Obesity Discussion Forums

[ribenagirl13]

Ok....the bottom line is I need to do some exericise...

I am very obese and walking for more than a few minutes hurts my ankles and knees. There is absolutly no way that anyone is getting me in to a swimming costume unless I have my own private pool in my livingroom lol so I'm not sure what options that leaves me. Other than the gym which people keep suggesting which I'm afraid due to my weight I wouldn't be sutable for any machines...

I am also really bad at motovating myself so I need some help, just sugestions really of what I can do to exercise with out pain or public humiliation

Any advice would be hugely appriciated...

[Audrey]

I'm not an expert, so some people here may have much better ideas.

I'd say go and buy yourself an exercise ball and some small weights (2-5 lbs), and start by doing small toneing exercises, crunches etc. This you can do in the comfort of your own living room!

This should help you keep your muscle, and if you follow a lower calorie diet you should be loosing weight at the same time!

When you get to a weight where walking is more comfortable, but you're still not up to lots of movement, my mother loves these "Walk away the lbs" DVD's. She says they're a good workout, but still easy to do (she has bad feet). I think she rented them from the library (and then I copied them for her...), so I'm not sure if they're pricey.

I'm sure lots of other people here will have great advice for you as well!

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by ribenagirl13

Ok....the bottom line is I need to do some exericise...

I am very obese and walking for more than a few minutes hurts my ankles and knees. There is absolutly no way that anyone is getting me in to a swimming costume unless I have my own private pool in my livingroom lol so I'm not sure what options that leaves me. Other than the gym which people keep suggesting which I'm afraid due to my weight I wouldn't be sutable for any machines...

I am also really bad at motovating myself so I need some help, just sugestions really of what I can do to exercise with out pain or public humiliation

Any advice would be hugely appriciated...

Unfortunately a swimming pool is the best thing for your knees/joints. You don't have to put on a swim suit, but maybe a large T shirt instead? If you can afford it I'd suggest buying your own elliptical machine, as those are the easiest of all the cardiovascular exercise machines on the joints. Otherwise the gym is your best bet. Most of the machines should be built to support your weight, so I wouldn't be too afraid of that. If you're really concerned you could write down the model numbers of the treadmills or elliptical machines at your gym, call the manufacturer and ask for the specifications and whether or not it is safe for you to use.

Have you looked into better shoes and/or orthotics (custom insoles)? The right shoe or custom insole can help your joints, especially if you have an abnormal foot step pattern.

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

Unfortunately a swimming pool is the best thing for your knees/joints. You don't have to put on a swim suit, but maybe a large T shirt instead? If you can afford it I'd suggest buying your own elliptical machine, as those are the easiest of all the cardiovascular exercise machines on the joints. Otherwise the gym is your best bet. Most of the machines should be built to support your weight, so I wouldn't be too afraid of that. If you're really concerned you could write down the model numbers of the treadmills or elliptical machines at your gym, call the manufacturer and ask for the specifications and whether or not it is safe for you to use.

Have you looked into better shoes and/or orthotics (custom insoles)? The right shoe or custom insole can help your joints, especially if you have an abnormal foot step pattern.

Do you think what I suggested will benefit her at all? The gym is most likely the best bet, but if she doesn't feel comfortable there, I'd rather her do something at home that will still be beneficial, until she's comfy going to the gym.

[Jyames]

Originally Posted by Audrey

Do you think what I suggested will benefit her at all? The gym is most likely the best bet, but if she doesn't feel comfortable there, I'd rather her do something at home that will still be beneficial, until she's comfy going to the gym.

Unfortunately, no.

You will not burn a substantial amount of calories in the fashion you recommend.

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by Jyames

Unfortunately, no.

You will not burn a substantial amount of calories in the fashion you recommend.

That's true, but if she is already maintaining a calorie deficit in order to loose weight, would it be beneficial to do some work with small weights in order to maintain her muscle until she gets to a weight where she is more comfortable at a gym, and can do more substantial exercise?

I don't mean for this exercise to be the sole factor in her weight loss. I'm just thinking of it as something that's possible to do at home, and will maintain/build muscle.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Audrey

That's true, but if she is already maintaining a calorie deficit in order to loose weight, would it be beneficial to do some work with small weights in order to maintain her muscle until she gets to a weight where she is more comfortable at a gym, and can do more substantial exercise?

I don't mean for this exercise to be the sole factor in her weight loss. I'm just thinking of it as something that's possible to do at home, and will maintain/build muscle.

Not really.... muscle loss isn't a concern for someone her size. While some form of resistance training can be added into the mix, I wouldn't shoot for 2-5 lb dumbbells. I'd stick with various forms of calisthenics and band work.

While any movement is better than no movement.... 2-5 lb dbs are simply not going to offer a whole lot in this particular situation.

In the meantime, a few questions/thoughts for the OP:

- has your weight been stable the last few months? years?

- you seem to be focusing on exercise, but the majority of your success is going to come from sound nutritional decisions. This said, how are you currently eating?

- Achy joints are a common issue with people carrying similar amounts of weight as you. Joining a gym would be idea simply due to the options it would present. There are various forms of equipment that could be used for cardiovascular exercise (energy burning) that are low/no impact. That said, if you are completely against gym membership and can afford it, as said above, and elliptical would be great. Or even an exercise bike!

- I can't stress how important the nutritional component of your 'routine' is to your success, so I really think this is where we need to start.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by Steve

Not really.... muscle loss isn't a concern for someone her size. While some form of resistance training can be added into the mix, I wouldn't shoot for 2-5 lb dumbbells. I'd stick with various forms of calisthenics and band work.

While any movement is better than no movement.... 2-5 lb dbs are simply not going to offer a whole lot in this particular situation.

In the meantime, a few questions/thoughts for the OP:

- has your weight been stable the last few months? years?

- you seem to be focusing on exercise, but the majority of your success is going to come from sound nutritional decisions. This said, how are you currently eating?

- Achy joints are a common issue with people carrying similar amounts of weight as you. Joining a gym would be idea simply due to the options it would present. There are various forms of equipment that could be used for cardiovascular exercise (energy burning) that are low/no impact. That said, if you are completely against gym membership and can afford it, as said above, and elliptical would be great. Or even an exercise bike!

- I can't stress how important the nutritional component of your 'routine' is to your success, so I really think this is where we need to start.

I agree 100%. And just in case, OP= Original Poster for those that aren't as internet lingo savvy as Steve