A beginner who needs motivation and help

lv2011

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?

medicapril

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.

AllyG303

Have you tried resistance bands?  They don't cost much ($5-10 at Target or Walmart).

entropicbeauty

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.

lv2011

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?

medicapril

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

kpdorr

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!

Colli

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!