Fitness & Exercise

These past few months I’ve been trying to get motivated to start working out again, yet I’ve been putting it off. Well tonight I’ve decided that I want to lose 80 pounds which will bring me to about 110. My goal weight has been 160, but that’s just not enough anymore. So it’s time for me to get a routine down and get my crap together. And no, this is not a New Years resolution, though it might help lol. So I'm in need of workouts, routines that have worked for you guys and lots of inspirational stories! I'm almost two years out, and I'm ready to get to get where I want to be. I never had a set goal weight until tonight!!

Before I had my surgery, I met with the nutritionist and she advised me to start walking and do toning exercises. I have a really bad ankle problem that may require therapy or surgery. I love walking and after my surgery, the ankle pain was gone for almost a week and I enjoyed walking again!!!. Well it came back!! I told her what happened and she told me to try chair aerobics. She said sparkpeople had great videos, but I can't find it and I tried YouTube and I only see short clips for adverting purposes. Do anyone know anything about this?? Current pre-op wt 344 down 331.6

I had my surgery 6/12/12 and have lost a little over 75 lbs. I have not noticed that my energy level has gone up at all. I haven't started an exercise program and am leaning towards doing zumba. I just have to wait for the next classes to start. I am at a stand still on my weight loss and I am getting depressed about it. I had noticed that since I am able to eat pretty much any type of food, I had been making poor food choices. With the holidays, it was very hard on me with all the sweets! I am conscious of this, so I went to the store yesterday and purchased more healthy foods for me. What type of exercise program for beginners do you recommend?

I just joined a gym, and got confused while on a treadmill...what's the difference between the "fat burning" and "cardio" programs? Which is better for weight loss? My target heartrate for fat burning is very low and doesn't seem like a workout at all. The cardio seems more appropriate, but it still recommends a fairly low heartrate and I barely work up a sweat. Can it be that very low intensity is all we need? It seems too easy!

I am postop 3 weeks...what exercise should I be doing right now? It still hurts to bend over?

I completed my first trail run yesterday! Oh my goodness, I am so sore today. The neat thing is my upper body is just as sore as my legs if not more! I completed a half marathon with an elevation change of 2,000+ feet. It was steep and muddy. I had to climb over several fallen trees. The scenery was amazing. All in all a freaking exciting adventure! I had no clue of how intense these runs are. The entire run was a challenge like no other. I have been considering doing a tough mudder this summer- HA! Who am I kidding?! I need to do several more trail runs like this and not feel like I'm going to die at the end. Lol! I highly recommend a trail run to spice up …

I just got back from a 7 day cruise. I am upset with myself that I did not exercise at all. I did take the stairs quite a bit & one of the excursions was somewhat physical with climbing stairs & walking alot. I ate some stuff I shouldn't have & I gained 1.5 lbs. That is the gain after taking a water pill as I didn't drink 64 oz water per day. I didn't eat THAT much bad stuff but apparently I gain weight very easily. My goal was to lose 1 lb. I had my surgery Sept. 12th. I guess I wasn't totally prepared to deal with the temptations onboard the cruise. I feel like a failure.

How long post surgery

My goal last year was to do a century, but by the time I was able to get up to a decent speed (15mph for an hour) I knees started to hurt from the strain. So, with my surgery scheduled for 1/7/13, is it unrealistic to try a century later on this year? Also, any tips for the lap band and a cyclist?

Just thought i would share that i am headed to a new years eve zumba class before the partying starts! Take that 2012!!! (And i even found one for tomorow so i can start my 2013 off right!!)

Looking for working out buddies in queens...ballys...or walk...need to get motivated especially after the holidays...

(Lost 112 lbs gained 10 in lean muscle) First of all good luck to all pre-ops and congrats to all post-ops on your sleeve it's a mighty tool that will help and i emphasize on 'help' change your lifestyle to the better. VSG just gives us the push we need to be on our way .. the rest is up to us. My first advice is that for the first 3 and 1/2 weeks you should follow your NUT's diet program (what, when and how to eat) to the letter therefore no cheating and never give in to your cravings. This is so important because make no mistake it will impact your target weight and your journey as a whole. 4 weeks - 24 weeks: Daily walk and exercise You should be walking at …

I had surgery on August 9th...walking on August 10th... Jogging on August 20th... 5k on October 27... I just registered for my first half marathon for march 17th Still can't believe it!

My surgery was on November 13th. I signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon for February 2013. Do you think that is too ambitious?

