Good exercises for the morbidly obese??? Help

mom2 · December 29th, 2007, 05:33 AM

I would say just walking or you can look for an all women's gym and or invest in a trainer at whatever gym you join to help you feel less intimidated. THere are also gyms here that are 24/7 if you dont mind being a night owl they arent too busy. Good for you for taking the initiative

douknowjello · June 20th, 2008, 03:31 PM

I can totally sympathize with the original poster and anyone else who doesn't feel comfortable at the gym. Even when I did have a gym I was comfortable with I found alot of excuses to not go and finally figured out I was just wasting my money. So, for me personally, I decided to be honest with myself and realize now matter what my intentions where, the gym at this point was not for me. I found that was better than setting myself up to fail and then beating myself up after.

My advice is to buy a stationary bike and start out with that at home and make sure to listen to some music with a good beat while you do it. What's great about that is you can usually find them used and for alot less money than a treadmill. I have a treadmill now but my husband insisted I didn't need both and I let him convince me to get rid of the bike. I regret it now because I'm starting back up my exercise program and the bike is alot easier on larger people like me. Especially considering I injured my leg and knee in a car accident some time back and on days it hurts too much to walk I could still get on the bike. I also like the fact that on the bike you can close your eyes while you listen to music...try that on the treadmill and you fly right off, lol. Don't get me wrong, I love my treadmill, but I miss having both and as soon as we move in a few weeks I think I'll get another one

.

So that's my two cents worth. If you don't feel comfortable at the gym then find some used exercise equipment or try aerobic tapes at home, whatever works. Richard Simmons still seems to be the only one with tapes that have modification for large people but I don't mind those and they don't cost alot starting out. It's still a decision to do it but the great thing about exercising at home is the privacy and also not having to actually waste time dressing decent and driving somewhere when you're busy. I also like that I can do 15 minutes and quit when my leg starts hurting and come back later and do another 15 later on in the day.

pope_matt · June 24th, 2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happy_squid

It's difficult I'm sure. I've never had to go through what you have, but have helped to coach some people through it! Going to Curves, or a gym in the off hours, or one that just has a women only section, is always a good idea. Although women can stare sometimes too, so yes, you have to just block them out!
Now the next suggestion I'm going to make will sound prepostorous, but trust me!!! Here it is:
WATER AEROBICS
Yes the thought of a swimsuit is the last thing you want. But: most aquarobics classes are filled with women only. Most of the women are overweight and have chosen it because it is very low to zero impact. ALL of the women are in the water, where nobody can really tell their size or shape. It is an excellent workout and you only have to worry about the walk on the pool deck for 5 seconds. Besides, hardly anyone likes how they look in a swimsuit, so they aren't going to hang around on deck judging you!

Best of Luck!!! You can do it!!!

Water areobics would be a good idea as it helps reduce the impact on your knees, a friend of mine damaged his knees in a car accident and to loose weight did that.

KPTrainer · January 10th, 2009, 07:33 PM

Serenity I have never been in your condition but I am aware of some of the challenges you are facing. The gym is a good place to go but it has to be a place you enjoy going to, are comfortable with, and are getting the help you need whether it be Curves, Golds Gym, or wherever.
Here are some tips. Start out slow by increasing your physical activity. You need to exercises that are not going to put undue stress on your joints such as jogging, high impact aerobics, etc. Walking is a great way to start trying for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. If you can only do 10 start there and slowly increase your time. You should be at a pace where you are breathing a bit hard but still able to carry on a conversation.
Notice I said 30 minutes a day. You still get benefits if you do two 15 min. sessions per day or three 10 min. sessions spread out throughout the day. As you progress slowly increase your time. You can also do exercises in your own home using light dumbells or resistance bands doing arm curls, shoulder presses, etc. These can even be done while sitting in a chair.
The biggest thing is to stay motivated and have patience. The condition you are in did not happen overnight, and it will take time to get in shape, but it WILL happen. You have to be motivated to make this a lifestyle change and a permanent one. You can't work out for a couple weeks or until you lose the weight and then stop. This is a lifetime challenge for most people to stay in shape and take a lifelong concious effort.
As far as nutrition, try to make healthy choices and eat smaller portions. Consult your physician before beginnign if you haven't already, or a nutritionist. Every journey begins with a single step and the ones who succeed are those that refuse to quit. You may stumble and fall but just get back on track. Many people lose and regain their weight several times before it comes off and stays off. You can do it, so don't quit! I hope I have been some help and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Steve · January 11th, 2009, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPTrainer

Serenity I have never been in your condition but I am aware of some of the challenges you are facing. The gym is a good place to go but it has to be a place you enjoy going to, are comfortable with, and are getting the help you need whether it be Curves, Golds Gym, or wherever.
Here are some tips. Start out slow by increasing your physical activity. You need to exercises that are not going to put undue stress on your joints such as jogging, high impact aerobics, etc. Walking is a great way to start trying for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. If you can only do 10 start there and slowly increase your time. You should be at a pace where you are breathing a bit hard but still able to carry on a conversation.
Notice I said 30 minutes a day. You still get benefits if you do two 15 min. sessions per day or three 10 min. sessions spread out throughout the day. As you progress slowly increase your time. You can also do exercises in your own home using light dumbells or resistance bands doing arm curls, shoulder presses, etc. These can even be done while sitting in a chair.
The biggest thing is to stay motivated and have patience. The condition you are in did not happen overnight, and it will take time to get in shape, but it WILL happen. You have to be motivated to make this a lifestyle change and a permanent one. You can't work out for a couple weeks or until you lose the weight and then stop. This is a lifetime challenge for most people to stay in shape and take a lifelong concious effort.
As far as nutrition, try to make healthy choices and eat smaller portions. Consult your physician before beginnign if you haven't already, or a nutritionist. Every journey begins with a single step and the ones who succeed are those that refuse to quit. You may stumble and fall but just get back on track. Many people lose and regain their weight several times before it comes off and stays off. You can do it, so don't quit! I hope I have been some help and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

You realize she posted that in 2006, right?