best excercise option for VERY unfit 43 year old mum of 2?

[mumat39]

Hello

I'm hoping someone can advise me on what sort of exercise plan I should start with.

I am 43 and have 2 young kids, have hashimoto's (hypothyroid), am on anti-depressants for anxiety, and really have very little get up and go. My anti depressants were reduced a while ago and I feel like maybe I need to have them increased. I also have very low levels of vitamin D. My knees hurt if I do lunges correctly and I have a damaged arch in my foot. I used to feel much better when I regularly exercised but that was mostly through classes at the gym. I can't afford this anymore so am looking at a cheap and cheerful option that will get me results to get fit and to feel more 'alive'. I've really let things get to me and feel like they've taken their toll on me. I'm really sorry if I sound pathetic :(

I run around after and with my kids and have fun doing that but am always a bit sad by how easily I get out of breath. I have started to walk a bit more but need something to get my heart rate going a bit more. If I try and do one of my exercise videos I find it difficult to find the time and motivation. If I do manage one I always feel a bit dizzy or just unwell. I think that maybe it's just too much at the moment and i need to get a bit more fit first. But don't know how.

If anyone can point me in the right direction and how to start, that would be great.

Many Thanks in advance.

Try looking again re gym prices. Iv just joined fitness first in London for £40 a month including all classes. It was the cheaper way of going as a yoga class alone was £15 min per lesson here so I figured one yoga class a week was actually £20 more a month than the gym where I can go unlimited yoga/ Zumba etc plus work out

So if your happy paying £10 per class really consider looking around at gyms, out of London may get more like £28 a month and try may have a pool too you can use

You can get pretty fit "just" by walking if you walk a lot. You don't have to do long stretches - in fact, you will do a lot better by doing several shorter stretches per day. 4 or 5 20 minute walks (to school, the shops, the park etc) will do you a world of good.

Hi mumat39
You've been given some great advice on here, I may steal some of it
My only advice is to be wary of a low carb diet if you're on antidepressants. I am too and have just started a low cal diet without restricting carbs. Have a quick google about low carb diets and antidepressants and you'll see the advice is not to ditch the carbs as it messes with your serotonin levels.
Obviously you don't need shit carbs like white bread, cake etc so cut them out but don't restrict the "good" carbs too much.
Hth, and good luck

forevergreek, that's a really good point. If I did the pilates class and 2 zumba classes a week that's £25. Assuming I do that every week, that's more expensive than gym membership, esp the price you mentioned. The thing is tho that gym membership is the kiss of death for me. I know as soon as I sign up for one, things will conspire against me and I won't make it. Def something to think about, thanks.

Bonsoir, Thanks for your good advice. I like the idea of trying to fit in lots of short walks. :)

accidentalchickenkeeper, I didn't know about the low carb/anti depressants thing. TBH, I think I would like to gow low carb, but in reality I think I'll just try and reduce the number of bad carbs I eat (biscuits,chocolate etc) and try and eat more good carbs, like brown rice instead of white. Thanks for letting me know about that. I hadn't heard of that so it's good to know.

I second the c25k im on week 4 and I still cant believe im doing it,ive never been able to run even when i was a dance The idea is that eventually ill be able to exercise effectively and when suits me.
Im loving the challenge of incresing it every week and ive lost a few pounds as well as starting to tone up (5 kids)

re the gym membership,phone around,ive managed to find one that lets me pay monthly with no contract.

Thanks ledkr. Wow - you manage to find time with 5 kids. I am in awe. I am going to have a look at the c25k and will def phone around a few gyms.
:)