Let's Talk Exercise!

[AlyGurl 3]

I agree. Why go through major surgery if you're not going to do everything possible to get the weight off. I would rather exercise than lower my calorie intake. I try to eat 1000-1200 calories a day. I walk a route in my neighborhood that includes some "killer diller" hills.

I just bought an elliptical machine and I'm going to add that to my routine as well as the walking.

I need to add some weight training but I'm at a loss as to what to do. Any suggestions for a beginner?

My weight loss is still agonizing slow.

Keep weights as a small portion of your exercise regime while you're trying to lose weight. Focus more on interval based cardio to burn fat and increase endurance! =)

[roziecakes 20]

WOOHOO! I'm an execise FIEND. I love it! Honestly, that's part of why I got the band. I was an avid exerciser before I got it, and I am even more of one now. I have mentioned on other threads, that I was stuck in a cycle of: My back hurts! (I have a slipped disc) so I can't exercise, well, I need to exercise to lose weight so my back hurts less, and my back hurts less if I exercise more, but I can't exercise more because my back hurts (AAAGGHH!) So the band helps me intake less and kickstarted my weight loss so that I've been able to start exercising more...

VOILA, my back has hurt so much less, and I've been exercising like crazy! I just love it. I love nothing more than to go out on the trail and run or walk for miles. Wow, this got stuck in italic, and I can't get it off... anyhoo... I love the endorphin high that I get from exercise.

I am SO thrilled to know that there are other exercise lovers on here. It makes my heart glad. So far I'm running/walking, doing yoga, aerobics for cardio, and I really want to take a zumba class. I enjoy hiking very much as well. I haven't found one yet in my area that's at a good time for my work schedule though. I'm going to be taking a cardio Belly Dance class starting next month

Does anyone know of a good zumba video that I can buy so I can do it at home?

[roziecakes 20]

I also thought I'd mention that a big goal of mine is to become a yoga teacher specifically for larger people, or people with mobility issues / "handicaps", etc. I think that there are a lot of people who think they can't do yoga because they are in a wheelchair, or because they are "too big." I started at over 400 pounds, with modified poses, and it's changed my life. I think that's why I haven't had to get back surgery.

I'm at 309 now and can do most of the yoga poses that 'regular sized' people do, but I still have some challenges.

Anyhoo, I have a great book recommendation for folks who are interested:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0757002153/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000IY06NE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1QHM7J407YPW9ZNRFYT3

[Shelley64 26]

I'm doing Zumba 3-4 nights a week but the stupid scale has not budged in weeks! I was a slow loser before the band BUT I ate like a cow and didn't exercise at all. It doesn't make sense that I'm not losing a ton of weight when I'm eating half of the calories I used to and I'm exercising 3-4 days a week. I know it's good for me and I know my lab numbers will improve again when I go back to my primary doc in a couple months but I want to lose weight on the scale!!! I've only lost 30 lbs in 6 months. My surgeon is very pleased with my progress but I'm not. I'm going to try to lower my calories to 1000 and see if that and the continued Zumba makes a difference. Frustrated by moving on..................

[Shelley64 26]

Oops....I meant frustrated BUT moving on....(slight typo)

[roziecakes 20]

I'm not a big fan of 2~3 hour workout sessions. I think it's too much and cannot be sustained for a long time. However, I do believe in doing various 15~20 minute exercise sessions throughout the day.

First of all, you are an inspiration because you're so no nonsense just get it done, and you're in a wheelchair and you still get up and exercise. You rock!

Also, when you mention not having to do the 2-3 hour workout sessions; it's totally true. Studies have shown that you can break up workouts into 10-15 minute increments throughout the day and get the same benefits as exercising for a long period of time all at once. You just need to make sure to get a balanced workout and get your heart rate up.