These are all photos of the same girl. Photo #1 - 123 pounds Photo #2 - 132 pounds Photo #3 - 137 pounds There is a 14 pound difference between Photo #1 and Photo #3, yet it looks like she weighs 14 lbs LESS in the Photo #3 than in the first one. Her percentage of body fat is much higher in the first photo than in the last. This is even more evidence that exercise has benefits that you can get in no other way. Also, more muscle requires more energy, so you can eat more and burn calories faster.

I go to the gym about 3x a week. I only do cardio. Sometimes treadmill sometimes the bike sometimes the elliptical. I stay for about an hour. But I still feel like I haven't done enough. I want to hit the weights but do not know where to start. Any advice or sample regimen will be appreciated. I try to do what my husband dies but scared it night be to harsh on me right now. I have no money for a personal trainer so I desperately need help from you all!! Hugs, Ayye

I am getting banded on september 13th! i have one main concern. i do not want to have plastic surgery so i am wondering how much exercise [weekly] is needed so that the excess skin comes off. i am 18 years old and weigh 305. please let me know what you think!

So Im now 4 weeks post op and Im down 20 pounds. not my goal (was 25) but its still more then Ive ever lost. now Id like to start exercising but I dont know what I can or cannot do. I love kick boxing, yoga, and taebo. Im at a stand still in losing so I need to do something more then just dieting. anyone have advice?

I have been working up to running non stop and I was able to do it! I had actually ran 3 miles straight at the gym a few days prior so I KNEW I had no excuse not to do it at this race. Prior to this I had been stopping at 1 mile but I knew that was my brain and not my body stopping me. I have another 5k this weekend and I can't wait to run that one too. By no means is this fast running but it is a start and I feel stronger and faster every week. If I can do this now it is exciting to imagine what I will be able to do with 50 more lbs off me! Sorry I just wanted to share this NSV.

Just curious who thinks you can.

At what week did you start exercising? Also, did you phase in your exercise? What did your timeline look like?

Today was the best day I ever had on the gym. I didn't exercise at all this weekend so I felt quilty. So I decided to push myself and not watch the clock. I worked out for over 2 hours and it felt great. I feel so good right now, I now know if I stay focused I can do so much more and not just go to the gym and do my regular routine. I burnt 1022 calories.

I know walking is easy and almost everyone can do it. That's on the agenda for after surgery and I have some walk at home DVDs. I like then ok. It's a good enough workout but her voice saying the same thing over and over. "/ I'm thinking about getting a cellercizer or a treadmill. Do you know people that actually USE a treadmill for what they are for tho? I have a feeling I won't after a while. I dunno. Maybe I would. Sigh. I have 6 kids, ages 11,9,7,6,3 and 1. I like to wake early to work out. What's good for beginners? I love cardio bit want to build up a lil muscle. I don't want Madonna arms, but just a lil something. Whatdya think?

I want to know how long you have to wait after surgery before you can start fooling around...? A much needed and valid question...

Does anyone know what I can do to keep from having flabby skin? A big problem is that I need a knee replacement and can't "walk" or ride a bike, etc. The only thing I can do for exercise is to go to an indoor pool and swim.

My husband and I will run our first half marathon! Training starts on New Year's Eve. What are you doing new for yourself this year?

How long after surgery should you wait before doing sit-ups or crunches? Stephanie

3 miles into a 6 mile snowshoe hike with about 2000 foot gain in 5 feet of powder. Cruising along like I am hiking, taking breaks on switchbacks. What a cardio work out! Love it! It is a good break from running on treadmill. I have been out for about an 1.5 hour so making good progress. For those that know Leavenworth wa I am on a short vacation at lake wenatchee near Stevens pass.

First,let me say, I have been at my goal weight for a year now, thanks entirely to the band and nothing I did on my own. Believe me, I have been on many diets over the past 30 years and was never successful at any of them. But I have not lost any weight since meeting my goal, I fluctuate the same 5 lbs up and down, and always land back to my "Normal Weight" However,: I started a running program last spring.....first starting out with the C to 5K program,(struggles all the way) then the C to 10K program. I now run 5 miles per day, 5 days a week, along with 3-5 sprints to finish it off. I have always felt that my body has been continuously changing somehow, eve…

Was what I used to tell people! But last night I took a boot camp style exercise class and ran with no problems for about 10 minutes as our warmup. I am so proud of myself! It was easy and I kept up with everyone else no prob. I never thought I would run.. Ever! NSV !!

Do any of you use a vibroplate in your exercise program? I go to the gym 3 times a week and will continue o do so because i have paid in advance but I saw a new year sale or a home version and wondered if they re any good.

