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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Best workout video/exercises for the very unfit

31 replies

SugarBugger · 02/07/2011 21:47

I don't know where to start exercising, I'm very overweight, never have any energy, and any exercise hurts and is uncomfortable. I want to start doing something but I feel daunted by workout vids in case they're designed for way fitter people than me.

Can anyone suggest a jumping off point for me?

OP posts:
WillieWaggledagger · 02/07/2011 21:57

I don't know of any specific videos but most exercise videos will have someone demonstrating a lower-impact or easier version of the exercise. Davina for example has someone you can follow

you could start by following the lower impact version and see how easy/difficult you find it and work towards the full version?

keynesian · 03/07/2011 08:26

I'd begin with walking... Leave your house and walk away from it for 15 minutes then turn around and go home. Gradually increase the time and your walking speed and you will be amazed how your fitness improves and how your weight loss is aided.

Good luck.

bamboobutton · 03/07/2011 08:32

the 30 day shred dvd is very good, it's by the woman who did americas/australias biggest loser so is aimed at overweight/unfit poeple.

it's only 20 minutes and is low impact.

i haven't been to the gym since ds was born 3.5yrs ago and have put on 40lbs and i managed to finish the workout.

do not but buy anything by nell mcandrews, just the warm up on her dvd was enough to almost kill me.

whyme2 · 03/07/2011 08:39

Actually I wouldn't recommend the 30 day shred if you are very overweight. I think it is too much tbh. I did it a lot when I was 3 stone lighter but would not attempt it now.
Personally I find the Rosemary Conley dvd's the easiest to manage and started with them a month ago. (I was over 17 stone). It definitely got me moving. There are easier options and short sections on the routines.

I would also second the walking. If you are very unfit/overweight then building up to an hours walk everyday is a good start.

Hth and good luck Smile

Smalline · 03/07/2011 08:41

Totally agree with keynesian, swimming might also help

Davina McCall's dvds are very good

30 day Shred is excellent, but I wouldn't call it low impactSmile

conquita · 03/07/2011 08:51

I agree with the Nell McAndrew dvds - sweet baby Jesus, they are HORRIBLE.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 03/07/2011 12:09

Thanks, well it sounds like the best place to start would be walking for now. My friend has said she'll give me some exercise dvd's to try so I'll try get an hours walk in every day to start with (I hate walking! aargh lol) gotta start somewhere.

In fact I'll get the kids ready and go now, before I talk myself out of it!

OP posts:
Original poster
SugarBugger · 03/07/2011 14:35

Just got back from a boiling hot walk, I got ds to ride his bike so I didn't dawdle, and ended up in the playground. So happy (tired) kids and my pmt irritability has eased off, win win.

Got to find the energy for housework now though!

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mamalovesmojitos · 03/07/2011 14:43

I have davina fit. Think its good fit beginners, just be careful with the bottom fit section- I nearly killed myself with the squats first time I did it Smile.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 03/07/2011 18:42

I'm still very affected by spd (13 months on) so squatting is out, I squatted whilst gardening a few weeks back, was walking like John Wayne for best part of a week while my pelvis recovered!

I've heard the Davina one recommended a lot on here, must be good. I did fancy something dancey as I used to love going dancing, although I'd probably feel like a tit dancing around my livingroom by myself I now have a gorgeous daughter who loves dancing so I can use her as an excuse! Grin

OP posts:
WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 03/07/2011 18:47

Have you got a Wii? I like dancing to the Just Dance game, gets you as much exercise as a good brisk walk and you can do it anytime, 20 mins just flies by.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 03/07/2011 18:59

Unfortunately no I haven't got a wii, although we may invest in one in the future as my dp could stand to lose a couple of stone and it'd keep ds a bit more active over the winter. That game sounds good!

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milkybarsrus · 04/07/2011 21:31

I get bored with regular excercise, so the wii dance gets me really going and i enjoy it! i use the sweat counter too. will buy some weights for ankles and wrists when i go into town next.

milkybarsrus · 04/07/2011 21:31

I get bored with regular excercise, so the wii dance gets me really going and i enjoy it! i use the sweat counter too. will buy some weights for ankles and wrists when i go into town next.

