Can you tell me about your experience of getting fit?

[coodawoodashooda]

Im about to start to try and get fit. Properly fit without giving up. Ive never been this out of shape before and am very daunted by the prospect. Does anyone have any advice?

Embrace the pain, don't overdo it and injure yourself though!

Be very specific about what 'fit' will look like for you so you know what you're aiming for. Set small managable specific goals. You can always move the goalposts as you get fitter. For me it started as being able to comfortably keep up with my walking companion's brisk pace on lock down exercise walks, so I just kept trying a bit further and a bit faster each time. When I got there I set another challenge and another. I'll never be an athlete, but I can power walk up hills and I'm two stone lighter.

Working with a PT has been the best money I have ever invested in myself. Training with weights has improved my overall fitness so much.

I've just started this too. I reckon the way to do it is to get something into your daily routine. I put '30 minute gentle workout' into Google and found loads of free classes. Good luck!

Yup. Specifically my fitness journey post natally. Id say you need to find something you enjoy so its not a 'chore' and something you want to do every day.

I tried circuits by myself - rubbish, I didnt like it. I tried running - found it very boring. I then bit the bullet and realised I enjoyed other people + exercise. I joined a crossfit gym and havent looked back.

Consistency is key. If you’re following a hiit class online and can’t do a full press up at first or lunges as quickly as they do, don’t worry, proper form and do what you can and soon you will see improvement if you keep at it.

Don’t over commit, do e.g. 5,000 steps daily or 10 min Joe wicks class every day and then go from there when you realise it makes you feel amazing!

You need to find what you enjoy and what fits around your lifestyle or you won't stick at it. Start small and build up gradually. Try new things, classes, groups etc

Find an exercise you enjoy. Personally I prefer classes and love Zumba- as it keeps my mind occupied by needing to concentrate on the steps, as I find activities such as running on a treadmill too boring. Consistency is really key. And remember that it's normal to not feel like going before hand, but trust me, you never regret having gone!

Totally agree with finding something you enjoy that actually fits in with your lifestyle. It’s unsustainable otherwise.

PT is definitely money worth spending.

I started couch25k last year, so a clear goal of running for 30 minutes non stop (which I didn't for a minute expect to achieve).

I did. And I've kept running and lost nearly three stone. I don't enjoy it as such, but it's quick, cheap and I can see results.

For me it was reformer Pilates. It the only exercise I have maintained. I like that it doesn’t have steps or a routine to follow and the classes are small so the teacher can watch you. It’s amazing for strength and toning although not for weight loss particularly. I have been my body transform and for the first time since I was a teenager I have no muffin top, flabby bum or wobbly arms

I tried a few things - running triggered horrendous sciatica and I find it boring same with cycling

Ultimately I do a mix of gym classes incorporating HITT, weights and some stretching / yoga so I don’t get bored and it works different muscles - also do swimming so at least 4-5 workouts of 45 mins per week

I walk as much as I can and try to do 10,000 steps daily

I am fitter than I was by quite a way but not super fit.

It's hard!

Find something you enjoy.
Stick to it.
Remember not to give a hit about anyone else!

I mix it up. I use the local leisure centre so have access to the pool, gym and classes so I don't get bored. Brilliant value at less than £30 a month.

I always force myself to go and do something rather than nothing and however much I often really don't want to go after a day at work I remember that I have never left the pool/gym/class and said, "I wish I hadn't done that".

Perseverance, stick with it, push yourself that little bit harder every time. Once you start to see results it gets rather addictive. Good luck, you won't regret it

You need to enjoy it and want to do it and it needs to be hard.

I gave up long ago with my step counter. The thing with walking is that you need to walk fast (imo) to get results and it is time consuming, although enjoyable. I would rather walk for fun than exercise if that makes sense.

I love classes and I like to have a commitment and a goal as it motivates me. I did Growingannanas, she has lots of monthly plans and have just started Caroline Girvan's Epic. I really enjoy both. There are lots of knowledgeable people over on the exercise thread.

