Last spring I started walking and slowly progressed into some jogging. I completed 3 5k's and was loving it! No matter how much I exercised, I could never conquer my issue with food. In 6 months - and every night walking/jogging at the track- I was down 15lbs. I was totally discouraged. I stopped and started pursuing WLS. I couldn't lose any weight because I wouldn't qualify for surgery through my insurance. I put on more weight than I had anticipated - I was struggling so badly before surgery.

I am 25 days post op and have been stalled for about a week. I am ok with it - I know it is normal. I am now back to the weight I was when I ran my last 5k in September - just not nearly as in shape!

Tonight I am going to join the gym - I need to get back into shape and get ready for some road races this summer. I also need to learn the weights - the gym totally scares me though lol

So tell me - What is your favorite work out? What works best? I'd love any extra input I can get.

I am a big fan of running and training for races. I can really see progress and that is fun. For my cross-training, I do Tabata (high intensity interval aerobics) or spinning. Both get my heart rate up, but nearly as much as running. I do hit the weights, but not as often as I used to as Spring has started putting demands on my time and the first thing I have had to sacrifice is weight room time.

I pretty much do all my running outdoors, even in the rain. So much better than a treadmill, for me, as where ever I run to, I have to run back. On a treadmill, I can rationalize shortening a run.

I'm just over one week post op, but pre sleeve my favorite exercise has been circuit training. I'm not talking about curves circuit training. I used to take a circuit training class at my gym, and let me tell you that is a full body work out. And you get the best of cardio and strength training. It can be very challenging at first but it is so rewarding. I used to leave soaked in sweat.

Still have to say lifting weights is my favorite exercise as it always has been. But I actually do a good bit of cardio now, as opposed to before the sleeve. My cardio consists of the high intensity interval training (short bursts of very high intensity cardio or HIIT) as opposed to long distance running. I'm still afraid that with my calorie deficit and long sessions cardio, that I will lose hard earned muscle. Besides, my youngest daughter loves to do all out sprints, so I join her in those about twice a week and also usually get on the stationary bike once or twice a week. Started Muay Thai training recently as well, so we'll see how that goes. For me, I think I will end up changing it up a lot to keep from getting bored as I am prone to do with cardio.

I walk several miles with friends a few times a week and take Body Pump group exercise classes at my gym. I also take Cardioscupt group class, but I like Body Pump better.

Lynda

I love Zumba classes at the gym. They are so fun!

I'm a hoop dancer (yes, with hula hoops!). Its a great total body work out and lots of fun. I'm actually getting certified in October to be an instructor. Weight loss will only help make this activity that much more fun for me. The fast I can move (with less of me to move) the more fluid and fast my hoop can go for tricks.

I also really love kickboxing workouts. Not cardio-kickboxing, but actual boxing/kickboxing workouts with bag work. There is something so amazing about this workout. Its a HUGE calorie burner, and total body workout. But, its also empowering and you're learning self-defense in the process. I also enjoy yoga for its calming and stretching effects.

I'm sooo looking forward to these activities post-op. Um, here is a question. How long did you guys wait before you started doing intense workouts? I asked my doctor, but his questions felt like it was for someone who was stationary starting off the couch. I'm not a total beginner. He told me to start with walking, and at the 2-week post op mark I could do anything, but if it hurt don't do it & come back to it a couple weeks later.

I do many classes at my gym. H.I.T (high intensity training) boot camp, circuit training and I enjoy the good old fashioned elliptical. I get bored with just running so I need things to keep me concentrating. I also do weight lifting. Want to keep toned.

I do Crossfit. It's a mix of everything and is generally high intensity rather than endurance-based.

I am also training for a 5K - I've run a few in the past - doing the Couch-to-5K program. I wouldn't say I love it, but it helps me with Crossfit, since we do a fair amount or shorter runs (1-2 miles).

I swim. No matter WHAT you do if you don't enjoy it on some level there is little chance you will stick to it. So if swimming isn't for you then try Zumba, if not Zumba then try biking, if not biking try weight lifting, if not weight lifting try running, etc. etc. etc.

The point is try SOMETHING to keep yourself moving. The sleeve is the master tool to start the weight loss, it's totally up to you to keep it up and enhance the weight loss and gain in physical fitness and to reap the benefits of exercise. You WILL feel better, you WILL have more energy, you WILL get around better and you WILL benefit. Just keep trying stuff till something lights your fire.