TREADMILL QUERY

[Ray80]

Hi, Trying to get a little fitter and loose a bit of weight, Angina/diabetic age 78.

2nd day of walking fast, [fast for me], I also have poor vision, tripped over flagstone. Really keen to shed weight and cut down on, particularly diabetic med, but fall really shook me as well as hurting knees and elbows. Thought I might be safer getting a readmill, wife is around for security, should have mentioned also not to steady on the feet. Anybody have any thoughts on treadmill, o many on the market. Looking for walking in the main, reasonable length, live in a flat, don't need all the bells and whistles, probably would not use the majority anyway, weight certainly a consideration and so is cost. Thoughts appreciated or sites to view, thanks

[Paperlover]

I would go to your gp and ask if they can refer you to a local gym to help you loose weight and get fit. I know that in my area, this is possible but I’m not sure if it’s a nationwide system. In any case, I would find all your local gyms and see which ones will allow a free trial. That way, you can see if walking on a treadmill is suitable for you before you commit to spending money on one.

[Ray80 in reply to Paperlover]

That would make sense. Believe recommendations from GP has strings attached, weight and bmi etc. Feel certain embarrasment at attending gym, Iwouldn't like to frighten the persons present with a future vision lol. Been out this morning for a 15 minute brisk walk and feel good, 15 minutes is as much as i can manage at the moment. Undecided about treadmill, its not so much would i use it, but space, cost, weight to move around etc. Will consider further, no doubt lashing rain and gales will make me decide. But thank you for the suggestions.

[cappachina]

Where live there is a healthy hearts exercise which is r with a leader who will know your health problems. Some people have health problems all are elderly so you won't feel out of place. walking groups again with a leader Look into what's available where you live.

[Ray80]

I shall investigate, sounds good, thank you

[DWizza]

Hi Ray , firstly a big well done on deciding on your goals 👍. That’s always a massive step to achieving them, having the positive mental outlook . From my learnings , following trainers and coaches that don’t promote fad diets etc the weight loss is 90% achieved in the kitchen and by our general energy expenditure over the course of a day /week/months . The more we move , the more energy we use. We burn calories while at rest , the body uses them up to provide energy for bodily functions , even people in a coma will lose weight. So we will burn more calories if we get off our backsides more often during a day than any 1 hour gym session. That’s not to say that the gym /training session is invaluable, it is highly valuable but for another reason , cardio fitness & strength. We shouldn’t equate training with weight loss, we only burn a surprisingly low amount of calories during exercise and people tend to reward themselves by consuming the calories burned by overeating those calories back.

You’re already going out for your 15 min walks , that’s bloody awesome . The key is to use progressive overload and increase that walk by 5 -10 minutes a week . Then , when you’ve reached say about 45-60 mins to increase the pace a little , try and get a little out of breath for certain distance /time (not the whole walk ( ease in and ease down). The other way to incorporate movement if it’s really bad weather , is put some music on in your flat and just live around , dance , march on the spot , use a kitchen chair to sit down and get up (squats ) for a about 20 mins , you’ll soon find your level, check that you can speak sentences so not over exerting.

Start being mindful of the foods you eat , are they ultra processed? Can you make some changes to your nutrition? We all know what we should be eating , it’s important to have good knowledge, particularly for diabetes (my brother injects ).

I’d love to hear your progress , you really are on the right track with your goals 👊👊👊

[Ray80 in reply to DWizza]

DWizza, Thanks for an interesting and informative post.. Lot of good sense within, the prime aim appears to move around whenever possible, love the idea countering poor weather by dancing and ideal in a small space. Diet, been a veggie since the sixties but did try adding a bit of meat awhile ago but it really didn't suit. So for me its good old pulses etc, although to be honest i am not a salad lover. Prefer soups, veggie casseroles and pulse paties etc. Interestingly still really enthusiastic, can't waite for dawn to break forthe first brisk walk, Iam using the tune of 'paddy mc gintys goat' to keep the steps in time. Now doing 3x10mins, finding the last couple of hundred yards a struggle, but early days. But for safetys sake always carry the spray. The idea of a treadmill has been put on hold for the time being, once again thanks for your input and of course ,that also applies to your fellow contributors.