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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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Original poster

Which exercise is best for overweight and unfit?!

15 replies

sandwiches77 · 27/05/2021 07:11

As the title says really!

I have been trying to do keep fit using virtual classes during lockdown but prefer real classes as I'm lazy!

About 5 years ago I did body pump once a week and loved it and started to look toned in places

Now classes are back, what to do to get into some sort of shape without killing myself!!

Thinking about going back to body pump but a) I am fatter and unfit than I was before b) I am older (50), will it be full of young things in their skimpy lycra?

Or do I go for something a little bit more low impact like Zumba and Zumba toning (light hand weights)

I could in theory do both classes as different days of the week but might be too much from zero! Plus the money side of doing both.

OP posts:

dementedpixie · 27/05/2021 08:08

There's a range of ages in my body pump class; from 60s to 20s probably (I'm 47).

2 classes is doable from nothing and then you can build up

Quickchangeartiste · 27/05/2021 08:25

Just back from Bodypump. I am 60. Class had all shapes and sizes, no-one cares.
It’s a great class, but I would add a lot of walking , on a treadmill if you prefer , to bring your fitness back gradually.

MyFloorIsLava · 27/05/2021 08:28

The absolute best exercise is one you enjoy and will stick with. You know you like body pump so I would do that. Don't worry about who else will be in the class.

If you want to try Zumba without shelling out, there are probably lots of Zumba videos on YouTube. I use a workout app called fiton and they have free zumba classes on the app too.

Rubyrecka · 27/05/2021 08:30

Get a PT. light weights are pointless, you'll need someone qualified to show you how to lift for form if you want to burn fat and get a nice shape.

nellly · 27/05/2021 09:21

Honestly all the classes at our gym have a real mix of body shapes and sizes and ages, I would just go to whatever you enjoy!

I agree with pp though, the tiny weights they use for Zumba toning will make no difference to your shape I'm afraid

Cathie102 · 27/05/2021 09:35

If you love body pump then you go to body pump! I did it for years and there was a mixture of all different shapes and sizes in it. I don't look at anyone but myself in the gym and anyone who does isn't worth caring about!

Original poster

sandwiches77 · 27/05/2021 09:44

Thanks, maybe I should do both....

Body pump is either 6:30am some week day mornings or Sunday 10 ish. You can guess which one is booked up!!

Is BP the best thing to do? I swim and walk but slowly...... and not far

I would love a PT but I think too expensive

OP posts:

Lochroy · 27/05/2021 09:45

Body pump will give a bit of strength and toning but it won't hugely help you get fit or lose weight.

You need to do something cardio - Zumba, if you have a decent instructor and really go for it would be good. Also consider a running club which follows a couch to 5k programme. Don't be scared but the prospect of running, it will be designed for beginners looking to get fit.

But mainly, as pp said, find something you enjoy and will stick at. And start gently. Don't go in all guns blazing, get exhausted and injured and stop after a week (I've been there many times!).

dementedpixie · 27/05/2021 10:04

I'm fat (nearly 16 stone) but manage to do combat, pump and attack each week. The first class I ever did was body pump and I've been doing classes for about 12 years now. Started with pump and aerobics before working up to attack and combat.

Its part of my routine now and I don't feel right if I miss a class.

nellly · 27/05/2021 10:58

Yes @Lochroy is right!! I too have been guilty of starting a new gym membership over enthused, going twice a day and burning out within 10 days

ragged · 27/05/2021 20:11

The form of exercise that one you quite enjoy. Coz that's the one you'll keep doing.

jeniferleo71 · 27/05/2021 20:49

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Cattitudes · 27/05/2021 20:55

If you have the space get an exercise bike from Facebook. Low impact and you can just cycle and watch TV. Half an hour a day and watch what you eat.

nellly · 27/05/2021 21:47

@jeniferleo71 that might be on the wrong thread? Op wasn't asking about therapy just an exercise class

fellrunner85 · 27/05/2021 22:00

Body pump is either 6:30am some week day mornings or Sunday 10 ish. You can guess which one is booked up!!

It's the same at my gym; the early morning classes get booked up straight away. You have to fight for a place the minute the 6:45am classes get released.

Really annoying as lots of people book and then don't turn up, probably because they can't be bothered to get out of bed.

Have you thought of doing c25k? It's free and will also have a much greater effect on your shape and all round fitness than classes do.

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