I'm full of book recommendations this morning, but I love this one. I've used it myself: http://www.amazon.com/Minutes-Morning-Simple-Pounds-Guaranteed/dp/0060505389 "8 Minutes in the Morning" by Jorge Cruise

[doodlebugsmom 9]

I have been loosing pretty steady since having surgery so I cant complain about that. I do however feel that I have been lacking in the exercise department. I tried before surgery and I was able to do about once a week at the gym and maybe two walks a week with the dog. Like many of you I am one of those people who put myself on the bottom of the list. It was not intentional at all just life I guess. But after a couple of months after surgery I feel like I am worth it. More than worth it. I admit I still hate exercise but I have been doing it at least four times a week. I find that when I exercise I eat better the rest of the day. My intake of Water is higher. It is my goal to make exercise routine. I am not there yet believe me. Today I did 2 miles on the treadmill in 40 minutes. To most people that is not much but to me that is a lot. It means that I can do a mile in 20 minutes. I realize many people run eight minute miles and that it great. I hope to get to ten minute miles some day but I am on the map people. I have a time per mile. I am living and moving better than I have in a long time. Dont give up no matter how small keep moving.

[roziecakes 20]

Being that I am still a little over 400 lbs, exercise was something that NEVER felt good. I struggled/struggle to walk long distances. However the past 2 days I got up and got out of my house and walked around my complex for 15 minutes and that is HUGE success for me since I don't normally do that nor do I FEEL like ever doing that. So I have noticed already that just getting 35 lbs off I feel more energetic to get up and walk a little. So my exercise plan for now is doing exactly that! Walking.

I started out at over 400 pounds too, when I started losing weight, long before I got banded. I know how hard it can be to do it, and to get started. You are AWESOME, and you're doing a GREAT JOB! Congrats!

[LVGirl 4]

I have been LOVING how much more energy I have during my workouts! An hour doesn't seem to be enough for me! I go to the gym early in the morning with my husband and then do something in the evening as well. The inches shedding off shows me it is working!

[vlp1968 83]

This is a great thread. Excersise is a huge piece of the puzzle. I started out really slow (medium paced walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes) and gradually increased my speed/duration. I now either jog for 30 min. or walk on an incline at a very brisk pace for 45 minutes. I lost 107 pounds in about 10 months. If I can do it, anyone can!

[vickyd 24]

I didn't start seriously exercising until I had already lost about 70 lbs but now I'm completely addicted! I do ZUMBA 3-4 days a week and ride my stationary bike 1-2 times a week. I think the key is finding something you enjoy...I absolutely hate working out on a treadmill but an hour of ZUMBA goes by so quickly for me and it's fun so I look forward to going.

[Kimmypoo38 5]

You need to mix up your routine a increase your exercise to 5 days a week. Your body is use to the Zumba 3-4 times a week and it will not allow you to lose.It sucks! Incorporate walking and other classes at the gym. This is what I am going and I eat 800-1000 calories a day and I am losing about 2lbs a week.I have to work hard losing weight too so I feel your pain. Hang in there and don't give up....

I'm doing Zumba 3-4 nights a week but the stupid scale has not budged in weeks! I was a slow loser before the band BUT I ate like a cow and didn't exercise at all. It doesn't make sense that I'm not losing a ton of weight when I'm eating half of the calories I used to and I'm exercising 3-4 days a week. I know it's good for me and I know my lab numbers will improve again when I go back to my primary doc in a couple months but I want to lose weight on the scale!!! I've only lost 30 lbs in 6 months. My surgeon is very pleased with my progress but I'm not. I'm going to try to lower my calories to 1000 and see if that and the continued Zumba makes a difference. Frustrated by moving on..................

[mandy J. 1]

I have been working out six days a week and resting on Sunday. At first it was all I could do to get through it so I started jogging outside. I loved the outdoor part but then it started getting into the 100's. We have had 18 Days over 100 degrees here in Texas this year. I have a workout room in my house and because I have not been working, I do at least an hour a day but I have really been reading that I can't pep up my slow metabolism without muscle so my focus has been more about the intensity and not the time or the speed. I finally saw a little bitty muscle appear in my arms the other day. Me and my husband were laughing about that earlier. It used to not come up any when I would flex and now you can see it...............woo hoo. One of the best things I work out on is a rebounder (mini trampoline). I turn on some of my old good 80's music and it really makes it fun and more like dancing.

[mandy J. 1]

I love your reply! I thought I was the only one that turns on 80's music! Sometimes I use some 90's that's more my era, but I love 80's!

[spoiltmom 44]

I have now found that a 30 minute jog on my treadmill every day gives me energy to get through my day and helps with my depression:)