Personally I like doing classes etc and feeling like I can barely make it at the end, I like the achy muscles the next day etc. IMO if you aren't getting sweaty, out of breath and finding it hard it's not tough enough!

So i just did 0.2 miles on my cross trainer and i feel awful. Shame.

Start slow and work up at a sensible rate!

If you feel that bad after that session then you need to dial things back to a level that will benefit you without putting you off. Real results arguing to happen overnight.

Weight training can burn as many calories as running. If you get your heart rate up. Then you have the bonus of increasing the rate that your body burns calories at rest, by gradually increasing muscle mass. This helps to shed fat.

Either do a body pump class and check your form carefully or book a session with a PT.

I do 3 x sessions of weight training a week plus Zumba, swimming and loads of walking. My fitness has really improved in the last 4 months.

Exercising for half an hour every other day is more effective, less painful and less likely to result in an injury than slogging your guts out for two hours twice a week.

You don't have to go full pelt until you feel like you're dying.

Make sure you have a brilliant sports bra and get proper footwear from a specialist shop (and often in a much larger size than you would ordinarily buy). You don't need expensive kit until you're sure you want to continue doing something - most sports clothing can be found for about twenty quid on Amazon - but you'll be far more comfortable with sports leggings and top rather than saggy Primark leggings and a heavy cotton t-shirt. Stick some socks and big knickers in the basket as well.

Other than that, the way to make sure you continue to exercise is to always have your stuff packed and ready to go, as all you have to do is pick up the bag and everything you need is in there.

I agree about small goals.

I am cynical about starting fitness regimes at home tbh, fine if the ball is rolling and you have that upward spiral of motivation and have to miss gym sessions or exercise classes.

I would strongly reccommend some type of class- find something you enjoy- whether that is zumba, aquafit, spin, pump, yoga- whatever appeals. once you are in a class it is hard to bunk off- so will be pushed to work.
Building up discipline to exercise is important, in the early days once or twice a week is fine. It's the regularity that is ultimately important.

I did a couch25k jogging course, I wasn’t fat but unfit and couldn’t imagine being able to run for more than a few minutes without stopping, but a couple of months later I could run 6km! Amazing.

You need a goal and a plan! What is your goal? 'Get fit' is too vague. Do you want to drop a dress size/be able to run up the stairs with feeling puffed out/run 5k/tone up? Set a goal and then make a plan of how to get there. Are you doing it at home or going to classes/gym/etc? What equipment do you have access to?
Set small targets and celebrate the wins. So day 1 you might set yourself to do 1 squat or 1 minute cycling or whatever and then celebrate when you do. And you might decide you can do another rep or another minute and then celebrate that too. Its those wins that keep you motivated and on track to reach your goal. Good luck, you can do it!

@Teenytinyvoice

Working with a PT has been the best money I have ever invested in myself. Training with weights has improved my overall fitness so much.

I could have written this! My PT keeps me accountable. The fact that I've booked makes me go. This means I exercise by myself between sessions. I've seen a change in my shape and I feel so much better. Make the connection between what you're eating and how much energy you have. Keep a record, use my fitness pal or similar. When I feel like I'm slipping I log my calories for a week or so to get back in track. Have a life though. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle

Do you need a goal?

I exercise a lot, not sure I ever have goals.

I agree with find something you enjoy, or at least something you don't actively hate. That way you won't dread it and talk yourself out of it.

I have realised that working out at home with weights and youtube videos is the only thing I really stick to, and have strangely started to enjoy. Running on a treadmill would drive me insane, so I don't do it, I do brisk walking in a lovely park for cardio, does me fine. If you prefer being part of a class, or need a personal trainer shouting at you to get motivated then do that.

I sometimes have days where I lie to myself and say I'm just going to do 10 minutes, it's better than nothing. I usually end up doing far more than that, but it's a good way to get started when I'm not feeling up to it.

Also, if you have a bad day or week (like I'm having this week) and life gets in the way, don't beat yourself up, but don't use that as an excuse to give up either. Just stick with it, doesn't have to be perfect. Consistency over time will give you the best results.