Running/ treadmills/ other for the lardy

[ringletsandtwiglets]

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to get myself fitter and less fat and have been doing some youtube aerobic videos, a bit of walking and some frankly ridiculous walk/run intervals around the house, as well as changing what I'm eating.

I am significantly overweight at around 18st and do not want to go to the gym or run outside where people can see me, at least not until I look less like a beached whale.

Is it worthwhile getting some kind of home exercise equipment so I can work out at home without the embarrassment factor?

I've looked into treadmills, and there are a few at the £500 mark which would accommodate my weight and can fold up so won't take up too much space in my small house. Or would a bike/ cross fit machine be better for me?

Any advice for a total novice would be amazing. Thanks!

I wouldn’t waste your money, treadmills are so dull!
Think about joining a beginners running group. People really aren’t / won’t be looking at you.
You’ll find support and other like minded people and maybe even new friendships

I think elliptical trainers are good because they work out your whole body. However I had one that developed a maddening squeek that I couldn't locate and in a totsl strop fit of pique, I got rid of it. I regret that now because it really was a nice way to exercise. I needed to watch TV or listen to music at the same time though,vto prevent boredom.
I'm not a big fan of exercise bikes - I had one and basically it was a glorified handbag and coat rack!

I am a beached whale and I can confirm nobody gives a shiny shit.

About the only fleeting thought that crosses people's minds when they see lardies (like me) exercising in public is "I really should be out there too, good on her!"

Ahh, but I give a shiny shit! The thought of exercising where someone can see me just makes me not want to do it at all.

Mr T used to have a bike which was also used purely as a clothes horse.

Also, don't go spunking cash on equipment before you know it's your thing.

You might find you loathe running with every fibre of your being like me but that, say, kettlebells/spin/fencing are your absolute passion. Join the hordes all signing up for free trials at the gym right now and hide in plain sight.

Try every random class you can and I bet you'll find something that really clicks for you! It might even be running

What about swimming. I know you said you’re worried about your weight but I promise you there will be all shapes and sizes there. Go early in the morn if you can when it’s quiet adults only.

Ahh, but I give a shiny shit! The thought of exercising where someone can see me just makes me not want to do it at all.

I understand it is daunting (been there, still doing it!), but you just have to suck it up and do it. Worrying about it is absolutely far worse than the actual event.

You can do it, I have faith! And I will be even more smiley and welcoming to any new faces at my gym, just in case you are one of them!

Also, the biggie nobody's suggested for weight loss and shape change: weightlifting.

Apols for a sun link, but this woman is amazing and she was another lardy too!

www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/10607545/mum-of-two-beating-odds-britains-strongest-women/

To go against the replies... I actually love a treadmill. And I completely understand how you feel about going outside! You can pick up treadmills super cheap on eBay - just sort by distance nearest to you. Some people will deliver, if not get a man with a van. Still much cheaper than a new one and if you don’t like it you haven’t wasted much money. Worth a try!

I love my treadmill - £500 well spent. Had it a year and already lost a stone and several inches. Feel great too!. I don't even run on it - just go walking for 20-30 minutes twice or three times a day. I've got it set up with a cd player and portable tv for entertainment. Never thought I'd use it as much, but literally on it at least twice a day.

You can pick up treadmills super cheap on eBay

Wait till February/March and there will be hundreds of the things practically brand new (ditto exercise bikes, pushbikes, rowing machines, ellipticals) - all going for a song as people inevitably get shot of their expensive failed resolutions.

An eliptical trainer would be a good place to start as it is low impact. You could build your fitness and strength without the high impact that running on a treadmill would have, and then once you have lost some weight, progress to actual running.

Thank you everyone!

Yes, I don’t want to spend lots on equipment and find out I don’t like it. I do enjoy the C25k walk/runs around the house and the workouts I’ve been doing in front of the tv. I don’t think I’d get bored easily and would be able to use a machine in all weather at any time.

The post-NY resolution stage could be good for picking up a bargain! Thanks!

OP, I picked up an elliptical trainer for 40 quid in ebay and we all use it daily.

I would recommend that you have a look at those rather than treadmill as they are far better for your joints if you're overweight

Treadmills are dull, but they're a gateway to outdoor running. We picked up a second hand (at least) treadmill off Facebook for £70 a year or so ago. It's flimsy, but it folds up and doesn't take up that much room around the house.

But it did the job. It did inevitably become a shit clothes horse, but only because DH and I both got better at running and gradually transitioned to running outside.

In terms of the horror of being witnessed by other people: 1, I know rationally that other people don't give a shit, but 2, I like to go very early in the morning, 5:30ish, wearing a hat (mainly because bed hair, but also anonymity).

Running outside is so much nicer, but you can start on a treadmill if you want to.

I recommend either Virtual Runner or Race At Your Pace for motivation. You can sign up for the Virtual Runner 2020 monthly challenge right now so you have a reason to get going and keep going all year. (You can walk, run or cycle 25km+ each month)

In terms of weight, joints and intensity, you can still run, just go very slowly and consider incorporating micro-intervals into your C25k intervals (google Jeffing).