Exercise frequency

[confused 4]

I feel sooo bad reading everyones posts about exercise , i was banded June 2008 and so far have only lost 53 pounds. my diet is perfect i follow it to the "T" but i must admit i do not exercise,will i never lose the rest of the weight if i dont exercise? I have no energy most of the time or i guess i just dont like exercise anyways i feel like i am half ass doing this an i am mad at my self but i dont know how to even make myself work out, any tips from you guys would be great! i cant jog because i have a bad knee but any advise to get me motivated would be greatly appreciated! thanks all!

You can always start out just walking on the treadmill or outside. I started out going to curves for a year, then I felt I need more, so I joined another gym (I call that one a real gym), and was there a year. I then got tired of the drive I had to do plus life was starting to get in the way. So my husband bought us a treadmill and elliptical. I switch off, but I really like jogging/running on the treadmill, that's when I decided that I want to run marathons one day. So you just need to find something that you like doing; dancing, swimming, walking. It's all up to you. Good job though on loosing so much with just diet alone, that's a accomplishment to be proud of. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[Desdemona 48]

frenchvanilla--

I agree w/confused. One thing I have found out in the year and a half I have been on this board is that people have different rates of weight loss, partly because we have different bodies, partly because we have different lives, and partly because we have different things that motivate or engage us. What will work for 1 person -- may not work for another. The board is excellent for getting ideas so you can figure out what works for you. But ---if you keep at it -- you WILL come up with the right combination that WILL work for you! I have also eaten all the right things -- and spent quite a long time avoiding and hating exercise. I had a great initial weight loss and then just plan stopped losing. I stayed there for nearly a year --- but I must also say that even though I didn't lose weight - my body seemed to be reshaping. Then I got so frustrated that I did finally get the lead out and start to slowly do some exercise. I still didn't see weight loss but I ate more because I was hunger from the exercise. My MD told me that I am simply so short (under 5 ft) that I just will not lose anymore unless I move my butt. So now I know and accept that this is what I have to do. Another thing that helped me was getting a breast reduction. I had it 2 wks ago. I have to wait 1 more wk before going back to the gym and I have to wait another 4 wks before I can do strengths training on the weight machines.

I do admire all the runners here and I think it's a great way to get in shape and lose the weight but I know I just will never run. First of all -- my bones and joints will not take it. Second -- I'm just plain not motivated/interested in it but I do know that there are other ways of losing weight and our challenge is to find the right method and stick to it.

I also appreciate EbonyRose statement about the way the body plateaus and insists on losing when it gets good and ready to do it. I have been in those interminable places when I just can't understand WHY I'm not losing. I think the body is complex and that we can be doing everything right and our bodies are just going to do what they need to do before giving up more weight.

Edited August 24, 2009 by Desdemona

[frenchvanilla 0]

thanks for your responses, i decided to get off my butt, i went to the gym on saturday,and i took a quick little walk yesterday.Tonight i am going to a total body work out class, so i am making myself do this! thanks you guys ,I will keep yall posted !

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hi Everyone!

You can always start out just walking on the treadmill or outside.

Walking outside is just how I lost my first 55 pounds...I only recently started running, so I will count the last 5 with that, but walking was what got me started...

I started out going to curves for a year, then I felt I need more, so I joined another gym (I call that one a real gym), and was there a year. I then got tired of the drive I had to do plus life was starting to get in the way. So my husband bought us a treadmill and elliptical. I switch off, but I really like jogging/running on the treadmill, that's when I decided that I want to run marathons one day.

I LOVE the elliptical - wish I had one in my house! Will be checking EBay for one shortly - when the snow and ice get going outside, I won't be jogging, so I have to find something else. Like you, the drive to the gym just isn't part of my plan, but if that's all I have, I'll do it!

So you just need to find something that you like doing; dancing, swimming, walking. It's all up to you. Good job though on loosing so much with just diet alone, that's a accomplishment to be proud of. Don't be so hard on yourself.

I agree wholeheartedly - you've already done really well, exercise is just going to ramp up your progress another notch. Be proud of your accomplishment!

frenchvanilla--

I agree w/confused. One thing I have found out in the year and a half I have been on this board is that people have different rates of weight loss, partly because we have different bodies, partly because we have different lives, and partly because we have different things that motivate or engage us. What will work for 1 person -- may not work for another.

I agree with you, Desdemona - excellent point!

The board is excellent for getting ideas so you can figure out what works for you. But ---if you keep at it -- you WILL come up with the right combination that WILL work for you! I have also eaten all the right things -- and spent quite a long time avoiding and hating exercise. I had a great initial weight loss and then just plan stopped losing. I stayed there for nearly a year --- but I must also say that even though I didn't lose weight - my body seemed to be reshaping.

I'm there right now...just over halfway to my goal, and my losses have stalled, but my size keeps changing...

Then I got so frustrated that I did finally get the lead out and start to slowly do some exercise. I still didn't see weight loss but I ate more because I was hunger from the exercise.

