Exercise?

Before surgery, I was moderately active. I haven't been to the gym in a long while. WHat are you guys doing for exercise?

I wasn't active pre-op. I have Multiple Sclerosis and had problems with walking and balance. I also waited post-op until after the holidays to get started on my exercise regieme. I am doing basic stretches, leg and arm exercises with light weights (1lb) M-W-F and bought a Walk Away the Pounds video for T-Th. If you want to try an exercise video, go to ebay.. I got mine there for less than $10.00. (I hate to pay new price to try something..lol)I am just doing the one mile for now, but hope to get tro the 2 mile in a monthor so as I get stronger and more stamina. I want to be able to go for walks outdoors every day when Spring comes. My doc can't stress enough about how important exercise is for long term success. And I don't want the wiggly jigglys.. so I am on it..lol. I also used to go to CURVES. That is a good program, can't do it with my MS. I can't do heavy aerobics, either, so WATP is a good choice for me. Jacki K from PA

im joining the gym again so i can get more exercise. right now though i have a tape i do sometimes and i walk around the store a couple times a week. i really need to get more exercise. i do clean my house alot and get alot of walking back and forth from that. but its not enough i know. i know once i join the gym ill do much better cause ill b paying for the membership and i wont want to waste it. good luck to everyone on their exercise and remember to get that protein in!!! lisa

Funny, but there is a special at the YMCA through today (I think), and I have been meaning to join. I even thought about signing up online, but then I realized that if I don't have the time to go there in person to join, then how will I ever have the time to go there to work out???? I know I need to do more in the way of exercise, but don't think that will happen by the end of today's "Y" deal!! Lately, I have been doing a lot physically, though....but mostly in the way of cleaning/clearing out the shop I work in, as well doing the same in my own home (post-XMAS stuff). By evening, I am too tired to even think of exercising. Hopefully, things will change soon.....I really do want to do some type of formal exercise. *Kam*

I was also moderately active before surgery. The month after surgery I didn't do much, but at the beginning of the year I joined the gym. THat has made all the difference in the world. Since I'm already there, I end up doing 40-45 minutes of cardio work on 2 different machines (20 min each) to get a variety (if I were to just walk the neighborhood, I'd probably only do 30 minutes!). I also am starting to do some arm work and ab work to loose some skin (Hopefully). I don't think I'd be doing as much if it weren't for taking the time to go to the gym! --Dana

Thanks guys. I just need to get over my apprehension about going to the gym and go. I used to do curves a few years ago, but that work out bores me. It realy is great for those people who haven't exercised before.

I belong to a gym that has a good swimming pool. I had to wait until I was 6 weeks out (drs orders) to start exercising. When I go into town I go to the gym and swim a half mile. I was also doing this before surgery but I got some training fins for Christmas and I have really noticed my legs gaining strength. I'm scheduled for a consult with an othopedic surgeon later this month to start the process of getting my knees replaced but since I've lost over 40 lbs. and been using the fins it looks like I can cancel the appointment and not worry about new knees this year. I have a very poor physical memory and balance problems so I have a hard time doing weights but I'm planning on getting started after I return from a business trip in a couple of weeks. I'm going to have to hire a personal trainer for a couple sessions so I can learn how to do them without hurting myself. Didi

I was inactive pre-op. I could walk for about 2 minutes before I had to sit down to rest. I was able to work my way up to 5 minutes a couple times a day. Just before surgery I could walk for 10 minutes at a time, about 4 times a day. Today I walk 2 miles in the morning, and 4 1/2 miles at night~with out my cane! I am so blessed. God bless you all. Annette

My DH bought me an elliptical a few days ago. BOY--is this a workout!!! I'm up to 2 1/2 minutes so far! LOL!!! I'm not going to give up, though. I'm still up at 283lbs. and the smooth motion of the elliptical will save my joints. But it is definitely a workout that you build up to!

My surgeon has a gym his patient go to, no Ken and Barbies allowed! Well unless your name is Ken or Barbie hahaha. Anyhow at 3 weeks postop they have you in there with a exercise physiologist setting up a plan for you and want your butt in there an hour a day as often as possible. I am currently up to 4 days a weeks plusworking fulltime. PS/ Prior to surgery organized exercise was a foreign concept.-Heather