Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Need help with exercise



Recommended Posts

I haven't gotten surgery yet. I'm going to try losing weight without surgery first. I currently weigh 470 pounds and it seems impossible to find exercise equipment for people my size. I have a recumbent bike that is rated for 250 pounds. I have used it and my inner thighs get tired. I'm not sure if this is because I'm not used to riding, or I'm too cramped on the bike? I can only last 10 minutes before my legs get too tired. It's frustrating because I'm not out of breath and my heart rate isn't that high. If I ride 3 times a day at 10 minutes, would that be effective? I'm hoping with weight loss I'll fit better on the bike and can ride longer. My caloric intake per day is roughly 1500 calories. I would ultimately like to do 3 sessions of 30 minutes a day. I also want to make sure the fatigue in my thighs is not something I should worry about and am just getting back in shape.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Due to my size (I have been and still am too large for most exercise equipment) and my joints, I prefer to exercise in the Water. Do you have access to a pool? I love water aerobics and it happens to be a great workout.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Due to my size (I have been and still am too large for most exercise equipment) and my joints, I prefer to exercise in the Water. Do you have access to a pool? I love Water aerobics and it happens to be a great workout.

I don't have access to a pool. I work from home and being to exercise in my home would be the best option. I do like swimming. I'm sure there is a pool near me but it is not as practical as being able to exercise at home.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Boss, I feel it right along with you.

I'm going through those "getting started" pains and I learned the hard way to listen to your body and ensure that what you experience is simply soreness and not injury.

It takes a while to get our tendons and muscles accustomed to our new movements and work load.

It's easy to let enthusiasm fuel workouts beyond what our body is initially ready for. That being said.....you'll reach a point where your body is ready and does need the mind to push it harder. The tough part is learning what is soreness and what is injury.

The last thing you want is to be sidelined due to injury. It can be maddening when you are revved up and motivated....but injured. Sucks outright.

As far as finding the gear that's sturdy and safe.......I simply gave up. The gear was available, but my wallet wasn't large enough to bankroll it.

The great news is that Gold's and Planet Fitness and other gyms were competing bigtime for memberships and offering $10 a month deals. I jumped on that.

It was intimidating at first.....I was slipping in there at slow hours....and hiding in their dark cardio cinemas and grinding it out on treadmills and later on ellipticals. I eventually even started lifting weights and became hooked on that aspect. I should've used moderation and kept doing cardio, too. I tore my shoulder, wrist and added another hernia that ultimately needed surgery. I let myself get way out of shape again after this.

Now I'm back.

Right there with you, trying to get things krunk up again. Smarter this time.

I"m a member of a great gym and I've sought the advice of the trainers on occasion. No more midnight solo lifting sessions in the 24 hr gym where I'd do damage. Now it's cardio and when I do resume weights it will be very cautiously and using the plate loaded equipment with safe ranges of motion designed into the machine.

Be careful, man.

Be your own best advocate.....coach yourself.......push yourself.....but please.....please do it safely so your plans don't get derailed. The last thing you want is to have to stop and heal for months. Keep that great momentum moving safely ahead.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My legs feel fine a couple minutes after I stop. I'm thinking I'm just too cramped because when I pedal my legs hits my stomach. I'm looking at bikes online and I can't really tell if they will have more room than what I have.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Doing 3 sets of sessions is better than nothing. I would go as long as is comfortable and add more minutes as you lose and are able to do so. It will take time for you to build up to a better work-out but at least you are moving forward and on track! Good luck and Keep up the great effort!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I used those same types of bikes, too.

I think that my legs beat my beer gut like a punching bag.

It's hard getting a comfortable fit sometimes at your height.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My parents have a recumbent bike so I may give that one a spin to see if it is better. I found one that says it accommodates people up to 6'3. I'm 6'0 so that extra 3 inches may help in my larger size.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@sgc,

Congratulations on taking steps to get healthier!

Any exercise is better than none so if you have to do it in 3 sessions go for it! Also don't forget about the benefit of just plain walking. It is how most of us start and you will find that it is beneficial for many reasons.

Your weight starts to come off and you build endurance each time you take a walk.

I wish you the best of luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I ended up getting a peddler. My only issue is that it moves on the floor. I think I can weigh out down so it stays put. Once I lose enough weight with that, I could probably fit better on my bike.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

SGC, I take spin classes and my knees hit my stomach and it makes me so mad! I adjusted the seat so now they aren't hitting as bad but it's still annoying. I can't wait to get rid of this stomach of mine. I haven't gotten the surgery yet either but am so looking forward to it. I love to work out and weighing less will make it so much more fun! The elliptical or just walking will help you get moving and feeling better. I always feel great after a workout. I do Zumba and spin classes as well as the elliptical. I need to start lifting some weights soon. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm thinking a semi recumbent bike may work. I think with being more on top of the pedals would be better. I'm thinking of getting this bike.

http://www.amazon.com/Exerpeutic-400XL-Folding-Recumbent-Bike/dp/B004O6TXVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439340821&sr=8-1&keywords=semi+recumbent+bicycles

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I solved my bike issue. I placed a thick pillow on the seat. This raises me up about an inch or two so I'm able to get an additional inch or so of leg extension and am now able to pedal for 30 minutes without leg soreness. It also makes the seat more comfortable to boot.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, you are going to feel aches and pains like that. 3 times a day for 10 minutes is really great, and will help.. eventually you can increase it to 3 times a day for 15.. then 20.. then twice a day for 30 mins each.. every little bit will help.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Since creating this thread, I'm up to two 30 minute sessions a day. I have even upped the resistance on my bike. It was really my legs were just not used to the exercise.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×