Wedding Boards
Cat:Wedding Boards
A beginner who needs motivation and help
Getting in Shape
A beginner who needs motivation and help
Whether you’re toning up or slimming down, this board is full of great tips, advice, and inspiration. You can also get answers to your fitness questions every Friday from The Knot's fitness guru, certified personal trainer Doug Rice.
So, I've not been athletic since my first year of college (I was a swimmer) and I'm pretty limited in what I can do. At 5'5" and 110lbs, I look "ok", but I really have next to zero muscle tone. I have
0
False
Getting in Shape
A beginner who needs motivation and help
Whether you’re toning up or slimming down, this board is full of great tips, advice, and inspiration. You can also get answers to your fitness questions every Friday from The Knot's fitness guru, certified personal trainer Doug Rice.
So, I've not been athletic since my first year of college (I was a swimmer) and I'm pretty limited in what I can do. At 5'5" and 110lbs, I look "ok", but I really have next to zero muscle tone. I have
0
Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238
Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:44cc82c4-287e-4031-ac4a-49c59e61d896
1
|
A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/9/2012 3:54 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
12-05-2009
GRAND RAPIDS 4014956325094364
Posts: 233
First: 8/11/2011
Last: 5/24/2012
|
So, I've not been athletic since my first year of college (I was a swimmer) and I'm pretty limited in what I can do. At 5'5" and 110lbs, I look "ok", but I really have next to zero muscle tone. I have pretty severe arthritis, and when I couldn't work anymore I lost my health insurance and couldn't afford a gym membership. I have a hip replacement so I can't do anything that is "high-impact" either- no running, jumping, or repetitve joint stressors. I really really want to tone up, but don't know what sort of exercise would be best for me and my situation. Can anyone give me some idea of where to start?
|
"True love is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen." ~La Rouchefoucauld~
2
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/9/2012 4:11 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
07-12-2010
VIRGINIA 4003145470050735
Posts: 636
First: 7/28/2011
Last: 5/8/2012
|
What kind of activity has your doctor cleared you to do? Have you consulted with a physical therapist? They would have more experience working with people who have physical limitations. I know that a lot of personal trainers can create a program specifically geared for individuals with health conditions, but I don't know how much that might cost. I would suggest swimming or even cycling as they are low/no impact, but even those have a lot of repetitive motion, so I don't know what else to suggest. Maybe yoga, and modify certain positions that are uncomfortable on your joints. Improving range of motion & flexibility might even help your arthritis, but I'd proceed with caution at first.
|
3
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/9/2012 4:57 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
02-16-2010
PHOENIX 6960019442749658
Posts: 2188
First: 1/28/2011
Last: 5/25/2012
|
Have you tried resistance bands? They don't cost much ($5-10 at Target or Walmart).
|
4
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/9/2012 5:25 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
01-17-2009
DETROIT 9247678101850060
Posts: 1563
First: 9/14/2011
Last: 5/24/2012
|
I have arthritis and am able to use most exercise equipment with no problem - what joints of yours specifically hurt? When I'm having a real bad flare up it's usually my knees or shoulders that are affected, but if it's mostly in your hands you'll be able to do a lot more.
I agree you should also discuss with your doctor.
|
5
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/9/2012 11:40 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
|
Joined on
12-05-2009
GRAND RAPIDS 4014956325094364
Posts: 233
First: 8/11/2011
Last: 5/24/2012
|
Listed in order of most likely to hurt first: hips, spine, wrists, knees, ankles, shoulders, fingers. One hip has been replaced. When it was discussed with my doctor, when I still had insurance and could afford to see him, he said no high-impact sports. Specifically, no running, basketball, football (touch or tackle), soccer, or tennis. Also no rock climbing and very limited biking (only short distances and no hills). Basically, I can walk and I can swim (but no breastroke because of the hip motion during the kick). I would love to swim, but memberships to pools are expensive. I already do a fair amount of walking. It's my upper body and waistline that I'd really like to work on. I think yoga or pilates might be an option, but again, classes are expensive. Are there good at home programs that work?
|
"True love is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen." ~La Rouchefoucauld~
6
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/10/2012 9:17 AM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
|
Joined on
07-12-2010
VIRGINIA 4003145470050735
Posts: 636
First: 7/28/2011
Last: 5/8/2012
|
I looked up a vinyassa flow yoga routine on youtube believe it or not. There are kind of a lot of yoga videos out there, but I watched most of it before I tried it to make sure it wasn't too advanced.
Do you happen to live near a YMCA? I joined the Y because the monthly membership fee can be income based- so I ended up only paying about $37/mo which includes classes & access to 2 pools. Just throwing that one out there :)
|
7
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/10/2012 9:56 AM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
07-08-2011
UPSTATE NEW YORK 5956457021665468
Posts: 235
First: 7/8/2011
Last: 5/8/2012
|
Do you have a college or high school near you with a pool?? They often have community swim nights for free or very low cost. I would also suggest biking or like others some beginning yoga! Good luck!
|
8
|
|
Re: A beginner who needs motivation and help
posted at 2/10/2012 9:26 PM EST
on theknot.com
|
|
Joined on
02-10-2012
CONNECTICUT 7961645018081738
Posts: 4
First: 2/10/2012
Last: 2/10/2012
|
How about dancing? That gets you moving but is not really high impact! It would be worth a try! I had a friend who has arthritis and when she and her husband took wedding dance lessons it actually helped her! :) Of course not all the time but it worked for her she says!
|