Hi all..
I am a 43y/o woman needing to lose at least 100 pounds.
I came across this site about a month ago and have been working out to the videos for almost 3 weeks.
I am mostly following the 'beginner weight loss' section, but have found that with my excessive weight, some of the workouts are too advanced for my limited mobility. Although, I have tried some from the 'active living' and 'specialty' areas.
If there is anyone else needing to lose a significant amout, I'd like to know what routines you prefer.
Which workouts are most suitable for us heavyweights, in addition to yoga. Ones that challenge you, but do not put too much stress on your joints, back and feet.
Of course my goal is to get to a weight and fitness level where I can do most of the workouts without too much problem, but I've got a ways to go until then.
Hi, Piper -
Way to go on setting a measurable goal! The Active Living and Specialty categories are great options for you right now. The Heavyweight Yoga series is a good option too. Try to modify the workouts in these ways:
Perform the workouts seated on a stable chair - you can even use the Walk Aerobics series and perform it all seated! As you build stamina, you might even alternate between seated and standing. As you progress, replace the chair with a stability ball. Continued committment will have you completing the workouts standing in no time.
Use the Functional Fitness series to focus on your body awareness and form. These workouts are designed to bring your awareness to the movement that you perform in every day life.
The Step classes can be performed without a Step!
The Bodyscultping classes can be performed without additional weight.
Pushups can be done standing with your palms against a wall.
Do not get discouraged. Aim for 20 minutes of moderately challenging movement each day. You don't have to perform 20 consecutive minutes - just try to get a total of 20 minutes for now!
Hope this helps. Let me know what else I can do to support you!
Hi Piper :)
I will tell you my favourite classes here. I love Joannes walk aerobics (all of them) and also the dance aerobics, most of the beginners abs are great and also Valeries Upper Body work out. Ohh and I love the belly dance classes too!
I have really noticed a great improvement in my shape and also health since jojning demand fitness. I always walked and my body had adjusted to that type of exercise. So the variety of exercises and choices that demand fitness has to offer really works for me ;)
I lost 7 stone this past three years so I know how hard it is to exercise when you are very overweight. I just kept at it...a little bit nearly every day. I bought myself new clothes as soon as I dropped sizes and just persevered.
I really wish you the best of luck, loosing weight and getting in better shape really changed my life and it will make such a difference to you too.
Im still on my journey as Im not at my ideal weight and shape yet but so much better for the process. :)
Take care and good luck!
Tracy
Thank you for your input and encouragement, Tracy.
I realize there probably aren't very many seriously overweight people utilizing this site. However, working out at home fits my circumstances best for right now.
I'm wondering if when you started out, did you have trouble with your knees being sore when doing all of the lunges and squats in some of the routines? If so, what did you do to improve the situation and press on?
My knees seem to be my biggest obstacle in advancing to more rigorous routines. Of course I still have some difficulties moving as quickly as the instructors do too, but I believe that in time, with more weight loss that will become easier.
Thanks again. It's really good to know that someone here has a true understanding of where I'm starting from.
Paula
Hi Paula :)
I had a really bad ankle when I was heavy. It was an old injury and being so over weight was really bad for it. I walked at nights to begin with.
I really didnt begin work-outs until I had dropped a few stone to be honest. Also I had never heard of online gyms. I hated the thought of real life gyms full of slim and fit people.
I wonder if the exercises that you are doing are too much for you with the weight that you have now. Im presuming that you have seen a doctor and had check ups for your heart to make sure you can take the cardio?
Well I find the very short sessions of workouts good and Joanne's 15 minute walk aerobics is awesome. I really feel that one work-out does so much for upper body and gentle cardio that is easy to follow.
The advice she gave you in her post there is really good. Listen to your body and modify everything. Well some exercises I just wouldnt touch with a barge pole until I was a lot more mobile and fitter.
Yes and the exercises do get easier and more enjoyable :) I am still using the beginner ones though but Im trying far more variety than I would have at the start!
Ohh and I found this article in the redbook and it was one of the best bits of advice I ever read for eating and exercise. Here is a link for that!
http://www.redbookmag.com/your/speed-metabolism-yl
Some of the tips in there really worked for me!!
Hi Tracy..
Thank you for the link to that article. It does has a lot of good information to put into practice!
I did just have a physical exam recently, and other than my weight, I'm fairly healthy.
As far as fitness routines go, my abilities seem to fall somewhere in between the 'gentle' and 'beginner' categories. I can do many of the 'beginner' videos, but do have to modify or eliminate the stress on my knees.
I suppose I just want to be more advanced than I realistically am. All in due time! I didn't get this overweight within a short time, and I know I won't get into better shape quickly either.
I'd love to see a couple more of walking interval videos either hosted by Joanne or Agnes, for more limited individuals. I like the current interval video with Joanne, but it's a bit too lengthy for my stamina.
I can't complain though, as this site is a Godsend!
Thanks again for your input............ Paula
My pleasure Paula
Yes I like that one a lot! Ohh did you see the post there in the forums about knees? I saw that and thought of you!
I agree too, Id really like to see more interval training walk aerobic videos, well the walk aerobics is such a good series. Definitely more of those would be great!
Hi Piper,
Just wanted to send you a message of encouragement. Don't give up. I found that when I first returned to working out, I needed to take the reps slower and work at my own pace rather than that of the instructor on the video. The day that I managed to keep up with Joanne through a whole 30 minute routine was a milestone. It will happen for you too, just take it one day at a time.