For me, I had to fight the "Well, I exercised, so I can eat whatever I want" lie I told myself...I wasn't working out that hard LOL

My MD told me that I am simply so short (under 5 ft) that I just will not lose anymore unless I move my butt. So now I know and accept that this is what I have to do. Another thing that helped me was getting a breast reduction. I had it 2 wks ago. I have to wait 1 more wk before going back to the gym and I have to wait another 4 wks before I can do strengths training on the weight machines.

That's interesting - you got your reduction prior to reaching your weight loss goal? I'm considering it, but I want to wait until I'm nearer my goal...of course, I'm also much taller than you (I'm 5'11" tall and broad-shouldered) so I think I have an easier time carrying it...

I do admire all the runners here and I think it's a great way to get in shape and lose the weight but I know I just will never run. First of all -- my bones and joints will not take it.

I was in the same position as you - thought I'd NEVER run...losing over 50 lbs before I started jogging has made a WORLD of difference. I used to sprain my ankle a lot - not any more. I think being lighter has made the difference. Even the knee I injured several years ago doesn't stop me from running now - because I'm so much lighter and stronger from the walking...

Second -- I'm just plain not motivated/interested in it but I do know that there are other ways of losing weight and our challenge is to find the right method and stick to it.

I hear ya - I didn't think I'd like running, but I've grown to LOVE it...I miss it when I don't go...

I also appreciate EbonyRose statement about the way the body plateaus and insists on losing when it gets good and ready to do it. I have been in those interminable places when I just can't understand WHY I'm not losing. I think the body is complex and that we can be doing everything right and our bodies are just going to do what they need to do before giving up more weight.

I don't remember if I posted it here, but on another website I used to belong to, they did "physique" contests - a 12 week period, lose as much as you can eating right and working out, etc. Women always needed 6 - 8 weeks after starting the workout to see significant differences, and often needed 4 - 6 weeks between big losses for them to start again. I guess it's just a matter of patience - which I used to have NONE, but I'm getting better!

thanks for your responses, i decided to get off my butt, i went to the gym on saturday,and i took a quick little walk yesterday.Tonight i am going to a total body work out class, so i am making myself do this! thanks you guys ,I will keep yall posted !

Yay, frenchvanilla!

Start slowly to prevent / discourage injuries, and you'll be just fine!:biggrin:

[confused 4]

frenchvanilla--

I agree w/confused. One thing I have found out in the year and a half I have been on this board is that people have different rates of weight loss, partly because we have different bodies, partly because we have different lives, and partly because we have different things that motivate or engage us. What will work for 1 person -- may not work for another. The board is excellent for getting ideas so you can figure out what works for you. But ---if you keep at it -- you WILL come up with the right combination that WILL work for you! I have also eaten all the right things -- and spent quite a long time avoiding and hating exercise. I had a great initial weight loss and then just plan stopped losing. I stayed there for nearly a year --- but I must also say that even though I didn't lose weight - my body seemed to be reshaping. Then I got so frustrated that I did finally get the lead out and start to slowly do some exercise. I still didn't see weight loss but I ate more because I was hunger from the exercise. My MD told me that I am simply so short (under 5 ft) that I just will not lose anymore unless I move my butt. So now I know and accept that this is what I have to do. Another thing that helped me was getting a breast reduction. I had it 2 wks ago. I have to wait 1 more wk before going back to the gym and I have to wait another 4 wks before I can do strengths training on the weight machines.

I do admire all the runners here and I think it's a great way to get in shape and lose the weight but I know I just will never run. First of all -- my bones and joints will not take it. Second -- I'm just plain not motivated/interested in it but I do know that there are other ways of losing weight and our challenge is to find the right method and stick to it.

I also appreciate EbonyRose statement about the way the body plateaus and insists on losing when it gets good and ready to do it. I have been in those interminable places when I just can't understand WHY I'm not losing. I think the body is complex and that we can be doing everything right and our bodies are just going to do what they need to do before giving up more weight.

you had a breast reduction I must have lost all my weight in my boobs because I'm looking to have implants and a lift when I reach goal or when the husbands Harley is paid off.

[Jachut 487]

I do admire all the runners here and I think it's a great way to get in shape and lose the weight but I know I just will never run. First of all -- my bones and joints will not take it. Second -- I'm just plain not motivated/interested in it but I do know that there are other ways of losing weight and our challenge is to find the right method and stick to it.

there's definitely more than one way to skin a cat, and if its not your thing, then there's lots of other great activities out there.

but just a note for the would be runners, everyone says oh my joints wont take it. Well, you get the cardiovascular fitness developing VERY quickly with running, you can quite reasonably train from nothing to half marathons within 3 months if you're determined in that respect. But what takes the time is the strengthening of muscles, tendons and connective tissue to cope with the stress of running. It can take a year or more to build enough stability in your body to handle those long distances. But it DOES happen over time, its just a sport you have to start VERY VERY slowly at if you've got any issues.

Not everyone can run long distances, but most people who want to include running in their regime probably can, given enough time and care.

Its still what gets me on a long run. I'm quite sure my heart and lungs could keep me running all day now, no matter how far I run I dont get out of breath (unless I go really fast). That means my aerobic system works really well now. Anaerobic speed work is a different thing. But what limits the distances i can run is a) running out of fuel/energy and if I consistently go too far/too long I will get injuries.

