Introduction

[michaeleaton]

Hi Everyone.

I’m a 34 year old male with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy. It means I have a mutated gene that means I don’t create enough dystrophin which means muscle especially in my lower limbs wastes away much faster than someone without BMD.

Im 5ft 6” and still able to walk but not for long distances and I struggle up hill and going upstairs. However this doesn’t mean I can’t try and lose some weight.

I currently weigh 17st 6lb and have lost a stone since January with the little exercise I’m able to do.

I started the couch to 5k yesterday but was only able to manage 3 of the 1 minute runs before I was aching in my lower back and legs and breathing really hard and shallow. I walked for the rest of the way back home and only managed 20 of the 28 minutes.

I need to lose weight because this will be having an affect on my disability with regards to what I can and cannot manage to do. I’m really struggling to find a way to lose weight that doesn’t mean I’m exhausted afterwards.

Hoping there are other people possibly in a similar situation as me who could possibly offer some advice.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Michael

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome! Sounds like you have had a great start! Good luck to you. Admin will pop in to give you some forum navigation tips soon.

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello michaeleaton and welcome to the forum 😊

Well done on losing a stone already, that’s a lot of weight 😊

Firstly I’d like to invite you to join our October Newbie Club here healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh.... Please read all the information carefully as it has lots of useful links and suggestions for getting the most out of the forum.

Secondly I would like to reassure you that weight loss can be achieved without exercise, although obviously whatever you can do will have lots of other health benefits. They say the best workout is the one done in the kitchen with a knife! 😊

Wishing you well in your journey

Anna

[Ceals]

Welcome. This is THE place to be for support, inspiration and motivation.

I remember how hard I found run 1 of C25K and I don't have a disability. You just need to take it at your own pace. You can repeat run 1 as often as you like until it is doable. I am on week 5 now and really, really didn't believe I would get this far. 20 minutes was fantastic, you mustn't make your self ill, that really won't help.

Come on regularly and get to know folks.

Good luck and enjoy your journey.

Well done for losing a stone so far.

[MissisB 4 stone]

Hi michaeleaton and welcome.

I am no expert on Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, but three members of my family had Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. I know my Aunt could not do much exercise, but in the earlier stages she managed to lose weight by reducing calories, and as you say, it all helps with keeping mobile as long as possible. That as well as a positive mental attitude which you clearly have.

All the very best to you.

[kiwikyd-nz]

Hi Michaeleaton

Have you tried swimming? A lot of people find it easier on the body but still gives you a full workout.

Well done on starting the C25K. I agree with Ceals - don't push too hard. Keep to your limits until you are comfortable with taking it up a notch.