The Wave? Or other suggestions?

peaches85

Hi ladies!  I don't normally post here, but I've lurked and I figured you all would be able to help me out more than anyone else.

FI's mom is very short and quite overweight (not so much her legs and her arms, but her mid-section and her chest are very large).  She recently suffered a fainting spell and during her stay in the hospital she was told she has diabetes.  Since the incident, she has been very closely watching what she eats, but she knows that she has to start working out.  She enjoys walking, but she has no room for a treadmill, she would never use a gym membership, and in the winter months it's difficult for her to walk outside.

She mentioned that she might like The Wave, but I took a look at it at Walmart and it looks like you need to have at least halfway decent coordination and/or strength to begin with (in all honesty, I think she'd kill herself on it).  I could be wrong, but that was just my impression of it and I don't want to get FI's mom something that she'll get hurt on.  However, I would like to get her something that doesn't require an exercise video for every workout (though if it comes with one then that's fine) and that she can use in the comfort of her own home in as little space as possible.

So, any suggestions at all to help get her moving?  Is my impression of The Wave completely wrong and it would actually be a great thing for her?

Any and all advice would be great!  Thanks in advance!

PS - This is The Wave in case anyone's as clueless as I was: http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Wave-by-The-Firm-Speed-Slimming-Weight-Loss-System/10996585

JoMega

Woah!  I think you are completely correct about the wave...I don't even think I am coordinated enough for that!  However, there are a lot of DVDs out there that work.  I know people who use Leslie Sansone DVDs.  She has a bunch out & I have done a few myself...they are pretty good and definitely do-able!  She offers a variety of DVDs that focus on different parts of the body so it isn't the same work out all the time.  Also, if you do not want all of her workouts to be DVDs, she could use free weights, resistance bands, and figure 8 bands. There are also some pretty simple benches that are cheap too at walmart, I think!  My mom bought hers there.  Maybe include a book that teaches different lifting exercises too, so she knows how to do the exercises.  Those are just some ideas..not sure what you are looking to spend, but I hope this helps!

peaches85

Those are great suggestions, but I don't think she's motivated enough to just use resistance bands and/or weights.  It's hard to explain, but she's the kind of person who would need something a bit more "exciting" or unusual than regular old weights and a bench.  Personally, I'm all for them, but I think they'd just sit in her closet.

She's the person that crazy and unusual workout devices like the Shake Weight and The Wave are made and advertised for, haha.  Also, I really think she wants some type of low-resistance cardio workout as opposed to lifting.

JoMega

Oh yes, I know what you mean & I know people like that.  Hmm I will have to research a little bit to help you with those different workout tools!   Check out those Leslie DVDs, she may like them!  You would know better than me though.  I will look around & get back to you!

anne.azano

what about starting with yoga and the moving on to something a bit more strenuous?  Maybe you could do yoga classes together?

brookelynl

I know you said no gym, and I have no idea what your situation is, but maybe she would be interested in a gym like Curves, geared towards women? Maybe it could be a Christmas gift? Just a thought. 

raynes

Honestly, that Wave thing looks very gimmicky to me, and doesn't look like it would give one that great of a workout either.

While not for me, I like the idea of Curves.  Or what about Wii Fit/Active?

LittleKatie13

I was going to suggest the Wii Fit and/or Dance Dance Revolution as a start.  I know it sounds crazy, but a sorority sister of mine lost a ton of weight in college by just doing DDR after she had been nothing.  She ended up going to the gym after she got moving, but it was a great first step for her.

peaches85

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I think Curves would be perfect for her as it's exactly what she needs, but there's no guarantee she'd go and I'd hate to spend the money on a membership that just goes to waste.  I also really like the idea of Wii Fit, but the only Wii console in her home is in her 11 year old son's room, so I doubt she'd have access (in other words, she would use her son as an excuse for not working out).

She keeps talking about how she knows she needs to get active and lose weight, but I think she just may not have the initiative or will-power to make the effort (which is why the gimmicky products are so attractive to her).

I'll keep looking and thinking of ideas with FI, but thanks again!!  :-)

JoMega

Well I looked around & haven't found much!   I would suggest going to sporting good stores, even stores like "Play It Again Sports" or "2nd Wind Sports" or another second-hand sporting goods store.  I think just looking around at different things she can do at home will help you decide what to get.  You seem to know her really well & what she workouts she will actually follow-thru with.  Wish I could have been more help!