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Hi Everyone!

Great point, Jachut!

I started running only about a month ago - and I started with a distance I'd been walking regularly - just about a mile. It's the route I walk my dog on - and I've got a short, medium and long route already mapped out. The walking got me to 55 pounds lost, and I kinda stalled on my weight loss.

When I decided I needed to up my calorie burn, I started thinking about running and found the Couch to 5K program (search this site, it's out there as well). I started by jogging one block, walking one block. Others might start with jogging a half block or walking two inbetween jogging. Listen to your body! I only "wogged" every OTHER day to give me a chance to recover and avoid injury.

This morning, I ran the entire course - just over a mile. I know I would NOT have been able to do that unless I progressed slowly. I still only run every OTHER day. I try to do a longer run on Saturday morning to give me the rest of that day and Sunday to recover.

Take it slowly - like Jachut said, I think my lung capacity is ready to do more, but I have one tender knee and a residual heart rate issue, so I take it slow. I'd rather progress slowly than be in the hospital not progressing at all.

If you can run two more steps than the time before, you're making positive progress. It's hard NOT to compare yourself to others, but remember - the band is SO individualized that our workout programs will probably be just as individualized. :thumbup:

[confused 4]

Just remember to buy a good pair of running shoes, and just because a person or magazine says that they are a good pair of shoes don't always take their words for it. Try them on and run around the store in them...it's ok to look goofy, because if not you will be hurting later, and I now know this for a fact. I had the wrong pair even though they sized me and everything.

[pilotlisa2008 0]

Yo guys are great! I feel motivated now. I have been doing 3-5 10 min walks a week and 2, 10 min on the stationary bike so I try to do something every day, even though it's not much it's better than none. I am a real lump when it comes to this type of thing and I want to get better, I never want to be one of those women that says I lost x amonunt and then gained it all back. If that was the case I could and have done that with out the band.

I am cleared for real exercize next week and I am actualy looking forward to it. better dig out my old knee brace and sport bra.Who knows where that knee brace is? It's been a while.....

[shari66 0]

Wow! I haven't been on here since right after my surgery last fall. I have lost 50lbs. since my surgery date last Nov. but even more amazing is that I have completed 2 half-marathons and am training for my 3rd. I was never a runner and had knee issues but I started slow and as the weight came off it was amazing how much easier the running was on my body. I started out walking 5 mins./ running 1 min. and gradually shifted to walking 1 min./running 5mins. to running the entire 13.1. You can do it. Remember, our weight loss/improved health like my runs is a marathon not a sprint.

[melloways 0]

I am 2 months post op and most of my exercise has been walking. To make it fun, I started a blog Melodie Takes Manhattan!!

I thought it would be fun to find out how long it would take me to walk every street in Manhattan. I blog and take pictures of interesting things along the way. I will continue to do this but now I need more of a challenge because my body is no longer challenged by the walking. I have an eliptical aka clothes rack and I think its time to pull it out of the corner. Okay. IT'S COMING OUT OF THE CORNER TODAY! Gotta stop thinking about it and actually do it.

[dhaxelbarqs 0]

Thanx for sharing your ideas here...... this is very useful....

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[Alsobrook71 0]

I do not know about being in minority or what, but I weight train each weekday morning from 5:30 ish to 6:45 as well as coach three soccer teams, play indoor socccer every Wed night and ref soccer. I have not changed my diet since I lost my initial 90 pounds but have added 12 pounds or so in last 7 weeks.

[Alsobrook71 0]

You can always start out just walking on the treadmill or outside. I started out going to curves for a year, then I felt I need more, so I joined another gym (I call that one a real gym), and was there a year. I then got tired of the drive I had to do plus life was starting to get in the way. So my husband bought us a treadmill and elliptical. I switch off, but I really like jogging/running on the treadmill, that's when I decided that I want to run marathons one day. So you just need to find something that you like doing; dancing, swimming, walking. It's all up to you. Good job though on loosing so much with just diet alone, that's a accomplishment to be proud of. Don't be so hard on yourself.

I think what is important is finding something you enjoy to do that is active. Ballroom and latin dancing can melt away pounds, playing a sport can help as well. I find the important thing is to find things that do not seem like exercise at all. I hate running for running sake. After 5 minutes on treadmill I am bored and worn out, but I can run nonstop in an indoor soccer game and not really realize 40 minutes have passed. Another thing I would suggest is to do small things, instead of escalators at mall take stairs if you can, intentionally park far away in parking lots to force yourself to walk to and from store. The funny thing I found to be true is like you stated at first I had no energy, but the more I did exercise the more energy I seemed to have. Last summer I got myself and my 6 year old son season tickets to sixflags (about 20 miles away) and almost every Sunday evening we would go around 4 PM or so (as crowd was beginning to clear out) and we would almost make the entire park every time normally riding most rides twice. All the walking was great exercise and I never failed to lose a pound or so each weekend (just don't buy food there lol). It was great time spent with my son and by end of summer I had way more energy than he had I was pulling him around.

[neyad 0]

Have you found that the exercise has tightened up the loose skin, thus eliminating any surgical procedures?