Gym, exercise

It has been 8 months since surgery and I was thinking of going back to the gym. My weight loss has been okay, but I haven't had stamina nor energy since the surgery. People told me I need to exercise to have energy but I am wondering if it is true. I do walk, but this would be something more aerobic etc., like I used to do step classes and yoga and weights a few years ago. Can anyone share their feelings on this? I work full time so having energy is important, more energy would be great but less than I have now would be a killer.

I'm not great at consistent exercising other than walking either, BUT when I do it regularly I think I have more energy rather than less.

I think it is very individual. The only way to know is to try it. But if you do- consider sticking with it for a least a month. First few times can be rough. Or rather after first few times you exercise.

I have back and SI joints issue - pain. In November I started working out with a personal trainer to help build muscles for my back and legs. First 2-3 weeks was rough. Starting using muscles I never knew I had was ... interesting. I no longer felt pain in my back. Everything else was hurting much more. Now - after 8 weeks I am adapting. I still don't like it. I don't have more energy, but I know my muscles stronger. I know I will be doing that for at least few months. I neglected my muscles and when I had a car accident in November last year - it messed up my SI joints because there was nothing to hold it together. Strong core, muscles- are a must.

Even though I don't feel like a have more energy- I plan to add yoga to my exercise routine. Now I do 3 times a week with a PT. I am considering adding 2 more yoga classes per week. So I guess I must be getting stronger. Right?

I walk too, everyday. I started out walking 20 minutes with my cane, then 30 minutes, ect..I didn't feel much change in my energy level. Now almost 2 years later I walk 60-90 minutes daily without my cane and I walk briskly, very brisk. That is when I noticed my energy level change. When I don't get out and walk I notice my energy is low and I don't feel as well mentally. Maybe speeding up your pace and distance could help your energy? I began adding light jogging for 30 seconds every 5 or 10 minutes(as suggested by Gwen:-) This has given me even more energy!

Find something you enjoy doing and do it. I was working with a trainer before surgery and continued after. I do reformer based Pilates for at least an hour a week. I fence (as in en garde) 5 hours a week. (I love it - started six or seven months ago and I'm 56.) I'm in the gym another 3-4 hours a week lifting weights and doing cardio. I have so much more energy now and am so much stronger. (I deadlifted more than my own bodyweight earlier this week.)

Before surgery, I could barely hold a plank for 30 seconds. Now, I can plank for 2 minutes and not even feel it. My body looks so much better with things being toned and working with someone to help me know what to tone next.

I work 30 hours a week at a paying job, run a foundation as a volunteer for another 20 hours a week and have one kid in college, one in high school and a husband. I know that making time is tough, but I do it. Today, snow or not, I was at the gym at 9:30 and left at 11:30. Went to do the grocery shopping, ran some errands and was home by 2:30.

I work with a personal trainer 2 times a month and do lessons with my fencing coach about once a week. Find something you enjoy - but do incorporate some strength training in your routine. It is the one thing proven to ward off osteoporosis later in life.

I joined the gym today and will go tomorrow morning. I would love to do fencing again, as did it in college and have some kit in my closet. But the fencing group here is crazy expensive. That's a pity. I am going to try easy stuff at the gym first. I did some demanding gym classes two years ago but really want to take it a little slow. Anyway there rent classes running right now because of the holiday, and I'm not sure how well I will fit classes in with work so will always keep busy with weights and treadmill and rowing.

Exercise does help with energy.

Have you talked with your medical professionals about this? It seems strange that you're still so low on energy and stamina 8 months post-op. Have you had a full set of lab work done?

I had a full physical in November and all blood work. Everything normal. And I continue to eat my protein and avoid carbs, take vitamins and drink plenty of liquids.

Maybe fall and winter are getting to me. But I will see how I do tomorrow.

Exercise is great for your health, but your diet will have MUCH more of an impact on your weight loss. Some people manage to reach their goal with very little exercise.

What supplements are you taking? When you say your "labs were good," do you have your actual numbers? Perhaps adding additional iron or B12 could be helpful?

I found excercise to be very helpful in increasing my energy, *once I got used to it*.

It took my body a week or so to feel better after a workout. So be aware that there may be a slight "learning curve", but totally worth it.

uf you do begin working out, I might recommend increasing your water intake and protein intake on those days. Normally I get 90-100 oz of water, that becomes my minimum on intense work out days. Protein I usually shoot for 85g, but I'll kick it up closer to 100g. But I'm not a doctor, that's just what I do.

Also, I was on the low end of normal for vitamin D, B12, and iron. I increased my intake of these and feel much better. Maybe check and see if you're technically normal, but low end of normal too?