Here's Hoping

I am very overweight and have great difficulty walking because of severe arthritis all over my body. I need to lose weight and exercise, but because of limited mobility I don't know where to start.

[Weight-be-gone]

Hi mu_gw_um_ps

I understand exactly what you are saying. I also had very limited mobility when I first started losing weight. But as the weight has come off I have become increasingly more mobile. And more importantly suffering with less pain.

Starting slowly was best for me. I walked to the end of the garden path and back several times a day to start with. Gave me the security of not being far from a chair and that I could stop easily if it was too much. Then I slowly increase it - to the lamp post - to the end of the road - to the bus stop. Now after 4 months I am able to walk 2 miles a couple of times a week. I recently got an exercise bike as I can do short lengths of time on it, like 2 mins and stop if I need to. Hoping to build up over time. But again it gives me security, I don't have to worry about traffic or punctures. It is stable and so I can't wobble off. But basically small steps will get you there and as your mobility increases so will your steps.

Good luck, I know you can do it because I am, and I like you didn't think I could.

[Hidden in reply to Weight-be-gone]

Thank you for your encouragement. I shall start a programme today.

[OzzbourneHoz in reply to Weight-be-gone]

Thank you for sharing this - I have RA and find it difficult to exercise and your progress really inspired me.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, mu_gw_um_ps

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news

Take a look at the 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate

We run daily weigh-in's and you'd be very welcome to join us. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the home page, bottom on a mobile.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[Loulouloves]

Have you tried swimming? I've found it to be the best exercise as there is no impact on any of the joints. When I first started I could barely do a lenghth but am now regularly doing 30 plus at least 3 times a week. The staff are lovely at my local baths and a lot of the less mobile swimmers just take their time or even just slowly walk up and down.

Whatever you do keep at it though. Small steps and no rush. You will get there and the more you do the easier it will become.

Good luck xx