Looking for suggestions

[maribelle]

Hi... I currently weigh 380, and have arthritic knees and ankles...very painful. I have to use a cane often, and as a result, I have no idea where to start with exercising. Does anyone have any suggestions? I do not have access to a swimming pool, so that is out. I have a Walk Strong video, that has resistance work with it, but I'm afraid to do it since I gained so much weight, because even when I was thinner, the squats seriously hurt my knees while causing gross grinding noises. What did any of you try when you were at your heaviest? Thanks.

[quotidianlight]

Re: Looking for suggestions

I think walking is a good place to start along with some simple upper body exercises with weights. Pilates is also very good and non impact. You go at your own pace so don't expect to have perfect form because it comes with time. I was never that heavy but my mom is and those are things I can see her doing with a little less impact on her knees.

[Grant]

Re: Looking for suggestions

I started with walking, and I still walk a lot. I also added in biking when I had lost some weight and didn't over burden my bike. (I actually started out higher then the list maximum weiht for my bicycle....). Pilates is a good suggestion so are lights weight for upper body. You might also get some bands and that lets you do a lot of leg work lying on the ground like leg lifts and presses with minimal impact on your knees.

[Georgiana]

Re: Looking for suggestions

I read your post yesterday, but I took me some time to come up with something else than walking.

A nice, low-impact exercise is hula hooping. As long as you can stand on your feet, you can do this! All you need is a hoop (I would recommend a larger one, especially if you're a beginner) and some nice music/movie to listen to/watch while spinning.

There are two types of hoops you can find in the stores - with or without weights. The one with weights is better for a more intense workout, but it's not advisable to use it if you have problems with your back. Using a hula hoop without weights you should lose about 300 calories in a 30 minutes workout (however, I would not advise you to do these 30 min in one run for the first week ).

[maribelle]

Re: Looking for suggestions

Thank you everyone for your replies. I bought a 10 lb. resistant band over the weekend, and will begin tomorrow. Also have done some walking, and will consider the hula hooping, although as a child, I never could manage to get one to work! :P Thanks for taking the time to come up with some suggestions. I can't wait to get started!

[Tommy]

Re: Looking for suggestions

Progression is key!

Don't overdue it to start and hurt yourself. Let your body be the judge and tell you when something is to painfull.

It doesn't matter where you start as long as you continue to progress over time. Log your exercises and compare your progress as the weeks pass.