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Original poster

If you went from being unfit to fit/toned...

137 replies

Sundaysundaebananasplit · 21/05/2023 10:40

What did you do?

40 year old, 'skinny-fat', eg I fit into small sized clothes and look slim when I dress for my shape but I'm actually extremely flabby.

I hate exercise, which I think comes from a combination of going through puberty very early and being very uncoordinated. This made PE feel like a humiliating experience, especially as our PE teacher was a bully. Exercise brings up awful feelings of Shame as I was an overweight teenager and just so painfully self conscious. In my 20s I realised I could keep my weight down with diet alone, to my delight!

However, now I'm starting to see the holistic picture. I need to exercise for my health but I would like to tone up too. I also want to be a good example for my kids.

I'm so scared of the emotional response I get when I exercise. Classes are a no-no, for this reason. I justvfeel so stupid and weepy in these situations.

I have young kids and work full time, so it needs to be short. My youngest is an awful sleeper so I can't get up extra early and squeeze a workout in before everyone gets up: I need every minute of sleep I can get before the alarm goes off.

I don't want to do swimming or yoga, but am pretty much open to everything else, so long as its not overwhelming.

Basically, I want something effective and not scary. Can I get some advice please? Even if its a mental revelation you had, or how you talked yourself up?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sundaysundaebananasplit · 21/05/2023 10:41

To fit and toned!

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 21/05/2023 10:42

Couch to 5k could suit you. It meets all your requirements.

It's good for fitness, I'm not sure if it'll tone necessarily.

Singleandproud · 21/05/2023 10:43

Climbing or bouldering? Take the family or go on your own. It'll tone you, mentally it's good as it involves lots of problem solving, routes go from very simple beginners to extremely difficult so you get a sense of accomplishment.

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
Neeko · 21/05/2023 10:45

I swim (which I know you don't want) but I've also been doing a Hasfit workout on YouTube over the past few weeks and already feel a difference. I do the 25mins kettlebell for beginners one but there's lots to choose from. It's a husband and wife team and I don't find them annoying like some other workouts I have tried!

CatticusFinch · 21/05/2023 10:45

Following this post as I am in a very similar situation.

Original poster
Sundaysundaebananasplit · 21/05/2023 10:46

I'm going to write all these down, thank you!

OP posts:
jusdepamplemousse · 21/05/2023 10:46

Couch to 5k for general fitness. It’s 30 mins out of the house in total. Three times a week.

Then buy some weights or a kettle bell or a resistance band or some combination of them and follow some YouTube or Insta routines. Probs 15 minutes? Three times a week again?

so that’s a total of 2 hours 15 minutes spread across week and you should hopefully see some improvement but be warned post 35 it’s all much harder to get your body to do anything!

if you can do it with someone it might help keep you accountable. Or even just commit to telling someone when you’ve done it.

liann34 · 21/05/2023 10:46

I joined a gym and got a female instructor to write me a program. I do a weights routine with a focus on core strength then a cardio session with a few minutes of HIIT interspersed. I just wear headphones and keep to myself. I'm not competing with anyone! I've always been skinny but I was weak and very untoned before. Exercise class would be my idea of hell. I still don't love the gym but I don't hate it either. I'm neutral on it. It took about 6 months of working out regularly for my body to look really different but I felt better within a few weeks.

frazzledasarock · 21/05/2023 10:49

I joined Chloe Ting and did her programmes. They’re free and worked for me here.

you do need to set time aside to do the workouts obviously. And it’s in the privacy of your own home, so I didn’t feel so self conscious.

Chloe Ting - Workout Programs

Free home workout videos or programs to lose weight or gain muscle. Find beginner friendly or equipment based schedules & healthy recipes for your fitness goals

https://chloeting.com/

Katrinawaves · 21/05/2023 10:49

If you are starting from a complete standing start, I would recommend none to run which is a gentler version of couch to 5k. Once you have built up a basic level of aerobic fitness, you could try 30 Day Shred which will help with muscle definition very quickly.

AnnaMagnani · 21/05/2023 10:52

Team Bodyproject home workouts. Started with the free ones on Youtube and now have a subscription.

Like you, I always hated exercise so was surprised to find that the improvement was rapid and now I miss it if I don't workout.

Have tried exercise a few times over the years but always gave up or got injured or both. This has really worked and no injuries.

Thighdentitycrisis · 21/05/2023 10:53

Please, can somebody explain what a 30 day shred is? Thanks

SwordToFlamethrower · 21/05/2023 10:53

Yoga! You will get strong, toned and flexible.

AnnaMagnani · 21/05/2023 10:53

30 Day Shred was one that was instant injury. It's very much not low impact so my knees would go and it also turns out I prefer someone telling me I'm amazing for trying than being shouted at.

RitaCrudgington · 21/05/2023 10:55

Thighdentitycrisis · 21/05/2023 10:53

Please, can somebody explain what a 30 day shred is? Thanks

30 Day Shred is a workout DVD by Jillian Michaels. Also available on YouTube. Jillian has a whole bunch of workout regimes, and was much loved on MN back in the day - she did a couple of great web chats.

milkydress · 21/05/2023 10:55

Thanks op great topic! I'm following for advice x

noblegiraffe · 21/05/2023 10:56

I prefer someone telling me I'm amazing for trying

Joe Wicks is good for this positive encouragement. Loads of free videos on his YouTube channel, many aimed at total beginners, some only ten minutes long.

doubleoseven · 21/05/2023 10:59

When I was a busy single parent I started doing quick hiit work outs on YouTube. Some are just 15/20 mins. I always managed one, sometimes 2 workouts a day. 15 years on I still do them most days. Hiit is a quick efficient way to get cardio and strength training. You just need some weights. I have dumbells, kettle bells and bands but you can start just using body weight. Highly recommend body fit by Amy, she does pilates/yoga type workouts too, all very good for toning.

Thighdentitycrisis · 21/05/2023 10:59

@RitaCrudgington
thank you I always wondered - why shred?
@Sundaysundaebananasplit sorry to jump on your thread, I have the thin/flabby body type too so following for tips. I live in an upstairs flat / converted house and am really self conscious about making a noise jumping around!?

MattDamon · 21/05/2023 10:59

30 Day Shred gives visible results in 30 days and would be a good launchpad into other exercise. You need hand weights but I used water bottles/tin cans the first time I did it (10+ years ago!).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00Q8GY1DM/

Fiftyisthenewsixty · 21/05/2023 10:59

I was in your position 5 years ago. I did Couch25K and felt so self-conscious at first. I could hardly even leave the house in running gear. 🏃‍♂️ It makes me laugh now as I realise nobody cared except me. I think running is a good place to start as you see improvements quickly and that gives you a boost.

Wanderingowl · 21/05/2023 11:00

Do something fun. Trampolining, rollerskating, dancing, etc. Something you actively enjoy and genuinely look forward to doing.

fireflyloo · 21/05/2023 11:03

Join a gym and do some fitness classes. I prefer the high intensity ones, particularly where we lift weights.

TerrifiedandWorried · 21/05/2023 11:04

Do pilates but a community centre type class not a yummy mummies type! It will protect you fron injury as you get fitter. Then find what you enjoy.

Pixiedust1234 · 21/05/2023 11:08

I've found the only non scary exercise is walking. Can you fit any extra into your day as even a 10 minutes fast walk is good for you and will raise your confidence.