Feeling stiff after minimal exercise

[PerfectionistProcrastinator]

This is probably a silly question but I’m going to ask it anyway.

I am 36, nearly 37. I am about 6lb overweight and do no exercise. I haven’t in a long time. I have a job where I am on my feet all day and it’s a physical job, but at the same time I’m not doing lots of lifting or walking.

These days even going for an hours walk (at a slightly faster pace than I naturally want to walk at) is enough to leave me feeling stiff afterwards.

I need to change my lifestyle and want to make some changes. But will that stiff feeling after minimal exercise improve? It’s putting me off. Almost as though I feel like I’m getting too old! (I know that’s ridiculous).

Advice please?

I’ve been doing joe wicks in lockdown with the kids. At first I was super stiff and felt I needed a cpl days off after each time. Now I’m doing twice a day and love it. Don’t get stiff any more. Even if I do I it’s mild and I do more anyway. Just keep going and do more and you will feel great.

It will get easier, maybe try cycling Instead a couple of days a week to mix up the muscle groups used.

Yeah just keep doing your walks and you'll not feel stiff really soon. I'd recommend doing some calf stretches when you get home, so put your front half of your feet on the first step of a stairs, hold on to the banister and drop your heels as far as they will go. Hold for a minute or so (you don't need to bounce).

Thanks for the replies. I’ve had periods of exercising throughout my life but never been left feeling stiff after a walk until recent years.

Swimming is probably the only exercise I actually enjoy which is obviously not possible at the moment!

We went for a walk today. Stretched before and after. 3 miles ending with a big hill. I feel tired now but think that’s also because of the heat.

Are you talking about walking after having been on your feet all day at work? Or do you mean now you aren't standing all day, even a little exercise stiffens you up?

Well, I feel stiff once I sit down after work. I don’t usually exercise or walk after work so no to that. If I have a day off and walk I feel stiff. If I don’t work for weeks (during lockdown) I also feel stiff after walking.

How supportive are your shoes? Are you spending more time barefoot around the house? I have a tendency towards plantar fasciitis and very tight calves so seize up pretty easily!

Just on day 19 of a daily yoga challenge and it's making a big difference to post exercise soreness!

I wear trainers at work. They feel perfectly comfortable. I then wear nothing on my feet once I’m home. My feet ache after being on them all day but They’re not painful. I do have a high arch though so maybe it could be causing a problem along the line somewhere.

I'd look at feet then. I have high arches and have green superfeet in most of my shoes. Ballet flats are murder, better off with a slight heel! If I try to do too much without I get so stiff through my calves, which obviously links higher up too.

Some trainers are more supportive of arches than others - can get away with my Merrell walking trainers but not Innov8 running shoes at the moment. I'm more sensitive when I'm at home barefoot more - definitely need shoes with insoles for Joe Wicks etc!