Suggestions for starting exercise.

I'm two months post-op, and I feel I should start exercising now. I been sedentary for years, but what's worse is that I have been feeling very tired lately. That's not surprising considering I'm consuming only 600 to 800 calories, but it does make starting an exercise programme challenging. I believe I'm getting enough protein, but I'm going to track it very carefully over the 5 days and follow up with my dietician.

I'm not ready to do "real" exercise yet because of the fatigue. I wouldn't make it 5 minutes in an exercise class. I plan to start with walking to the store that's two blocks away, and then to the store that's five blocks away. Once I can do that, I'll be ready for longer walks. There are Zumba classes at work that I'd like to take when I get strong enough. I like dancing, so I think that would be a good fit for me.

For those of you who were sedentary before surgery, and became active afterward, how did you get started? What was your strategy avoid getting discouraged when you couldn't do much?

I'm thinking about getting a fitness tracker that will count my steps. That way, I can focus on increasing my step count a little each day

It might help to stop thinking in terms of "exercise." It's a loaded term, with many preconceived notions what exercise entails. Many people reach goal just fine without hhoing near a gym our exercise class.

Think instead in terms of activity. Increase activity wherever you can. Take an extra flight of stairs. Park farther away from a store entrance. Walk a few extra aisles. Having a fit bit or other step counter can help keep track of steps, miles, and active minutes.

Activity is much less daunting than exercise.

First, double check with your surgeon to make sure you're cleared for any type of physical experience (other than walking). You had MAJOR surgery. Walking is definitely a great start. If you have an iPhone you already have a tracker (it's a built-in app).

Once I got clearance from my surgeon, I actually went to a local gym and hired a personal trainer (recommended by a friend). It was great because I was able to work at my own pace (never interested in classes, I was more interested in strength/weight training and cardio work).

If you want to take classes, I suggest talking to someone at wherever you plan to take classes to explain what you're looking to get out of it, what your limitations are, and what your expectations are.

Start slow.

Where, in the iPhone?

Hey Gina! Mine isn't very accurate as I don't keep my phone with me at all times and when I am on the treadmill or elliptical it's sitting on the machine but there is a pedometer in the health section (the icon is a heart) of my iPhone.

There's a health app (with a heart) that came with my iPhone. As long as the phone is on your person it tracks steps, etc.

I track steps and active minutes on Samsung Health and a fitbit. Start off slow, maybe 3000 steps, building up in 1000 increments to at least 10k per day. I don't work, so I go for a 1 hour walk, which equates to around 6k steps at 3mph pace (which is deemed healthy) I then get the rest doing my normal day to day stuff.

Yesterday I looked after my grandson and got just over 16k!!!!

Once you are suitably active, you can consider weights, gym classes/membership etc.

You need to be committed to do this year round, whatever the weather. I go out in every weather but lightening and snow storms.

Lily my boxer and I walk every single morning for one hour. We even walk in snow--she loves it and frolics and tries to catch it in her mouth--but not ice. Just a bit too clumsy for that. I do have a treadmill and exercise bike in the basement and those get used on icy days. We even go out when its cold and just bundle up. I've lost over 160 pounds and kept it off nearly 5 years with no gym and nothing but walking. I'd like to attend classes but the money is just not there for a gym membership. I get over 10,000 steps most days. Start where you're at with anything that's fun for you. When I started I weighed 273 pounds and was winded going down my basement steps. If you stick with results will happen.

I consider my walks my mental health time. I listen to podcasts and I feel awesome afterwards! Sometimes Jim comes with me, but I actually prefer doing it on my own.

Our walks are definetely my stress relief. They've just become a part of my routine now. I prefer early morning but often since we're traveling and doing mission work that starts at 8,they become a project for after supper. She doesn't care when she walks--just so she does. The vet says its the best thing for her arthritis too to keep her joints moving.