I was talking to a friend the other day who struggles mightly with her weight. She has finally lost enough weight that she is able to move without being in constant pain. She is ready to do some exercise. She asked me what I recommended. I suggested walking or water exercising. She’s going to think about what she feels comfortable with. I’m excited for her and hope that she will be able to discover the love of exercise as I have.
I still remember the first day I woke up early after commiting to an exercise and weight loss regime. I put on my ugly homemade jumper and little white Ked tennis shoes and headed out into the dark neighborhood. After only ten minutes I was completely out of breath and huffing and puffing. I was sweaty and exhausted and I felt like I had just climbed Mt. Everest.
And to me I had. I had done something that I previously thought only fit, thin people did. I had exercised and I was proud of myself. And the best part? I kept it up and continue it to this day.
I was wondering what the first exercise experience felt like to you? Were you exhausted or elated? And did you keep it up consistently, or have you taken breaks along the way? Diane
That’s not my street but I wish it were!
I was a Tom Boy growing up so had been very active at one point in my life. But after gaining 50 pounds, when I started to exercise again I did exercise videos in the privacy of my apartment. Thankfully, it was a really old building with cement floors so the neighbors below us never knew what I was up to. (At least that’s what I believed.) I moved on to swimming but I have never felt comfortable in the locker room.
I used to be very active and fit…then I gained weight. 3 years ago, I lost about 30 pounds and was walking/jogging 4 miles a day and felt great. I quit and gained all my weight back plus 20! I just started back a couple weeks ago and it was hard. I started walking 3 minutes/day. Last week, I was walking 2 miles each day and walked 4 miles Saturday. We live in the country so when I walk, it’s usually a hilly walk. I’ll admit, that 4 miles was tough but my husband went with me and stayed ahead of me and motivated me. I would suggest to your friend to do as you and a lot of us have. Just start walking. If she can only do 10 minutes, then just do 10 minutes. Gradually work herself up and push through it. Good luck to your friend!
.-= Terri´s last blog ..Yay For The Weekend! Yay For Spring Break! =-.
I have always exercised, but with intervals (sometimes very long) of no exercise.
When I return exercising, my first thought is “oh! I was better!”
This time I have started my strong exercising by walking/running 30 minutes/day at least 4 days/week. I’m increasing the mileage when I see that I run some distance in less than 30 minutes. And I feel great
My first experience was doing something I hated my grade school gym teacher for when I was younger….running. He always had us running 4 miles in gym class. I eventually worked my way up to running this again 7 years ago and was pretty proud of myself. I ended up calling that old teacher too and letting him know he finally got through to me.
.-= John´s last blog ..Long Day =-.
I have started from the very beginning walking – three times now. The first time was the very beginning of this process. The second two times were after surgeries. Each time – it was down to the end of the driveway and back, And then the next day a little further. I pushed myself to walk FAST. And I walked several times a day until I could build up endurance for longer, FAST walks. I agree that walking is a very good place to start.
I think Curves is also a very good place to start. I was there until I built up enough endurance to go to a real gym.
.-= vickie´s last blog ..pairings =-.
I joined a womens gym and started working with a trainer.
.-= Cindy´s last blog ..WELCOME SPRING =-.
When I started this journey, we walked less than 1/4 of a mile and I felt like I was going to die! I am thankful that while I am still not a fan of exercise, that it has become much easier to move. I know its a necessary evil, even though sometimes I have to admit I still wish it was not.
.-= Pam´s last blog ..A "Bump" in The Road =-.
All the best to your friend. Maybe she could find a walking partner to make her first try at exercise feel a little more like a social event and maybe not quite as intimidating.
.-= karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..Condiments Have Calories Too =-.
The first time I went to the gym I sat in my car for a good 45 minutes before I worked up the courage to go inside. Once I got in there I realized I was working out with everyday people just like me….people that want to live healthier lives. I could not wait to go back the next day!
.-= Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..A Major Scrub =-.
