How to get fit?

[legolammb]

I'm early 30s and 3 stone overweight and pretty unfit. I've lost 1 stone with SW and will keep going with this. I do a fair amount of walking (live in London so walking to and from the tube etc), around 9k steps a day, but this is generally on flat pavement. Anything more strenuous or involving walking up a hill or steps gets me out of breath. I suffer from lower back pain and I'm sure having a stronger core could help with that. I went away to the countryside with DP recently and did a lovely scenic walk but felt like my chest was going to explode. I often feel exhausted and sluggish and I'm sure getting fitter could help with that, though it's a vicious circle as I feel too tired to exercise.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what's best to get fitter and stronger, have more energy and find life a bit less of a struggle? Preferably outside of gym membership as cost is a factor. Any inspiration or success stories welcome, as well as motivation tips.

Speak to your doctor firstly so they can rule out iron,b12 and folate deficiency which can make you feel tired sluggish and out of breath.

I joined my local gym when they had an offer on of no joining fee. It's relatively cheap (£20) per month and I save that in take aways easily!!!

Change what you eat. And Before you open and chocolate ask yourself "WHY am I eating this- am I hungry- if so isn't there something better I could be eating, if I'm emotionally eating- could I not be speaking to someone and getting it out, if it's boredom- do something lol and if it's because you genuinely crave it and have been for a couple of days and is in moderation- enjoy it

I've managed so far to lose 2.5 stone since December. Just by eating home cooked meals. Avoiding junk food unless I really crave it, Cutting back fizzy drinks and going to the gym

I feel much healthier. First few weeks was hell and I felt like quitting but after week 3 when I saw my weight start to drop I also felt my energy increase

Also be realistic. the changes you make need to be substainable.

Congratulations on your weight loss

I start the gym tonight with a one to one trainer. Not cheap but with separated stomach muscles I need someone to tell me what to do initially!! He is putting together stuff for me to do during the week, including my dog walk in the cardio! I am also 3 stone over my happy weight. Can update with his advice if need be?!

Thanks for the responses

Our - I actually saw the Dr last week and he suggested blood tests for iron etc, I just need to get out of bed early enough to go to the walk in centre to get them done! He said I didn't seem anaemic at first glance though. That's a brilliant weight loss, well done. I'm definitely guilty of emotional eating, and again it's a cycle as I feel a bit rubbish and low and food is such an easy mood boost (for about 5 mins).

Justhad - hope the training session is good later. Sounds great having someone to give you advice and keep you accountable

If you're unfit enough that the scenic walk got you out of breath, then walking could actually be a moderate workout for you (able to talk but not sing, whilst doing it).

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Walking was my foundation. I've added yoga in now (which makes me feel brilliant) and had started doing short bursts of jogging (until I sprained my ankle by falling down a rabbit hole ).

I lost 3 stone with slimming world and walking - average day was 12k of steps and would try to do 20k on a weekend. Started with small walks - just to the shops instead of using the car etc. I too had back pain, though upper for me as I was very round shouldered. As you said core work is what's needed so I did pilates and it really helped.
The more exercise you do the less tired you feel. I would always get home from work shattered, eat my tea and slob in front of the tv and laptop until bedtime. I made the effort to go to some evening classes and actually found that I did have the energy for them. For me it works best to do a class straight after work as once I've sat down I can't summon up the motivation or energy to go back out.