Strength training

[Bell618]

Hello, I have just completed the quiz about yourself and I need to be doing some strength training. Dont know where to start or what that means. Please help

[margaretm715]

Where did you find the quiz please?

[Hidden in reply to margaretm715]

Might be the one I posted about earlier nhs.uk/oneyou#a8hI14fd3LtLm...

I got 12 weeks free leisure centre use and a 'lifestyle coach' because my activity level after baby had dropped to less than 30minutes a week. I think different areas offer different levels of help.

Not sure on strength training yet 💪

[Bell618 in reply to margaretm715]

It was emailed to me by one you, called 'how are you test?'

[PippiRuns 3kg]

How about this nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an... , Bell?

[EllaMidlands in reply to PippiRuns]

That's a really useful link, thanks. I didn't know what strengthening exercises were either. Just going off to climb the stairs several times. Thanks for sharing it!

[YellowRose55]

Hi Bell618

Welcome to the weight loss forum.

Can I ask did the quiz direct you to the weight loss forum?

Take a look at the Welcome Newbie post in the Pinned post section at the right hand side or at the bottom if your on a mobile. Have a look at the nhs 12 week plan, many members have had success following this plan. Use the BMI checker to work out your daily calorie allowance.

Have a look at the Daily Diary which you can find on the Home page in Events. It is where all the members are sharing their daily plans on what they are eating and any exercise they are doing. This thread will give you some ideas on how to start.

Below the Pinned posts are the Topics where members share a range of weight related subjects.

Take your measurements at the start together with a photo so you can see the changes on the days the scales don't move.

We have daily weigh ins so why not come along and join us today. You can find the weigh ins on the Home page in the Events section on the right. Just click on the post in Events and record your start weight and any loss/gain or maintain for the week.

To get the most of the forum be active, share tips, recipes and experiences. Read some of the posts they are very motivating.

Have a good first week.

Rose

[lucigret]

It is a good link but doesn't really tell you what to do does it. Strength training , as far as I understand, includes things like Pilates, yoga, sit ups, squats, weights, running and brisk walking.

Hopefully somebody will come along and tell us more.

[Fran182716 in reply to lucigret]

Yes I'd be very interested in information anyone has. Ive been reading up about this, I know strength training means muscle building and that's something I need to do as your muscle starts to decrease after the age of about 40 unless you take steps to build it again, same goes for weight loss though most of it is fat you do lose some muscle too and it's having muscle that keeps your base metabolism going, so the more muscle you have the more calories you burn just being alive, that means you can eat more in maintenance than someone same weight but less muscle.

The "how" from what I've read seems to be more complicated, involving gyms and personal trainers and the like which I know some people really enjoy but don't think I would.

I know my aquafit class builds strength as we use the water to create resistance which works your muscles harder than moving through air, so I guess it's the same as using weights but the water supports you too so less strain on your joints.

I've also read that you need proper instruction if you want to use hand held weights because you have to work opposing muscle groups equally or you can create joint problems by one set of muscles being stronger than the other and pulling them out of balance.

And that's as far as my research has got at the moment!

I know I'd prefer to do another class, I like exercise in a group and an instructor telling you what to do so you don't get it wrong. I know at our local leisure centre they do a class with weights but these look quite high intensity geared towards the young and already fit, I just want to keep what I've got as I get older and slimmer! at the moment I'm planning to do the aquafit twice a week when work allows but it would be nice to find something different to change it up a bit.

[lucigret in reply to Fran182716]

Yes your right, we do need muscle. I understand what you say about gyms, not everybody's cup of tea. I went for years to a gym and quite enjoyed the classes and the sessions in the gym. Time constraints stopped me and the money I was spending on it. I did do some 1-1 personal training sessions which I found really useful. As everybody joined the gym in January this year, I left. During the time I was there I did pilates which is really good for strengthening the whole body and is done slowly and methodically rather than 'jump about frantic', it was great for core strength and over all toning and the only reason I stopped that was because the instructor left. They don't all instruct in the same way unfortunately. So I would thoroughly recommend pilates for core strength and toning.

What ever you do, make sure you enjoy it, I wish you luck with your journey.

[Fran182716 in reply to lucigret]

Thanks @lucigret, that does sound like a good idea, and I think they do Pilates classes at one of our leisure centres not the one closest to me but only about 3 miles away so I'll look into that 😀

[lucigret in reply to Fran182716]

I also put up a post for strength exercises today, I don't know if you have seen it, quite a few suggestions made by people, take a look.

[Bell618 in reply to lucigret]

Where can I find it?

[lucigret in reply to Bell618]

Hi Bell618 , if you click on my name and go into my profile it is my last post.

[Fran182716]

Thanks lucigret ive just seen your post, some good ideas there, I think my first plan is to check out Pilates classes as you suggested above, I have a couple of issues with my back and want to have some supervision with what I'm doing so I don't make anything worse. I'm at work for the next 6 days but then have a week off so my goal for that week is to find a good Pilates class 😀

[lucigret in reply to Fran182716]

Pilates is fantastic for bad backs, mine improved so much, I was really surprised. Good luck with finding a good class. Let me know how you get on. 😊

[Fran182716 in reply to lucigret]

Will do, thank you 👍👍

[Fran182716 in reply to lucigret]

Just found Pilates classes quite near to me run by registered physio, more expensive than the council leisure centre class, but might get more individual tutoring, I'm going to contact both next week 😀

[lucigret in reply to Fran182716]

well done, if it's run by a registered physio I am sure it will be ideal, especially for your back, will be worth the extra money I would say😊