BMI over 50 & Exercise...
Okay, I have a great topic to champion! I have been having some great discussion with a lot of Members on OH, and it is centering around physical activity.
I hate to admit this, but the more I say it, the more motivated I feel about taking control of my health. Hello, my name is Brenda, and I currently weigh 457 pounds. Ouch! That stings, but I think I need to be realistic & not rely on my "glory days" of being in the mid 200's.
For anyone who has a BMI over 50, you have to do some kind of movement, no matter how small. Being able to lean the seat back & use an extender belt is no way to really live life, so I am taking control and responsibility for my weight. I "used to be" so active... I "used to be able" to shop at the mall (Lane Bryant counts!)... I "used to fit" in one seat on the plane/theater/armed chair... When I look at what I used to be able to do, I ask what has changed?
What has changed in my life: I injured my leg so severely I needed surgery, but couldn't get a surgeon to work on a (healthy) obese person. I stopped doing a lot of the activities that kept me healthy - walking, bicycling, swimming, because of pain. MODERATION, a fabulous word that I am trying to live by.
Even just walking in your house multiple times a day; taking the stairs a couple extra times a day; pedaling on a stationary bike; doing water aerobics/water walking/swimming laps; park your car a little further from the store; will give your body what it really needs! Each step brings you closer to the next step, which builds your stamina. Do something for YOU!
B : )~
I hate to admit this, but the more I say it, the more motivated I feel about taking control of my health. Hello, my name is Brenda, and I currently weigh 457 pounds. Ouch! That stings, but I think I need to be realistic & not rely on my "glory days" of being in the mid 200's.
For anyone who has a BMI over 50, you have to do some kind of movement, no matter how small. Being able to lean the seat back & use an extender belt is no way to really live life, so I am taking control and responsibility for my weight. I "used to be" so active... I "used to be able" to shop at the mall (Lane Bryant counts!)... I "used to fit" in one seat on the plane/theater/armed chair... When I look at what I used to be able to do, I ask what has changed?
What has changed in my life: I injured my leg so severely I needed surgery, but couldn't get a surgeon to work on a (healthy) obese person. I stopped doing a lot of the activities that kept me healthy - walking, bicycling, swimming, because of pain. MODERATION, a fabulous word that I am trying to live by.
Even just walking in your house multiple times a day; taking the stairs a couple extra times a day; pedaling on a stationary bike; doing water aerobics/water walking/swimming laps; park your car a little further from the store; will give your body what it really needs! Each step brings you closer to the next step, which builds your stamina. Do something for YOU!
B : )~
Thanks for asking Jenni!
Yes, I am still dragging around the gimpy leg, to the dismay of the last surgeon who ordered films on both feet to see a contrast. He was, "So, you are experiencing pain in the left leg, right? No real pain in the right?" It was evident in the films that I am in such pain from the left, I did not realize how bad the right one is.
I am actively seeking pain relief - non-narcotic pain relief. I am constantly at a 6 - 7 on the pain scale just sitting, easily pushing 9 during and after walking or exercise -- BUT, I am pushing through the pain, in order to better my cardiovascular system ;) The pain actually is causing a false high pressure reading -- not truly high, just above my usual 110/70.
I just finished my two mile walk that includes one mile of hill. I am wanting to chew my own foot off, but going back to my Brenda-isms -- What doesn't kill me, just pi**es me off! I just hope that losing 200 pounds will lessen the pain. I have been told by four surgeons now, I may not be able to have a successful foot surgery, due to the seven years of continuous strain.
So to sum it up, if I can do it, YOU can do it!!!
B : )~
Yes, I am still dragging around the gimpy leg, to the dismay of the last surgeon who ordered films on both feet to see a contrast. He was, "So, you are experiencing pain in the left leg, right? No real pain in the right?" It was evident in the films that I am in such pain from the left, I did not realize how bad the right one is.
I am actively seeking pain relief - non-narcotic pain relief. I am constantly at a 6 - 7 on the pain scale just sitting, easily pushing 9 during and after walking or exercise -- BUT, I am pushing through the pain, in order to better my cardiovascular system ;) The pain actually is causing a false high pressure reading -- not truly high, just above my usual 110/70.
I just finished my two mile walk that includes one mile of hill. I am wanting to chew my own foot off, but going back to my Brenda-isms -- What doesn't kill me, just pi**es me off! I just hope that losing 200 pounds will lessen the pain. I have been told by four surgeons now, I may not be able to have a successful foot surgery, due to the seven years of continuous strain.
So to sum it up, if I can do it, YOU can do it!!!
B : )~
I hear ya.
I've had several weight "gain" stages (and fewer "loss" stages) through my life. Each time a lack of exercise (always with a valid reason) was a major contributor to the gain.
Both my parents were jocks. Dad played and later coached football. Mom was a lifeguard and phys ed teacher. Both played tennis and were club champion golfers. Exercise and movement was a regular part of their lives.
My brother, my nephews and I are all fat. None of us get much activity. We are ignoring our genetics. Out bodies were meant to move.
I really wanted to go swimming tonight after work, but my hip hurts badly - feels like it is grinding and not quite in place - and I couldn't face the long walk to the locker room.
But tomorrow I'll be there.
I guess what I'm trying to say it that YES, we need to push ourselves. But also know that sometimes we need to rest. The pain is a message.
I've had several weight "gain" stages (and fewer "loss" stages) through my life. Each time a lack of exercise (always with a valid reason) was a major contributor to the gain.
