Exercise to go along with weight loss

[ThroughThinkandThing]

I've just stopped a two year course of medication that saw my weight balloon from about 3-4 stone to 16 stone. So I started from overweight, but got to incredibly overweight. The gain was emotional eating and also a known side effect of the medication.

I've been calorie counting using the NHS weight loss app, and have lost almost a stone, almost 3 inches from my waist and about 1/5 inches from my hips so far. So still a long way to go, but heading in the right direction.

I'm finding it really difficult to fit exercise in and to motivate myself when I do wake up in time before work (which I frequently do, but then just read a book rather than exercising). I used to be quite active up to about a decade ago, but now no longer cycle to work (too far) and haven't really replaced cycling/sports with anything. I know weight loss is mainly to do with diet not exercise, but want to tone up and get fitter along the way.

What do you do? How do you motivate yourself? How do you avoid the exercise excuse for overeating? And anything focusing on the bum/hips/thighs area, as my hips aren't reducing in proportion to my waist!

I have been swimming regularly now the pool is open again really struggled at first to do half an hour and about 25 lengths but now can manage an hour did 78 lengths today some walking and some swimming i am trying to do this 4 times a week and also do aqua once or twice a week. i am motivated by being able to increase the time i can do, and the more lengths I can fit into the time. My legs used to look very dimpled with cellulite but are now much smoother. I have cut down on calories and carbs and have lost about a stone so far i want to lose about another 8 to 9lbs

Thank you!
I enjoy swimming so will investigate that.

I go on the exercise bike while watching a programme. Appeals to my lazy side, better than actually cycling because when I get bored I can just stop and do something else and I can do it for 30 mins every day rain or shine. I do it more for the cardio than toning.

I think the key is doing something manageable that you can stick to and actually fit into your life. I used to run, but it messes with my knees these days. So I do a 45 min hilly dog walk, but fast enough that it raises my heart rate and makes me sweat a bit, then when I get back I do either 15 mins of yoga or weights, squats and crunches (I alternate days). I feel fitter, stronger and more toned, especially my bum and thighs but also my waistline.

Over the years I've found the only way to stick to exercise is to find something you really enjoy.
I've tried practically everything but walking is the only thing I actually enjoy over and over again.
I've given up try to commit to other stuff as eventually I just make excuses for not attending.
If you really enjoy something it's easier to make time for it.

Couch to 5k has been brilliant for me.
Yoga to build up my strength.
Resistance training to tone, build muscle and boost metabolism.
Swimming.
Exercise DVDs - Davina’s are good.
Walking - I have dogs so usually walk for a good hour a day.

The above, combined with 1800cals a day (tracked with MFP) have lost me 2 stone, and I’m in the best shape of my life at 47! Great for my head as well.

There are youtube videos to walk 3k in your living room.

Can anyone recommend any equipment free toning plans or YouTube videos for beginners.
I wasn’t a beginner o used to train 5 days a week in my local woman only gym who used to let me take the baby whilst he napped. They shut down and I can’t find anything else and I miss it so much. But to do it around my children I will have to exercise rsise at home and I find that so much harder

I did Couch to 5k and now do 5k three times a week. I can't say that it helped with weight loss but it's really toned up and slimmed down my bum and legs.