Thoughts about the Exercise and Fitness Forum...

Great post! I should come out of lurker status. I'm still pre-op, but I've been making exercise a big focus to prepare me for a healthier life post-op. In July of last year, I was 420 lbs, and couldn't walk 1/4 mile at 2.0mph. With months of continuous exercise, I can now walk several miles at 3.5 mph.

I'm hoping to have surgery sooooon so I can start running with the rest of you

WOW Alison - I'm so impressed with what you've accomplished.  I had RNY surgery 3 weeks ago, and just starting moving on Thursday.  Presurgery I had trouble getting to the end of the our driveway because my joints were so sore.  Between the presurgery loss and the weight that has gone since, I can now move much more easily and managed a mile this AM in 35 minutes.  It's a start.  You are a real imspiration!  Keep it up!    

Thanks. It's amazing how much you can accomplish just by trying. Right now, I can't imagine running an entire mile, but I also thought the same thing 6 months ago about walking a mile. One step at a time is how I go.  Good luck and keep up the great work!

I remember when I first got here and people were posting their 2 hour workouts. I did feel a bit silly saying "30 min on treadmill". But I did it anyway and it was fun to see those numbers go up and to feel like I was an exerciser too.

I definitely encourage people to post what they do no matter what it is. I think it helps change your mindset to be posting your daily workouts along with the ultra-endurance athletes.

great post, thanks!  i couldn't agree more, this site is for everybody regardless of where they are in their WLS process and regardless of their exercise goals (big or small).  what i really like about this forum is the positive energy and how supportive we all are.  and for the lurkers, please please please do NOT feel intimidated, this site is for you as much or more than the guys and gals gearing up for a big event.

Well this was really good for me to hear.  I have been lurking a while now.  I had surgery 6 months ago and in the past year have lost 140 lbs.  Being almost 60 and starting at 385lbs, exercise has not been in my repetoire of activities.  Have severe arthritis in my knees, but Thurs.  I started walking just a casual walk to check out the gym at my complex and they had a recumbent bike.   I thought I would try that, but it seems my knees are too bad to bend that tight, so I took up the treadmill.  Okay 7 minutes is not great, but it is a start and 50 feet used to be a stopper for me.  And I quit because my knees started hurting.  Went back today and did 12 minutes and .25 mile.  Now I have taken my first step toward another episode of "A Healthier Me Returning".  My goal is to keep up on the treadmill 5 days a week, improving time, distance, speed and incline. 

Hopefully, I will be where you young guns are someday, but for today I am grateful for moving and reading this post.  I am taking some more control of my life.  Thanks

I also lurker for a bit in the beginning and still sometimes do. For me it is more of a mental challenge and sometimes I just need to be inspired by what others are doing even if it is 15 minutes around the block. We all started there. I started with 5 heart pounding, sweat inducing minutes on a stationary bike. It has been almost 2 years since I made the commitment to myself to exercise for me. I do a lot more physically now than I could do then but the mental strength I had then still amazes me now. It is hard to start. Be proud of every step you take no matter how big or small.

I agree with everyone above. The only thing I will add is to all just starting ..... never be ashamed of any workout. Your 10 minute walk is just as important as anyone's 2 hour workout or marathon run. This may be the only board on this site where there is no drama and lot's of inspiration.

I too will agree with what everyone else has said.  I started as a lurker and watched everyone elses accomplishments.  I quickly realized that my ability to walk 3 miles was just as big as someone elses ability to run a marathon.  This community is about inspiring each other, sometimes the people on this forum have more faith in us than we do ourselves.

Here you will find that everyone wants to help you be at the top of your game for no other reason than it makes you feel good.  From malking a mile to running a 100 miles it is about doing what you can and supporting eachother.

Good post.

I know I have gone to the other extreme.  When I first started I felt compelled to share and to comment on every post I could.  Now, not so much. 
It was fresh and exciting, but sometimes other things take over and your focus shifts.  That's why most of the time I'm just a lurker now.  I used to have this page open and refreshed it through the day, now I'm lucky if I make it here once a day.

Burn out
lack of motivation
been there done that who knows, but each of you and every thing you do is still inspiring.
I know that school has taken a big bite out of it.  All of my free time that I used to spend at the gym is now re-dedicated to school or my family.  I haven't even been to the gym in almost 2 months.  I get the occasional bike ride in on the weekend, and the last time I ran outside was probably last summer.

Scott