How can I get fit quickly and measure if my fitness is improving?

[glitterbiscuits]

I'm on a bit of a health kick. I've lost 2 stones and have 3 more to go. I am nearly 50.
I'm having trouble incorporating exercise as I work long hours but I really need to do something. I have loads of exercise DVDs, an exercise bike and a cross trainer. Is there a way to get fitter quickly?
And how can I measure progress to see if my fitness is improving? Is it a case of just waiting until it feels easier or I can workout for longer?Should I see if my resting heart rates drops over a few weeks or months?
Any ideas or tips welcome please?

@fezzesarecool

5 stone in 20 weeks? Please tell us how?

Redundancy1 I’ve used mfp to keep a tight control on calories, first 1600 and now in 1400 as I’ve lost weight.

I actually only drink water so all my calorie intake is food. I’ve made swaps to get the most from my calorie intake. Some days I have 5 small meals, other days I have 3 bigger meals. I just make sure it’s all within my calorie allowance.

I walk 3 miles everyday and do a low impact exercise dvd 4-5 times a week using hand weights to make me work harder.

In this heat it’s been harder so I get up earlier to do the dvd while it’s cooler.

If you average it out it’s about 3.5lbs a week. So mfp is set to 2lb loss and the rest is through exercise.

The key for me is consistency, when I hit my plateau I reset mfp which gave me the new calorie goal.

I’ve still got 5 stone to lose so I expect it it become a slower rate soon.

HTH

If you're having to get up earlier to accommodate a run, how many people in the village are actually likely to be up to see you?!

You're making excuses about that.

BIWI I am not exercising in public. The end.

So that rules out ever going to a gym, or a swimming pool then?! Don't you think that's a bit short sighted?

I really, truly get that you might feel self-conscious, but you're doing this for you aren't you? So other people really don't matter!

BIWI Well I’ve managed to do it in the comfort and privacy of my home so doesn’t that just go to show that it doesn’t matter as long as you do something, somewhere?

No way could I have any any of it in public, but I’ve made it work for me. It’s only now I would consider it, it being clubercise, public but in the dark.

If someone isn’t comfortable they they aren’t comfortable.

Of course, if you can do it at home then that's fantastic, and bloody well done to you!

But the OP has already said she hasn't got a big enough garden, doesn't want people to see, etc.

I truly get that it's difficult. But if you're making your own head your worst enemy, then it will never get done.

And I genuinely say that with the best possible intentions.

I always tell myself nobody would recognise me, anyway. Cap pulled down, exercise clothes, no makeup! Crikey, I hardly recognise myself!

All I see is bleary eyed workers, other runners and a few dog walkers. No one really pays attention to each other early in the morning. Oh and I did see a sheepish young guy with bare feet once. It's like sleep walking!

Op also has a cross trainer and exercise bike at home and is short of time as well as uncomfortable running in public. Surely the advice should be leaning towards HILT and using her equipment rather than to keep going on about running in public when she’s made it clear that right now she doesn’t want to do that?

Well, doh! Of course. But if she already has those and isn't using them ...

Then running in public when she doesn’t want to us clearly the answer?

*is

Well it's something different! If she can't cope with something inside (pretty good equipment already available, in private) with the outside option (albeit people might see), then what alternative is there, that the OP is going to accept?

Over to you to make something that the OP will embrace

fezze, my comment was just conversational. Most new runners I have chatted with are self conscious to begin with. I was just highlighting the fact that people often don't pay much attention to you when you run. So that any new runner is not put off really.

@fezzesarecool

Thanks. You are awesome!

Redundancy1 Thanks! If you have a bit to shift there’s some really great threads in weight that I’ve found fantastic and helpful for taking accountability

I don't mind the gym and swimming. They are 25 miles away. It's here in Royston Vasey I don't want to exercise in public. Unless you have lived in a small minded, tiny village where everyone is nosy then you have no idea what it's like.
Thanks to all those who grasped the point.
It's noticeable I've lost weight weight now and despite not being a shrinking violet in most circumstances I cannot stand personal comments directed at me. Even if they are complimentary.

Cross trainer is in the shed. Unfortunately the timer/speed gadget is not on it any more. Despite this DH under instructions to bring it out. He has raised an eyebrow. And then there were lots of mutterings. Exercise bike now on the patio.
I think my favourite form of exercise is was the good old workout DVD so it's possibly best I play to my strengths.

I don't suppose you've got a kids climbing frame in the garden?

The ability to do pull ups (even a single one!) would be a good way to measure your fitness. Likewise, can you do a press-up? Can you do 10? That's a good measure if your fitness too. Can you do non-stop star jumps for 10 minutes? 5 minutes? You can use these sorts if things as measures of your fitness and seeing it improve.