My first real memory of running was in high school taking the Presidential Fitness Test! One of the challenges was to run a 1/2 mile. Although I didn’t throw up, I felt nauseous and hated running from that forced event.
Now I’ve run 1000′s of miles on 5 continents because I did not let that first failure define me.
.-= Dr. J´s last blog ..Okay Snack Foods =-.
That is a beautiful street!
Well, I was always active in sports even though I was heavy. I was not obese. But when I first started like gym type exercising & using weights & taking classes. by then, I had lost a good amount of weight & felt OK. But, I still felt somewhat embarrassed because we often still see ourselves as out old heavier self. With time, the accomplishments & payoff far out weighed all that.
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Keeping Women Motivated, the FJ Way; Giveaway Winner =-.
When I was young, I was overweight but very active. I was on swim team, I played soccer, I did backpacking , canoeing, ice skating and much more. When I embarked on my journey to lose 110 pounds I began a walking routine that left me in great shape. My goal was conception, and I succeeded in that as well. What I did not forsee was 7 months of total bedrest which turned every muscle in my body to complete jello. I did not forsee a difficult recovery from a c section and then dealing with an autistic son which made exercise the furthest thing from my mind ( my goal was to get my son to speak and be present in the world and make it through a day without rocking, headbanging and stimming. Funny how those things can make any weight issue you have totally invisible). When weight loss became possible, exercise entered back in, and it has been really challenging for me. In the inactivity period arthritis really grabbed hold of my body and made even breathing painful some days. I keep runing into snags for different reasons ( lack of space, lack of funds, living at the intersection of two major roadways with no sidewalks, annoyed neighbors, pool closed for repairs) so I have to get really creative. No matter what, i get in 30-45 minutes of some kind of exercise 6 days a week and I drag my son along for the adventure. It’s not perfect, but perfection just is not required. Movement is !
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Someone’s in the kitchen, working =-.
Getting back to exercising has always sort of been like coming home again.
But, of necessity m biggest challenge has been affording a form of exercising. Especially with young children and a husband that travels. There was the necessity of a jogging stroller, or people trying to sell me drugs, or no gym in my town. All these things contributed to me working to prove a need for a treadmill. And affording one. Honestly it has been the salvation of my exercise with a great deal of honest to goodness inhibiting factors.
I’m so grateful I have it.
.-= JourneyBeyondSurvival´s last blog ..Sugar Award and your Questions =-.
I’ve been active most of my life, but there was a time when I didn’t work out very much (and ate a lot and gained a lot of weight).
I really like walking to get back into exercise. A brisk walk can be quite challenging. When I had gotten out of shape, the biggest problem was wanting to do what I had done before and not allowing my body to get used to exercise again. I was not realistic at all and expected to be able to do what I had done before… I got some injuries along the way… Whenever I start something new, I’m a lot kinder to my body these days.
.-= Andrea@WellnessNotes´s last blog ..Guest Post: About Dang Time for Lemony Pasta =-.
I decided that the grocery wasn’t too far away and I needed cereal for breakfast so I put on my back pack and walked there and back. Then promptly took a nap but I was so proud I did it.
.-= Cynthia (It All Changes)´s last blog ..Stop Light Foods + Goals =-.
My first exercise attempts were exhausting. I couldn’t believe how out of shape I was. We started going to trails to walk because it felt less like work and more like fun. But even then sometimes we’d have to turn around early because mom’s foot (or back, or leg, or whatever) would start hurting.
Progress was slow but it was progress. I pushed myself and after losing 20 pounds signed up for a 5K. It took me 53 minutes to get through that race but I did it and it was a HUGE boost for me.
.-= Kelly Happy Texan´s last blog ..Before and During Pictures =-.
Wish that was my street block too! So pretty!!
I have always been some what active since I was a child, so the first time I really began running and weight lifting was challenging. I could barely do 5 minutes of straight running. It is definitely always harder the first few weeks, but with motivation and support, it got better and better and 7 years later, ran my first marathon!