Both my parents were jocks. Dad played and later coached football. Mom was a lifeguard and phys ed teacher. Both played tennis and were club champion golfers. Exercise and movement was a regular part of their lives.
My brother, my nephews and I are all fat. None of us get much activity. We are ignoring our genetics. Out bodies were meant to move.
I really wanted to go swimming tonight after work, but my hip hurts badly - feels like it is grinding and not quite in place - and I couldn't face the long walk to the locker room.
But tomorrow I'll be there.
I guess what I'm trying to say it that YES, we need to push ourselves. But also know that sometimes we need to rest. The pain is a message.
Hey Patty,
I agree about needing the down time - heck, I do it now from time to time. What I am trying to get at is doing minimal movement - walking on their street, in the home, just not being sedentary.
In chatting with others from OH, I have heard many times "I can't walk... exercise," and I just want to stand next to them and say, "Come on, let's take a walk..."
The weight gain in my life has usually occurred when I was mending from whatever ailment left me unable to get around, and that is when I start slowly but walking more.
If you really cannot walk, try doing some exercises from a chair or bed. Some movement is better than none. I want my posting to inspire, not pick on anyone. With moderation, stamina can be built up.
Same as Patty, I have been active, it has been the times I was hurt or sick when my weight climbs fastest. I was always the fat kid on the team, but I was participating.
Even just parking further from the store - doctors office - class, will give you movement, which gives you exercise.
Brenda : ) ~
I agree about needing the down time - heck, I do it now from time to time. What I am trying to get at is doing minimal movement - walking on their street, in the home, just not being sedentary.
In chatting with others from OH, I have heard many times "I can't walk... exercise," and I just want to stand next to them and say, "Come on, let's take a walk..."
The weight gain in my life has usually occurred when I was mending from whatever ailment left me unable to get around, and that is when I start slowly but walking more.
If you really cannot walk, try doing some exercises from a chair or bed. Some movement is better than none. I want my posting to inspire, not pick on anyone. With moderation, stamina can be built up.
Same as Patty, I have been active, it has been the times I was hurt or sick when my weight climbs fastest. I was always the fat kid on the team, but I was participating.
Even just parking further from the store - doctors office - class, will give you movement, which gives you exercise.
Brenda : ) ~
I keep telling DH that we need a dog to get me out walking.
Well, an old slow one at this point, but it's nice to have a walking partner.
And thanks for reminding me that there ARE things I can do on the days I can't get to the pool.
I think I have a Tai Chi for Seniors DVD that I have not opened. I figured that might be a good place to start, as opposed to Tai Chi for hardbodies.
I've also seen chair exercise stuff - they used to run Zesty Chair exercises on Public Access back in PA.
Well, an old slow one at this point, but it's nice to have a walking partner.
And thanks for reminding me that there ARE things I can do on the days I can't get to the pool.
I think I have a Tai Chi for Seniors DVD that I have not opened. I figured that might be a good place to start, as opposed to Tai Chi for hardbodies.
I've also seen chair exercise stuff - they used to run Zesty Chair exercises on Public Access back in PA.
I think a lot of people think exercising is all about joining a gym and devoting hours and hours. It doesn't have to be that way: The neat thing is that lots of little things add up.
For me, the walk from the parking lot at work to my desk adds up to 10 minutes a day of moderate exercise according to my GoWearFit thing.
Park further from store entrances! That's a great way to get more steps in and it's easier to find shaded parking.
I haul my mom around alot and if I'm pushing her in the wheelchair, I don't automatically go for the handicapped spot (we have a placard). Not only is it easier to find parking further away, you burn more calories. (And I don't get as peeved about the nonhandicapped person hovering/running the engine for the air conditioning waiting on someone in the handicapped spot.)
Taking the stairs is great as well.
I think it was at the OH conference, one of the speakers talked about being more active throughout your life. It's kind of incongruous to do 30 minutes on the elliptical at the gym and then take the elevator to go up two floors at work.
For me, the walk from the parking lot at work to my desk adds up to 10 minutes a day of moderate exercise according to my GoWearFit thing.
Park further from store entrances! That's a great way to get more steps in and it's easier to find shaded parking.
I haul my mom around alot and if I'm pushing her in the wheelchair, I don't automatically go for the handicapped spot (we have a placard). Not only is it easier to find parking further away, you burn more calories. (And I don't get as peeved about the nonhandicapped person hovering/running the engine for the air conditioning waiting on someone in the handicapped spot.)
Taking the stairs is great as well.
I think it was at the OH conference, one of the speakers talked about being more active throughout your life. It's kind of incongruous to do 30 minutes on the elliptical at the gym and then take the elevator to go up two floors at work.
One food makes you larger, and one food makes you small...
Today, I just find I cannot take my own advice. I am feeling blue, and it is effecting the entire mood of staying positive. Woke up, felt like garbage, skipped my walk, drank my protein shake, and am trying hard not to let discouragement infect me.
There will always be days like this, they will pass, and I will feel positive. Maybe a day off isn't the worst thing... It is still early in the day.
B : )~
There will always be days like this, they will pass, and I will feel positive. Maybe a day off isn't the worst thing... It is still early in the day.
B : )~
I'm 39, preop and 415 pounds. I have been told by my doctor that I have the knees of a 75 year old. I can't walk very far but was introduced to 2 dvds that gave me hope. They are chair aerobics and chair yoga. I found them on amazon.com and there are a few different dvds of each style to choose from. Now, I just have to get myself to do them more often 
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