I am having major surgery in 4 weeks. Can I get fitter in 4 weeks ?

[PenisColada]

I am overweight but want to get as fit as possible for my big op in 4 weeks.

What can I do in this short space of time to get fit ?

Would going on the cross trainer daily for 4 weeks make a difference ?

Yes, I started to walk to and from school everyday as had car issues and lost about 10 pounds in 4 weeks, I also cut portion sizes down too, so yes you can!! 4 weeks is a long time. Not only the weight loss but fitter, stronger and more mentally clear.

Walking the school run made a huge difference to my fitness (and officially measurably so as I did a fitness test a few weeks after the start of term).

Hopefully someone better qualified to comment will come along soon, but I would be surprised if you can't.

I always notice a huge improvement in my strength and stamina after a one week ski holiday. Admittedly it's a very high daily level of activity and the altitude must give added resistance.

I know that running is supposed to yield quick results. I would probably be inclined to try and incorporate 3 mini (20-30 mins) workouts per day rather than one big one. Even if some of those workouts are just very energetic hoovering. Of course this advice might be hopelessly out of date now.

One tip I try to live by is when at home (or in the office I suppose) put everything in it's rightful place straight away. So if you are sorting washing, don't use the basket to carry it all upstairs in one go, put it away one armful at a time.

Good luck with your big op.

put everything in its* rightful place

Thanks. I do a lot of walking with no problems so I will step it up and get my arse onto the cross trainer every day too.

My bp and pulse were up today but they took it straight after giving me bad news. I am hoping 4 weeks of exersice will be better than none.

Sorry to hear you had bad news. Hopefully something that can be fixed?

I get rather nervous around doctors surgeries and hospitals and when I was pregnant my midwife would always take my bp towards the end of the appointment when I'd calmed down a bit. So I wouldn't put too much stock in your bp today.

My BP and pulse soar when I have it taken at GPs, so I have a machine at home and take it myself.