My first experience was with walking. I was neither elated nor exhausted (since I was strolling). I felt like it was a chore that I had to do.
I still walk outdoors but I’m glad that I’ve found new ways to exercise.
.-= ‘Drea´s last blog ..Ain’t No Mountain… =-.
My first true exercise experience was running. I was dating a guy, (I was really thin at the time) and lamented to him about how my thighs looked a little flabby. He simply said, “start running”. I did, and in the beginning could only go about 1/4 mile. But very quickly I was able to increase to where I did 3-5 miles each day. The first times were HARD, and I was disheartened at how short a distance I could do. But I was able to build up quickly which made me feel competent and strong.
.-= Leslie Erickson´s last blog ..Out of the mouths of babes – a quotable quote =-.
I started out walking, using the exercise ball for stability exercises, and some beginners yoga. It was a challenge for me, yes. But I kept on doing it, because it got easier as I went along. Now, I’m running and weight-training and getting better and better as I go along. It’s a continuous journey, but I’m getting there!
Best of luck for your friend! That’s awesome!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Oh Honey! =-.
I was active until after the birth of my first child. Although, I gained a lot of weight ( 90 lbs) while active. Because of foot, ankle and knee problems I did not do high-impact exercise. During my pregnancy for my second child, my sacral joint separated and basically put me out of commission. Over the last 5 years, I have walked. I have started over 3 times. The first workout after my child was born was a 15 min Walk Away the Pounds video. Last spring was my third attempt at becoming more fit since children. I started with a 20 minute walk. I have walked, done a video, danced to Just Dance or skied on my NordicTrack 6 out of every 7 days since then. I am now doing the Couch to 5K program or walking 30 mins at a time. The time limit is self imposed. Right now, the only way that it gets done is to do it before the kids get up. I can do 30 mins. If I get more in during the day great, if not, I have done what I need to do.
Other than PE in highschool, my first real fitness attempts were walking. It was not enjoyable at first. I was sweaty and it was really hard. It takes a lot of guts to keep with it, but then it gets easier and easier and you need new challenges. I would never have seen myself doing what I do now 5 years ago.
.-= Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Vegging out. =-.
My first TRUE attempt at exercise was in high school, joining the cross-country team. I’ve been a runner ever since! While I’ve had my ups and downs and running for “fitness” and for “fun” moments, I just love it. I have seen my goals change over the years, and I’m okay with that.
.-= Nicole, RD´s last blog ..garden woes and dinner wow’s! =-.
I turned on music and started dancing. I was self conscious at first (even though I was alone). I’m sure I looked silly, but it was fun and got my endorphins up, which helped my want to do better.
I also began to walk for a few minutes each day.
.-= Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..Looking for Something? =-.
I did yoga in college, which I loved, but other than that I was allergic to sports and getting sweaty! Little by little I expanded my horizons and eventually joined a gym (huge step out of the box for me!) and started running (very scary). I would tell your friend to take it little by little and do what she can. Slowly building up your fitness and slowly expanding your horizons is the way to go.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..10K PR in Dendermonde! =-.
Getting off the bus a stop early… then two stops… then walking at lunchtime… then talking the stairs not the lift… and so it goes on. Starts off a bit tiring, but deep inside I KNEW it would get easier… and it has so I’ve added other stuff along the way. The key has been doing what I don’t absolutely hate. Stick me on a bicycle and I’d have given up long ago.
.-= Deniz´s last blog ..Promises, promises =-.
I went to the gym and used the elliptical and was elated that I hadn’t died.
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Weigh-in #12 2010: Red Alert =-.
Oh gosh! The moment you decide to change..and then actually do it and stick with it…wow! I think overweight, average, etc. struggle sticking with a routine. Staying motivated is hard especially when you don’t see the results you would like immediately. I’m proud to say since October 2009, I’ve been going to the gym consistently 2-3 times a week and on my off days doing something active! It’s part of my life now! I love it! It was hard at first but now it’s simply rewarding!