When did anyone start lifting weights after surgery And was it light or back to normal

im thinking about trying this. has anyone done it before? i think it will help with my joints and mucsles

I turned my front room into a gym. I am 2 1/2 weeks post up and ready to go. I don't go for my fill and to see doc til the 8th. When can I start working out and it be safe?

Besides cosmetic surgery, is there any way to tighten things up? My tummy and underarms really need it but I don't want nasty scars from surgery if it's not necessary. Any advice or suggestions would be great!

Okay, so my recovery has been amazing...I feel great and I'm getting in my fluids and my protein is going down slowly but I'm getting about 2 oz every two hours. I don't have a treadmill at my house, I have an elliptical. I work out at a gym but I'm trying to get in short and frequent exercise which is rough to do at a gym. Can I lightly use my elliptical? I'm considering buying a treadmill but it'd be so much easier if I could just use what I already have. Opinions? Is it worth buying a treadmill?

I have a membership for kickboxing that I want to start. Do you think it's ok to begin at 5 weeks out? Thanks!

I just read a post about losing weight without exercise and it got me thinking. Yes, you can do it. So why exercise then? I decided to make a list of the benefits I have enjoyed. Feel free to add yours! 1. More muscle means faster metabolism 2. Dropping dress sizes even when the scale remains the same 3. Biceps! 4. Awesomely toned legs 5. Feeling of accomplishment after completing a really tough workout 6. Running your hands down your legs and actually feeling muscle and not fat 7. Ability to squat down and get back up with little effort due to awesome leg muscles 8. Ability to run around with the kids and not get winded or worn out 9. Ability to participate in …

Does anyone else find their band is tighter after working out? I am 2 weeks out of surgery and just started back at the gym this afternoon. I did a light treadmill workout to start gearing up again, and I feel as tight as I usually do in the mornings. Just wondering if this is a typical thing?

Is there any pills that are all natural that anyone can suggest for energy? I have no energy lately and need a boost...thanks!

Someone shared this on another (private) Lap Band website.... Interesting, try it and see how you do.... http://health.yahoo....dicts-longevity

Hey everyone, I was banded Nov. 28 and was extremely motivated the first two weeks... But now I feel as if I've lost my momentum. Do any of you know any good support groups or excercise classes in Brooklyn? I'm hoping that will help motivate me again...

Just wondering what is the best app to get started with couch2 5K program. I'm interested in starting it after I am able to. (Almost 2weeks post op) thanks in advance!

I just recently bought a bunch of resistance bands.. Not sure exactly how to use them yet.. but I was wondering.. does anyone know any sites where they show you specific routines for specific areas oin your body.? And what all do you think of them compared to actual strength training weights? I am not going to a gym just yet, so thought this may be a good way to build some strength and muscle. Thanks all in advance!

Im in training to ride in ms150 this coming April 2013 Houston to Austin. Anybody wanna join me?!?

This week I am struggling to get to the gym. After work today I had to go grocery shopping, then cook dinner, and then bake cookies for work. There are still 25 minutes till that last of the cookies come out. Do I go to the gym at 9 pm, or just say it's too late?! I've missed a lot of gym time in the last week but am still losing, but the gym makes it so much easier. Anyone else finding it hard to fit it in with the holiday obligations? Ann

I'll be 10 weeks post surgery on Monday. I'm unsure if the actual pounds lost to date as I shunned my scale, but I'm at least 2 sizes down on all of my clothes so I know I'm losing. I've never exercised "formally" in my life as I abhor it. But...I know that in order to maximize my weight loss and be as healthy as possible, I MUST start. I face several challenges in making time to exercise. First off, I have three small children; 2 in preschool, one in grade school. All three have homework which means Mommy & Daddy have homework! Secondly, I commute about an hour and 20 minutes one way to work every day. I literally live on one side of town and work on the other…

I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op & looking for ideas for exercise. My exercise before surgery was Aqua Aerobics & Gentle Yoga. The Dr. has said that I can't go in a pool for at least a month & no Yoga until 8 weeks post-op. I am not the biggest fan of walking. I live in upstate NY & it is COLD. I am really getting antsy & want to get moving. Any suggestions?

So - I just got cleared from my surgeon last week to go back to the gym (6 wks post-op) and I have gone several days and wow - what a huge difference post-surgery weight loss makes. It feels so amazing to go - and work out hard. I am up to 60 min of pretty intense cardio and feel great. And let me be clear - I am not one of those people who says they love the gym, but man what a revelation!

I swim laps for 30 mins then leg and arm exercises for 30 mins then more laps for like I love to swim. According to fitness pal I am sometimes burning more then the 1200 I am taking in. So my question is this ok? How do you accurately track your calories burned for swimming? Thank you for responding in advance