Obese Walking to fitness

[thisyeariwillstopprocrastinating]

Right this is for everyone out there whose done only limited / no exercise in 2024, not yet ready for starting 0-5K training, but who wants to get a bit fitter and lose a few pounds along the way.
I did the 0-5 k a few years ago but never managed to get beyond 8 / 9 weeks, as it suddenly jumped up from a few minutes of running, to several mins, I wasn't ready for the jump, got disheartened and gave up🤦‍♀️.
So my plan is to walk everyday, I'm setting myself SMART goals, so tomorrow, despite the predicted rancid weather, I plan to walk 4,000steps (approx two miles for my stride). Plan to do this for just over week, then add 1,000 steps each week starting 13/1/25. Once I get to 10,000 steps, I'll start walking a bit faster, and add more hills into the mix my goal is to be able to start 0-5K after Easter, so I join my dc with doing Park runs.
Go at your own pace this thread is for support and motivation

@thisyeariwillstopprocrastinating of course, I will give you a special thanks on the front page. Your right I should finish it in 2025.

I've signed up for the Country Walking magazine Walk 1000 miles in 2025 challenge. I used to walk a lot - miles every day when I lived in the countryside and had a dog. Sadly I now live in suburban Birmingham and have no dog, so my walking has fallen away to practically zero. This is the year I want to get walking again - good for my physical and mental health and hopefully helping me to reach one of my other goals for 2025 which is to lose 10kg.

@MissMarplesNiece absolutely love your username. I am a big marple fan. Thank you for sharing about the challenge that sounds good, will look into it.

A friend of mine walks dogs for a rescue, maybe you could also borrow one for a walk now and then!

I would second borrowing a dog @MissMarplesNiece, could you register with the Cinnamon Trust? I used to walk dogs regularly before I had small children, hoping to get back to it when my DC are older!

I usually make my 10K per day but am struggling with my weight and lack of confidence... would love to do the parkrun near me (albeit walking it) but just feel silly turning up on my own. Realistically I KNOW no-one would care, but still... I did get up to 5K running but now have a foot condition and can't run, walking is still good though thankfully

@DaisyWells & @Dolamroth Good ideas about finding a dog to walk. I really miss having a dog.

Hi, I'd love to join this thread please.

I never walk. I am very overweight and have a disability which causes me mobility issues, the bigger I've got the more inactive I've become and now I never do it. I have about a 15 min limit max and I'm a sweaty mess. I have dogs I never walk which makes me really sad.

This is my new years resolution, to learn how to walk. Every day. Either outside or in the gym. I've got a membership I use for swimming but there is a gym (I've never been inside) that I could force myself to go to, even if I just do the 15 mins on a treadmill in there if it's chucking down with rain or something.

Have a look at the NHS active app. 10 minutes a day 'brisk walking'. It tracks it from your phone. Also lets you monitor over weeks/months.

I have found it super helpful and best of all it's free!

I’ve downloaded it, thanks

I hope you have all had a good start to the New year.
I didn't quite make my target of 4,000 steps on New Year's Day, but apart from a teaspoon of sugar in my coffee (I know, I know!) I managed to avoid ultra processed food and any other sugary food stuffs.
Yesterday was a much better day with steps, managed 3,000steps on a walk and then a further 4,000 just getting the Christmas decs down and doing a big tidy up.
Had huge sugar cravings after evening meal, so tried the tooth brushing trick....it worked!
Goals for today:
4,000 steps on a walk.
No Ultra Processed Food
Increase water consumption (I drink enough)
Reduce sugar in coffee to 3/4 teaspoon (plan is to have 0 sugar in coffee by end of this month).
What are everyone else's goals for today?

I would love to join in. I am trying to get outside more. I am a bit of a hermit due to anxiety and depression. I am aiming for a short walk each day. Yesterday’s walk was 2766. Hoping to do a little further today. It’s a lovely sunny day here.