.-= Jen-JensFitnessTips.com´s last blog ..Tip #64: Meditation =-.
First Diane, I admire what you are doing and wish you much success with it. I will caution you, after being involved in fitness for 30 years, the great majority of people you will try and help will probably never love it the way you do. If you can get her to just (sincerley) appreciate the value of it, you’ll be ahead of the game.
First took too exercise when I was a pre-teen, and fell in love with it instatntly. I truly remember my first day in the gym like it was yesterday.
.-= Emergefit´s last blog ..Mr. (healthcare) Bill; and Slugo… =-.
Walking. And oh, at 356 pounds and a very sedentary lifestyle, it was SO HARD. During the walk I would have to pause many times for breath. I would come home and collapse on my bed, red faced and panting.
But it was worth it. Every step brought me closer to my heart’s goal–being normal.
And here I am now, 86 pounds lighter. I can run. I can ride a bike! I can run up and down stairs and I’m not afraid of them anymore! I am one of those horrid people I used to hate–I walk fast! I really didn’t care how hard it was when I started. I wanted to be thin. I still have a little over 100 pounds to get to my goal and I will I will I will. Love you Diane!
.-= zaababy´s last blog ..Day 315–Pleasant Surprise and Shopping can be fun! and Reader Question of the Week =-.
Thankfully I have always loved to exercise. For me it’s the eating part that’s been tough to stick to!
.-= Carla´s last blog ..Back in action (sort of) =-.
I grew up on a ranch in CA and was pretty active until I hit my teens. Then I ballooned up to 180+ pounds (I am only 5’2″) and stayed there until I was about 20…I started running on the beach;my sister was my inspiration. I kept on running, taking time off to have 3 kids, and now I have expanded to Jazzercise twice a week and the gym several days. I work out almost every single day. I wish I had the discipline over my food like I do the exercise…the older I get, the more I have to pay attention to what’s going in.
I can’t answer this question because I don’t know it. I have been working out on and off since I was a kid. As a kid I went to jazz dance and gym.
The only thing different now compared to only a year ago is that I now workout 4 to 5 times a week (at least I try) and before this 1 time a week, in a good week 2 times.
.-= Fran´s last blog ..A day in my life: Monday March 22th 2010 =-.
My first success with exercise was in high school. I took a class called Strength Training and Conditioning. I put on a lot of muscle during that class, but managed to gain over 70 pounds in college.
I’ve tried to start up again a number of times. I’ve tried running, gym memberships, weight watchers, slim fast, Wii Fit, etc. None of it stuck for longer than a few weeks.
In the middle of April of last year I’d had enough. I was 313.2 pounds and sick and tired of being fat. I wasn’t running because I was worried about my knees. I went to the gym in town and was dismayed to find that each session would cost me $8. That’s unacceptable. I went home and laced up my running shoes. I ran about one block and felt as though my lungs had caught fire. I didn’t give up. I went back the next day and made it slightly farther before I felt as though my body would turn inside-out. I made running a habit for a couple months and was knocked off course by my wedding. The month of July was filled with celebrations, feasts, friends, and family. The only thing it was missing was exercise. When I tried to go back to running, the knee injuries I was afraid of showed up. I gave up for a while and slipped up a little.
At my wife’s insistence, we joined a gym. We received a free training session and we set to work, going 3-4 times a week. My weight stayed firmly at 296 pounds. Frustrating to say the least.
I decided to start blogging. I had just seen the movie Julie and Julia and was inspired. If Julie could cook through a 500+ recipe cookbook in a year, surely I could lose some weight in a year. I thought about how much I wanted to lose. I decided I’d be happy if I were 100 pounds lighter (ambitious, I know). In order to lose 100 pounds in one year, I’d need to lose just under 2 pounds every week. That seemed attainable. I set to it and named my blog 100 Pounds in a Year. Nothing happened for the first month. I started on November 28th and by December 28th I had lost 1 pound. I stepped up my exercise, started watching what I ate, and BAM! Something happened. The weight started coming off.
