Exercise tips.

Ok this coming Weds. will be 6 weeks Post Op. All in all I am doing pretty well. I joined a local Fitness Center this past Tuesday. It is the 1st time ever in my life. I attended what they call a 1 hour POPS class for those who currently have physical limitations - mostly related to Age related issues-at 56 YO i am the youngest in the class- though not by much. I was afraid that the work out would not be challenging and while not overwhelming it seems to require just the right amount of effort without being overly exertive for where I am currently. As I stated I am new to the gym scene but a would like to visit independently and progressively build an exercise program at the correct pace for myself without burning myself out so that this becomes an integrated part of who I am and does not overwhelm- I really want this to be a continuing part of my routine. I appreciate suggestions as to what exercises and what equipment (They have just about everthing available)would be best for me at this stage as well as how many days a week and and how much time to spend exercising while there each day. Thank you in advance

I'ma  beleiver that the best excersize is the one you'll do. In other words, its important to have fun with whatever activity you choose so you keep doing it. Doing the activity, is much better than not doing any activity.

That said, I started by walking. I gradeuated to walking a 5K. After that, I started working out on an eliptical. As I lost weight, I was able to increase the elipitical intensity. I also, beleive that in order to be successful long term, Its important to art least retain as much muscle mass as possibe, and eventually build some muscle. For that I started working out witha trainer since I had no idea what to do. 

These days, I lift weights on my own after warming up on an eliptical. I do a weight/eliptical workout 1 hr X 2 or 3 times a week. I will add an elliptical workout as well for a total of 3 or 4 workouts a week. I plan to go back to the trainer in March becasue its a good thing for accountability. 

The best exercise is the one you'll actually keep doing. I started out with water aerobics and found that I could increasingly push myself harder and harder. I then moved to a regular aerobics workout which helped a lot.  Many people swear by walking but I can find every excuse in the world NOT to get out and walk....just me!

Good Job!  The first step is the hardest!  I walked until I was 50 lbs down, then I started to run/walk and now in December I just got up the nerve to take a class.  Remember you are there for you, as you feel stronger push harder.

I started with 3 exercise rules: Never miss a Monday, Never miss more than 2 days in a row and always workout at least 3 times in a week.

I started with 30 minutes scheduled 5x a week. 5 Am is the only time of the day when my excuses don't outweigh my motivation.  Now the class I'm attending is an hour long and I'm still running 2-3 times a week.

I have workout CDs but I don't work hard enough on them at home and I dislike doing them so I always have an excuse!

I agree, I am 15 days pre-op.  I joined a gym on Saturday morning and starting tomorrow evening I plan on hitting the gym and trying different exercises.  I LOVED riding a bike when I was a kid, so I am definitely going to try a recumbent bike out.  Also the treadmill as I do enjoy walking and trying different settings.  I am hoping that as the weight comes off I can return to roller skating.  My absolute favorite exercise from childhood, besides dancing.  I am a little scared of the elliptical yet.  I don't feel safe on it, but plan on trying it for 1 minute at a time and increasing time from there.  I also have light weights at home.... 1, 2 & 3 lbs.  I plan on doing some basic arms while waiting for clearance to weight lift.  My gym offers trainers.  I get 2 free sessions for signing up.  I have previously worked with a trainer, so I do know how to use the equipment in a safe manner.  I plan on using the trainer about 4 months and  8 months out to set me up with a few programs I can switch on and off from.  I also love Zumba.  Can't wait to get back to it.

It's funny the owner of the fitness center had an interesting request. She said that starting off she did not want me coming more than twice a week. Her reasoning was that many people will start off gangbusters 5-7 times a week and wind up burning out & quitting. She said that by not coming more than 2 times a week for the first month there is a much greater chance of me committing myself to it long term. I am so excited.

I walk and walk some more I also ride bike. You will find after awhile you can't imagine not working out. When it's cold I go to Walmart and walk. Good job you are going to do great