I so need to find motivation to lose weight and start to exercise

[Margaret54]

I am in my early 60s, I have a degenerative disease of the spine and problems with my hip, knees and feet. I constantly suffer with aches and pains and I'm on pain medication. I've been recently diagnosed with a heart condition which worries me. I need to lose at least 2 to 2.5 stone and realise that exercise could maybe help with my heart condition and also help me lose weight and tone up. I just find it so hard to find the motivation to even start. Anyone on here got similar issues? How do you manage to exercise and/or lose weight. I would be very grateful for any advice.

[Ceals]

Hi Margaret, I don't have the same health conditions as you but after a very severe illness I started walking just ten minutes a day. I set my watch for 5 minutes and walked, when the alarm went off I turned round and walked back. I played games with my self trying to go a bit further in five minutes by walking a little faster, trying to walk for longer. I have to say I was walking at a snail's pace, I can now walk as much as I like at a decent pace.

I am lucky enough to have an indoor rowing machine bought for one of my boys about 10-15 years ago. I rowed for two minutes and it exhausted me. Now I row for 30 minutes most days of the week.

My point is, start slow, believe in yourself, find what you can do and keep on doing it.

Good luck.

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Margaret

It's not essential to exercise to lose weight, your diet will play the biggest part and Ceals has given you some super advice.

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). 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 NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the NHS 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.

To the right of the HOME page (bottom on a mobile), you'll find Events. In there, you'll find links to our daily Weigh-in's (you will choose just one day per week), our Daily Diary, where we post our menu and exercise plans, for accountability, advice and support and our “What's happening today” thread, where we pop in for a chat.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

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

[4555]

Hi Margaret. I don't have your health issues but I'm 48 and was 4stone overweight. I started c25k with a group of friends all who were fitter than me. I was worried about my weight. I was and continue to be slow. I thought to myself that I'm doing this for me. I got over what I thought everyone else thought and followed the plan. I have to say the running is hard but I get a real sense of satisfaction from doing it. Walk and repeat when necessary

However what it does do for me is moderate my eating. I have stopped snacking and eat healthily. I'm currently 1stone 9lbs down since early May. I've a way to go but enjoy the runs mostly and consistently do 4K 2-3 times a week. My advice go slow be determined and enjoy it

[Margaret54]

Thanks for your responses, I guess it's best to start exercising slowly then gradually build up. After all Rome wasn't built in a day! I need to start logging what i eat to try and keep track of what I'm actually eating. I will try just walking first then maybe a little light jogging.

[RG07 Maintainer in reply to Margaret54]

Hi I don't run at all but I have increased the speed of my walking (from 18min/mls to 13-14min/mls and I have lost weight. Exercise is only a small part in loosing weight it just helps to tone you up, the main focus is what you eat. Other members would get off the bus 1-2 stops earlier and walk to their destination gradually increasing the distance and I park my car outside of walk and have walk into work. I also walk to the shops and since I can walk along a river rather than the streets I detour to go by the river. The main thing is to start small and slow and build it up.

[Fatpanther Restart April 2024]

Hi Margaret54, I too suffer with spine nerve problems. And in constant pain. I signed up for Slimming word the same day I signed up on this web site. I said that once I lose a stone I try and tackle exercise. I hit the stone two weeks ago. And tried 15 mins of no impact exercise. It was excruciating pain for days my body felt like it was in traction. So now I use housework as exercise. I have a Wii and Wii fit so I will try and use that. It is fun and you can do that indoors. Or you can go for walks adding extra distances each week. But at the end of the day it's what you can cope with not running before you can walk. One step at a time honey.

[Wadestreet]

Hi welcome Margaret54. I am doing exercising and starting slow. I walk 20 minutes for 3 to 4 times per week. Or I go to the gym and walk slower pace on the treadmill for 30 minutes and that just started Monday. I need to lose 85 to 90 lbs. I am learning to take one day at a time. I was thinking it will be off in a couple of months and I would sabotage myself before I even started. Eat healthy and have snacks. Eating right and fitness you will eventually start losing. The slower the better and that way you will maintain. Best of luck on your journey.