Summer challenge -Try-athlon

[Frenchfields]

Not sure if we ordinary mortals are allowed to suggest challenges, but, inspired by the Olympic games ( orJO as it seems to be in France) I thought I would suggest that we (those that are able) try a new exercise over the ’JO’ period. Maybe swimming if you haven’t done it in a while ( but not in the Seine apparently), chair yoga, cycling indoors or outdoors. I was inspired to do some pool running by a bunch of young women in the sea while was on holiday - running in the water is surprisingly difficult but supposedly very good exercise. Remember not to get sunburnt if you’re exercising outside -even a little sunshine can lead to skin damage if you don’t use some form of sun protection.

Let us know what you’re going to try.🌞

🌞

[Eryl Visitor]

The important thing to know about weight loss is that you won't burn any fat until you've got your blood sugar down to the minimum level beecause the body is programmed to preferentially burn glucose first because high levels of glucose can be toxic to the body (especially the nerves).The time when glucose levels are most likely to be lowest is before brsakfast so this is the ideal time to excersise. Tbe body has a mechanism to produce glucose from fats and protein so most people will not have any problem doing this. The only people who might need to eat carbs which is the source of glucose is elite athletes. I cycle with a club on Sunday mornings and often do forty miles before stopping for lunch (which is breakfast for me)

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Eryl]

So are you joing the challenge then Eryl? Trying something different?

[Eryl Visitor in reply to Frenchfields]

As it happens I went out cycling for an hour yesterday late afternoon with no skin protection. After my stroke I can't manage much more than an hour of excersise. We need the vitamin D made in our skin for out immune system.

[Sharmian350]

ooh, count me in Frenchfields . I love exercise, my favourite is cardio, mainly spinning but I am becoming a fan of the elliptical trainer at the gym. I do quite a lot and I feel the manyfold benefits of my exercise every day, not all victories are scale victories!!!

I suffer from very bad depression and sometimes it is all I can do to get out of bed, but I try to be consistent.

I think I will try getting back to my core and back exercises over the JO’s.

The water running might be a bit dangerous in the Thames. 😃

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Sharmian350]

Ha ha, I guess water running in the Thames might be, well, swimming -didn’t David Walliams do that? I used to do a lot of swim challenges with Zoggs so have actually swum the length of the Thames from the source to the sea but not in one session obviously.I know exercise can be good for mental health, though I understand that for some the depression makes the motivation difficult to muster. I hope you’re enjoying the JO and that it helps you find some motivation.

[Sharmian350 in reply to Frenchfields]

I am going to treat myself to an endurance spin session tomorrow a proper stretch, lots of water and then an iced tea with a free voucher I got from the student union. Hope you enjoy your exercise, what ever it may be. 🏊‍♀️👟🚴‍♀️🧘‍♀️

[Sharmian350 in reply to Frenchfields]

I used to swim in the Thames too, but in one of the Docks over in the East. It was an organised thing and was very well managed, also very welcoming.

I have a sensory disability, so I can’t ride a bike any more, but I used to do my own little triathlon, I used to run there, swim round and round and then cycle on the indoor cycles.

I don’t think I would go back to swimming now and my knee is still a bit sore (a running injury) but I still love spinning and I am getting really into the new elliptical trainers at my local gym. Also you can’t beat a good walk as an endurance thing!

I keep meaning to log into the fit is fun thread, but I keep forgetting!

[Redkegs 2024 August]

Well Frenchfields, I'm 51 and never really learnt to swim properly even though I love the water just not where I can touch the floor. I'd so much love to swim in the sea. So my summer challenge is I've signed up for swimming lessons.Hope it will help lose weight too without the impact of pavement pounding lol

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Redkegs]

Hi and welcome, Redkegs

Good luck with your swimming lessons

All of the information you need about the forum can be found as Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and I hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run.

We've found active participation to be key to successful weight loss and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.

Wishing you all the best

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Redkegs]

That’s fantastic Redkegs. My OH was the same and had lessons too. This summer we went on a boat trip and he managed to join me in the sea swimming, definitely out of his depth -he said he was nervous before but exhilerated when he was in the water, so keep at it , if he can overcome his fear I would think most people can. Enjoy your lessons.

[Sharmian350 in reply to Redkegs]

This sounds great Redkegs tell us how you get on.

[Redkegs 2024 August in reply to Sharmian350]

Well thought it was time for a little update. Swimming has been going well and I've now swam a length breaststroke which I'm amazed at as I could even do half a width when I started, I no longer sink like a stone treading water. Not the most graceful lol but getting up there and finally the big one I managed to jump in the deep end. Huge step forward for me, next stop the diving board 💪 😉

[Sharmian350 in reply to Redkegs]

That is amazing. Well done on the swimming and the jumping in.

Consistency pays off doesn’t it? I am still spinning, walking and declutterring!

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Redkegs]

I can only repeat what Sharmian has said, That really is amazing, very well done you.

[Dippyeggs 2st 7lbs 2024 August]

That's a great idea! I've only just joined otherwise I'd have umm joined in 😁 I really enjoyed the Paris Olympics 🤩

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Dippyeggs]

The olympics have finished, true, but its never too late to try something new.