MalibuStac · 04/07/2011 21:40

If you like dancing get a zumba for beginners dvd I can't dance but this was fab. Would 3rd the walking but the shred is hard work.

frazzledblob · 04/07/2011 21:59

well done on getting started Sugar :)

I have finally shreded for the first time tonight. It has only taken since March last year to find the courage to actually do it rather then watch it Blush

I am back to being four stone plus overweight and I have just started to walk as much as possible to work and on the school run. I just need to stay motivated with the shred (it hurt but I actually enjoyed it!)

We also made great use as a family of the wii fit to start with, we just need to get back into the habbit of doing it again.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 05/07/2011 14:59

Thanks! Well today I finally did a workout, it was a belly dancing workout on youtube. It looked so easy, all swaying, gyrating, no jumping around or impossible legs over your head business... then I did it. Omg I'm so heavy and unfit I felt like a giant great elephant stumbling around! Had to give up after 20 min as my hips were starting to ache (spd again)

I may do it again but it wasn't as fun or as easy as the willowy girls on the video made it look! I've done a few hours of pretty intense cleaning today so I'm hoping that will make up for the very short workout. No walking today as it's raining and frankly I'm pooped!

Tell me it'll get easier.....!

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Original poster
SugarBugger · 05/07/2011 14:59

I looked at the shred, it looks HARD, fair do's if you managed it, how was it?

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bibbitybobbityhat · 05/07/2011 15:19

Don't laugh, Sugar, but I bought an old Rosemary Conley video for 30p in a charity shop, and I tell you what, its a jolly good workout, but not impossible for me and I am quite fat and unfit. She gets some of the women in the class to do a lower impact version of what she's doing, so you can build up. Its good to get the blood pumping isn't it?

Original poster
SugarBugger · 05/07/2011 15:35

I'm sure me and my mum used to work out to a rosemary conley video when I was little! It was doable, maybe I should look into it, I really want something to tone up my arms too, they're really saggy.

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GreenTeapot · 05/07/2011 15:42

Rosemary does one called 5 minute fat burner or something similar - it's a fab place to start. But shred is better for the upper body I think. I have lingering SPD and modify some of the moves a bit to suit me.

frazzledblob · 05/07/2011 20:21

i am just about to shred again. wonder if day 2 is gonna hurt more?!

I have problems with my hips and lingering issues since fracturing my tail bone years ago so I am modifying some of the moves aswell.

I also need to think about what to wear when working out as I did end up giving up on the star jump things as my wobbly tummy was jumping around too much and had to be held down Blush

Have a look in your local library for some DVDs to try. I saw a couple of the Davina dvd's in mine tonight but DD wanted a shrek DVD so I will have to stick with the shred for now.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 06/07/2011 12:24

How was it frazzled? You're not the only one with tummy issues, I bet I look like a bouncy castle in an earthquake when I try to work out, it'll be a while til I can face doing it with someone else in the room!

I've just tried doing a zumba workout off youtube but as my pc speakers haven't arrived yet I only have headphones and take my word on this, it is inadvisable to zumba whilst attached to the pc by your head. What a prat. Grin

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frazzledblob · 06/07/2011 18:01

LOL that is an interesting approach to zumba.

well yesterday hurt. felt more like dying than day 1 and I ache more today and have another 20 mins to look forward to tonight.

I was mortified to catch DD watching me last night as she had crept downstairs. I have had the relentless questioning, only a six yr old can give you, all afternoon on the subject of what on earth were you doing last night mummy?!

I am seriously thinking of creating a tummy restraint for tonights attempt at the shred as it is seriously annoying me. However, it may be my imagination but the key woblly bits of tummy, thighs and upper arms feel tighter already.

If i am still breathing after my 20 mins tonight I am going to use the wii fit aswell.

Original poster
SugarBugger · 06/07/2011 21:47

Well the baby watched me do the zumba workout, and laughed a bit, but I didn't want to do it in front of the 3 year old as he's just discovered "why?" so didn't want to explain myself 50 times Grin

Good on you for doing the shred again, keep at it if it's working! My hips are still from the zumba but omg it's so much fun, I can't keep up fully yet but I suppose with practise it'll get easier.

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