Newbie

[obe77]

Hi I am desperate to lose weight and to gain fitness I don't hold a lot of hope as I am now 77. I have had a stroke a few years ago and recovered quite well but I am still very inactive. I need help and inspiration.

[RainbowC Graduate]

Welcome! Without having memorised everyone’s details here, I can pretty confidently guarantee you that at 77 you’re not the oldest person on this forum, nor the oldest person to start this programme, if that helps at all!

We all start from a point of being unfit and wanting to change, and many of us are overweight too. Post here for encouragement and to share the triumphs and not-quite-so-good moments. We’ll celebrate with you and share tips for motivation

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

You will find lots of support on here. Has you GP, nurse or consultant given you any tips or things to be mindful of with you Health as you build up your fitness? Start off very slow and take as much time on each week as you feel comfortable with. It is a journey not a race. Keep coming back on here for support and encouragement and we will help you get fit.

[Decani]

Some GPs can prescribe X amount of sessions at a local gym, plus weight loss support at Weight Watchers or Slimming World. It's worth asking your GP what support is available in your area.

[FatBoyBaz]

Tch tch. Age is but a number. I am 58 and in July last year I tipped the scales at just over 18stone . My wife got me into slimming world and I downloaded the C25k app and started running . Now doing parkruns on a Saturday and am sitting a pound over 15stone . Think positive and go running . You will enjoy the sense of achievement. Good luck in your quest

[ruralfrance Graduate]

Then you have come to the right place! Look on the site for Iannoda Truffe's excellent post on how to go about the programme. And always remember Oldfloss's instructions: slow and steady.

Don't forget that every single time you get out is a bonus, even if you walk the whole thing, because walking is great too.

I'm 65 and graduated in early January, but I've dropped out since then and am going to start again. Having done it once I reckon the important thing is the journey, not the getting there. The journey also brings an enormous sense of achievement.

Good luck, obe77, and let us know how you get on.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome and well done on taking up the challenge. It si never too late.

Read this guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... It will answer many questions, but we are here to cheer you to the finish line as well as offer advice and support.

Enjoy your journey.

[hblewett Graduate]

Well done for starting. I'm 70 and now on week 7, though it has taken me more than 7 weeks to get here. If you don't succeed with evey run it's not a fail, it's a practice run. My OH is 73 and always hated sport, but she is doing it too - Im a little ahead of her, but she is keen to go out every other day and feels better (as do I) for going. This programme really works! Keep in touch.

[AlannaMae Graduate]

What is great about this network is that we’re all in this together. You know your own limits - don’t let the stroke overcome you! I know of someone who has suffered with a stroke and they’re now a graduate of the programme! Age is just a number after all, whether you’re 18 or 80 we can all do this!!

[hblewett Graduate]

P.S. Take it slow and make sure you have good trainers. In week 2 we both went out and invested in decent trainers - makes a huge difference, and I think, seals the commitment to use them! thers plenty on here about what to get, especially about gait analysis.