Today I weigh 266.2 pounds (although that may change, I have a weigh-in tonight). I’m just a smidge away from 30 pounds lighter than when I started blogging. In the past year I’ve lost 47 pounds! That makes me incredibly happy.
Andrew
.-= 100 Pounds in a Year´s last blog ..Health Care Reform =-.
I’ve always done some basic exercise (walking mainly), but if I want to have strong, heart, lungs and muscles, I have to work harder than my lazy self sometimes would like, and include weight lifting as well as interval training.
.-= Siobhan´s last blog ..it’s all about me =-.
I started with walking also…but in the evening while it was dark out so I couldn’t be seen easily! I still love to walk and after 1 & 1/2 years am beginning to run–well, jog very slowly is more like it. The most important thing is to do something…just MOVE!
I would be elated, then overwhelmed then quit… this last time I was elated… stayed consistent.. and now i’ve been obsessed for the last couple of years!
.-= fittingbackin´s last blog ..Two C25K Workouts, New Range, Bham Fun =-.
I started with walking and doing it via Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away the Pounds DVDs. Six months later I tried the elliptical machine again at the gym and when I saw I could do 30 minutes straight on it I started doing that more. In January I decided to start jogging.
I have not taken any real breaks this last year, but I have not been consistent for more than a few months in a row all the years before that.
Though I’m enjoying the jogging and weights now, my lifelong goal is to be an old grandma taking brisk walks everyday. If I can keep that up until I die I will be content.
For now I’ll do more, since my body can put up with it.
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Progression Pics 10 Months =-.
I did water because I knew that at my weight and with my back issues, I needed to build up my strength and my stamina without putting pressure on my joints and such. It worked out beautifully!
.-= Fattie Fatterton´s last blog ..Are you an extrovert or an introvert? =-.
LOVE THIS!!
I did high impact aerobics and did.not.walk.for weeks I was so sore…
My parents used to go on walks when I was growing up so I would join them. I started to do it on my own once in a while too, so I think that was my first exercising experience on my own. I still enjoy the walks!
.-= Alissa´s last blog ..Turning It Around =-.
I have learned to play with all types of exercising through my life. I gained a good amount of weight when I went to college and everyone’s solution was to go to the gym and get on the elliptical. This wasn’t horrible, but none the less became boring and I stopped going.
For me it’s been all about finding different activities I like and finding diversity. Now days my primary exercise is running outdoors. I love the freedom and don’t think I can ever go back to being a gym rat. I still go to the gym for yoga and pilates but those are my main forms of exercise. I use to love water aerobic and group classes. On days when I’m feeling lazy I would get motivated by others. I also loved to get on a stair machine or recumbent bike for an hour and zone out to a good book or magazine.
.-= Rebecca @ How the Cookies Crumble´s last blog ..Words from the Wise =-.
First thing that stuck – Dance Dance Revolution. I wasn’t able to stick with something unless it was a) fun and b) goal oriented. Walking was painful and boring, the elliptical was boring too, and swimming was great but not reliable (weather, kids being annoying in the pool, etc). DDR was something I could break out at any time. It had good music, achievable goals, and I could tell when I was getting better!
For me the first time was doing the Body for LIFE 20 Minute Aerobic Solution. I figured I’d start with that day in my BFL attempt first cause it was only 20 minutes, how hard could that be.
I jumped on the elliptical and went to town. About 5 minutes in, almost done with the first cycle I was ready to die. By the time I was finished I was already sore, gasping for breath, and sweating profusely. The next morning I felt like I was hit by a truck and yet I still went to the gym and did upper body, go perseverance!
.-= Sean (Learn Fitness)´s last blog ..WordCamp, Family, Fitness, and Food =-.