I'd like to join. I have been unfit for a while but had a couple of injuries last year which have made it worse. I'm sure my weight hasn't helped. I lost 1 stone 8lb before Xmas but managed to put 5lbs back on 😳. Another 5 stone to go!!
I'm trying to walk 2 miles a day in January after being inspired by the cancer research campaign. Day 3 today and I'm planning to go to a park a bit further away for a change.

nomoretreats thank you for the NHS active app recommendation, I've download it and will start using it today.

How is everyone getting on?
If you haven't managed to start yet, don't worry, one day at a time, and each day you do is a success and any day not done view as a fresh start the next day

I managed 3k steps on my walk yesterday, I was hoping to go a bit further but I had dd with me, and bless her, her hands were going blue/ purple with the cold. I gave her my gloves and puffy jacket....the advantage to having a pachyderm waistline, means my kids can wear my jackets over all their layers if they get cold and wrap it round several times!
I'm walking with friends this afternoon so should easily make 4k. I'm just aware my friends are all very fit and healthy and I hate the idea of them having to wait for me as I huff and puff up the slightest incline, I know they are lovely and don't mind, but I just feel a bit guilty holding them up!

Yesterday’s walk was 2752 steps on Samsung health but my Fitbit said much less. Don’t know which to believe. Won’t get out today as too busy and we are forecast snow tonight so probably won’t get out tomorrow either.

wearethethirteen maybe go for average footstep between the two devices? Or go for the Samsung; when in double go for the best option! The weather definitely doesn't help with motivation! I got back from our walk about an hour ago, it was very cold with an icy wind but managed 6,000 steps, happy with that but feel knackered!
Weather looking grim for tomorrow but I have good outdoor clothing so I'll be out again, but it's a busy day tomorrow so I'm going to have to be a bit more regimented with my timings!
I'm still rubbish at drinking enough, and I did have succumb to a chocolate craving and gave in, we're nearly finished with all the deliciously naughty Christmas treats, and I won't be having anymore till Easter!

Hi, I didn't get out for a walk but I did go to Ikea and that felt like a fairly big walk around! If a slow stroll anyway.

I don't want to go out in the snow or ice. I hope after the snow tomorrow is rain so it doesn't all freeze.

Our nearest IKEA is Huge! I reckon you could easily get 5,000 steps going around it (not to mention all the doubling back to 'have one more look'!)
I don't blame you for not wanting to risk going out in snow and ice.
I'm trying to do a bit of light jogging whilst brushing my teeth....accept I'm such a ruddy mongoose I managed to somehow poke my gum really hard with my toothbrush this morning, so might give it a miss tonight!

What I always say is go out and you can always go back. (Very rare in my experience.)

Great. I have started walking a little bit faster when out and about to make sure I hit the 10 mins. Not every day as I'm rubbish at getting out/exercising but trying to make some sort of effort.

I need to start taking my health seriously as it's having an impact and I'm gaining more weight.

I did a 5 mile walk on Friday and walked park run yesterday - weather awful today so won't do any today but all good so far x

Fantastic idea. I did sign up for a couch to 5k program last year but was morbidly obese so I thought I just couldn’t do it and was really worried about the impact on my joints. Since then I have lost 2 stone using WLI but I am out walking most days. Alas no real countryside near me.I am certainly up for starting couch to 5k in March - count me in.

Only managed aboit a mile and a half today, weather is rubbish but wanted to get out before it gets dark

Well done with your Friday and Saturday steps Raindrops, I didn't manage to get out for a walk today, but I've figured Sunday is a day of rest....so will start again tomorrow!
pumpkins well done for your weight loss so far, your joints will thank you! Walking is great exercise.....although I've got a huge blister from my walk yesterday 🤦‍♀️ I'm still aiming to start 0-5k in March.
Hope everyone is doing okay, the weather definitely doesn't help motivation.

I’ve managed a walk each day around the side effects post chemo. The weight is gradually going on - it’s a chemo thing, but the walking keeps everything circulating and once chemo is done I’ll walk the weight off (in conjunction with diet!). I need to maintain some fitness level. I’m not moving much at present due to tiredness but this too will pass once this phase of treatment is over. I’m walking for fitness and to keep my eyes on the prize (end of chemo!).

I’d like to do this. I am also wanting to park walk at the park runs which is something they’re encouraging. Because I think that would push my speed up.