I do need something appropriate.

@DrJump thanks, lying down after exercise sounds perfect 😅

OP posts:
MarshaMelrose · 20/02/2023 06:36

Walking at a good pace is good exercise. It puts no strain on the joints and gets the heart rate up. Just keep focused so you don't slow down. Set yourself targets in either distance or time taken so you can see improvements to motivate yourself.

MrsJamin · 20/02/2023 06:32

Walking or swimming - I do lane swimming and all sizes go. It's very supportive in the water and my favourite thing is I work hard but don't get hot and sweaty 'cause you're in water. You definitely don't need to do HIIT, easiest way to do yourself an injury.

DrJump · 20/02/2023 06:28

Walking is good. My physio suggested after exercise to have a few minutes lying down to help my pelvic floor recover.

CupOfAnxieTea · 20/02/2023 06:26

It does cost a bit but worth looking into MUTU, it's specifically for postpartum strengthening and repair (plus weight loss). It has all the modifications for things like prolapse and pelvic girdle pain etc. It's a really good program.

pawz · 20/02/2023 06:23

Have you seen the low impact HIIT workouts on YouTube? They're specifically tailored to being low impact so might be doable for you, but still get the heart rate up 😊

You can specifically find ones that are no jumping / low impact / no equipment too. MadFit and Heather Robertson are good, I started out with MadFit 😊