Could any of you help share your advice and experience?

Hi.
We were writting some articles here on exercise and, no suprise, the same points keep coming up -- (1) How do you start?, and (2) How do you keep going?

Do any of you have any experience to share on the topic?

For example -- from your own personal experience...
-->  what kinds of little things here and there have you ever tried to work into you day that keep you more likely to be more active?
-->. for the times you've inteded to do these things, but reality didn't quite match intentions, what strategies (if you've experienced any) might have helped you actually get going on some or more of what you wanted to do?
--> Also, have any of you ever had your doctor or clinicians recommend that you get started with low impact activities (baby steps)?  If so, how'd that work out?

Thanks to all of you in advance.
Your real-world experience with this type of stuff is where all the real value is at.... but of course you already knew that.

We had started a FAQ section, but they won't book mark it for us.

Here is the link,

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/fitness/4094844/Master-Thr ead-FAQ-Cardio-for-beginners/#33360642


What helps keep me going and motivated is commitment.
I find something I want to do a race an event an activity, and I pay for it up front.
Then I feel obligated to put in the training so that it isn't a waste of money.

I also tried several activities until I found something I like.  My favorite is cycling.  For the most part when I'm riding (even in race conditions) I don't feel like I'm exercising because I'm enjoying myself.  It doesn't feel like the classic High School Gym Class environment.

I really think the best program for getting you moving is the couch to 5k program.
It has helped so many people here.  http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Scott

Scott - that is the first time I have seen the thread link with all the great resource links.  THANKS so much for posting the link!

Yeah sure thing Pam!

We wanted to have a FAQ post and asked OH to sticky it at the top, but they wouldn't do it, so it got burried unfortunately.

I hope there is something in there that you find beneficial.

Scott

Being accountable to someone else is important for me.  I started exercising during my 6 month supervised diet pre-surgery because my husband told me that if I was going to do this, I had to make a complete change.  I was accountable to him to prove I could change.

I did not like exercise at first, and it really took me about 2 years for it to become habit and something I truly enjoy.  The key is to set goals and find activities you really like to do.  I will not stick with something I don't like.  I've narrowed my "fun" exercises down to jogging, hiking, yoga and P90X.  I also know I will not go somewhere to exercise, so I set up a home gym in my basement.

Once I accomplished goals and became stronger, exercise became part of my life.  I also changed things in my daily life like using the stairs and parking far away from the building. 

I post on this site daily of what my exercise will be when I get home from work--even if I don't want to do it (which is rare now) I still make myself because I somehow feel accountable to the group and don't want to let them down.

Kim

It’s been a very busy few weeks, we have changed the layout at www.ultimateperformancecentre.com We thought the MMA and Fitness for bikers was a bit intimidating, so we have dropped it from the opening page. Our aim is to help the beginner and encourage fitness for life. We have written a few eBooks and added speed training to our weekly training. One of the eBooks is on The Power Of The Press UP, it sounds foreboding but believe me it’s a great read and very encouraging. Steve is also writing a blog at Stevebefitforlife.blogspot.com   Take a look and understand why it’s important to train, it stems from prehistoric man and is very essential for today’s lifestyles. Just 18 months ago I could not do a single press up or a pull up. It’s been hard work but with great support from the team I have achieved so much. My diet is amazing, I eat 3 meals a day, in fact I probably eat more now than I did before but I eat the right foods at the right time. I could never diet, I don’t have the will power to sustain it. Now that I understand what I’m eating and the effects of what I’m eating, it’s made those fundamental changes to my life that I needed. Good luck to everyone.  www.ultimateperformancecentre.com

I always thought that everyone hated exercising, and that people who did it regularly were just way stronger than me.

After losing 140 lbs, I was inspired to join Team In Training and sign up to try a half marathon. When I started running, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. It was really hard at first, but I was stunned at how quickly and steadily my endurance improved. I was encouraged by folks like  John Bingham who advise having realistic goals and starting out slowly. I didn't do a true couch-to-5k, but I like the idea and recommend that for people considering activity or running after being sedentary.

I'll never forget the first 5k I ever ran. It was 10/10/10 and I was the last out of 203 runners. I cried when I spotted the finish line in the distance. At 47 years old, after a lifetime of obesity and inactivity and struggling, I was blown away by what I had accomplished.

This is what motivates me, and continues to do so.

I realized that I like to run on the road, but I hate the treadmill (I call it the "dreadmill.") I also discovered that I LOVE zumba. I don't like yoga. I tried a boot camp program and I thought it was effective but not especially fun. I wouldn't rely on it as my sole activity.

I like to be outside, and I like to be around people.

So what I learned was that you don't have to be a strong-willed person and endure a burdensome routine. Find something you like and do it as often as possible. Be open and try new things, then do more of what you liked.

I agree with Linda. You need to find something that you enjoy and that will keep you motivated. Before my wls, i had joined so many gyms, enrolled in many classes, bought equipment and tapes for my home and even went to water aerobics. I could never stick to anything until I joined Curves. Curves was a doable 30 min 3x a week program for lazy exercisers. I went straight from work and found that I enjoyed the social aspects of the place. A co worker started meeting me there and it became our little therapy session. Despite all the best efforts, though, I gained 21 lbs in 5 years! I think Curves helped to prepare my body for surgery and gave me the stamina I needed for a very easy recovery from RNY. I lasted there another 7 months until I felt it was just too easy. Another RNY friend invited me to her gym and I joined. I've been a member there for 4 years. At first all I did were the machines until they got boring. Then I decided to try the group classes, starting with the 30 minute ones and then longer. I started Zumba there and then tried other dance classes. A gal with two left feet could do simple dance steps and keep up to the beat. I found out that the instructors didn't care if you did the routines correctly, they just wanted you to move and have fun! In 2010 I started yoga and I enjoy it very much. I tried pilates reformer and it made me much more flexible! I am no longer bored with the gym because I vary my routines. I also enjoy meeting my gym friends and making new friends. My gym is very expensive but that's another thing that keeps me going!

I tried getting a little more active by regularly walking to and fro for small things like going to kitchen to have a cup of coffee, coming to the desk and then going back again for sugar or not using remote control while watching TV etc. I was told by the Doctor to start with skipping and then cardio and weight training. I did 4 months of cardio before weights.

Hi Everyone!!!

I'm pre op right now, should hear when my surgery date is this month (July 2011 or Aug 2011) or next month the latest.

I purchased a Total Gym XLS (the machine Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley use) April 2010, I've been using it ever since. I initially lost 11 pounds the first month i used it i was eating better too.

Now I'm @ 261 lbs. down from 280's lbs in 2010. I go back and forth with eating well then eating a little junk.

I'm using my machine 2-3 x's a week for 35 mins 15 exercises 1 set 15 reps each exercise i do 30 mins of cardio dancing before i use my Total Gym XLS.

I don't own a car so i walk alot and walk when i take the bus everywhere. The physical activity has helped tremendously to combat what I eat.

Now I'm back on track to making healthy Nutrition choices to gear up for my Roux-en-y surgery most likely to be in Sept. 2011.

I'm open to try new activities other than running. GOOD LUCK MY PEERS WITH YOUR JOURNEYS AND INDIVIDUAL FITNESS GOALS AND CHOICES. GOD BLESS!!! 7-10-2011 11:52PM SUNDAY.