Out of shape exercises

[Mirya]

Anyone have any ideas for beginner exercises. Think out of shape, not normally very active.

He's 6'2" 300+ lbs & I am 5'9" 250 lbs.

We both want to do this together and just wanted some advise on beginner things and a good amount of time to do them in ....

Thanks in advance,
J & M

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Out of shape exercises

What about walking?

[Barb1965]

Re: Out of shape exercises

I second walking, it will get your metabolism reved up for loosing, increase your heart and lung capacity and start preparing your body for more intense exercise. Some light strength training is never a bad idea either even when you are first starting. Try some light weight hand weights to start. Good luck!

[mission to lose]

Re: Out of shape exercises

This time of year walking can be difficult if you live where the weather can be icy, snowy, cold--(which isn't difficult to walk if dressed properly, but could be hard to breathe cold air). Ex:Chicago tends to be a little chilly...Monday Tues Wed barely hit 20 degrees as the high temp of the day.

Anyway, the WATP "Walk Away the Pounds" series by Leslie Sansone is good if you want to walk indoors, but don't have access to a track at a club.
You can see her on Youtube if you want to get an idea of how it works.

[mizski]

Re: Out of shape exercises

WATP is great and takes very little time to do to get the full workout benefits. I found it boring after a while though but still use it occasionally for variety in my routine.

I had to start with super beginner workouts because of my weight and inactivity because of health conditions plus having shattered my lower right side in an accident a while ago.

I found the Wii to work the best for me. My vote is for the new Wii Fit Plus (to work on balance, flexibility, stamina, cardio and strength training) and the Wii Sports Resort for active FUN. I also have the EA Sports Active package but still find most of it too advanced for me at this time.

Also found Qi Gong for Weightloss (DVD) to be very helpful and try to use that and my Tai Chi DVDs at least once a week.

The reason I like the Wii so much is that it keeps my interest up meaning I use it almost every day. That wasn't the case with the DVDs. I also found strength training (dumbbells and resistance bands) to be easier at first than cardio. HTH

[mission to lose]

Re: Out of shape exercises

WATP is great and takes very little time to do to get the full workout benefits. I found it boring after a while though but still use it occasionally for variety in my routine.

I had to start with super beginner workouts because of my weight and inactivity because of health conditions plus having shattered my lower right side in an accident a while ago.

I found the Wii to work the best for me. My vote is for the new Wii Fit Plus (to work on balance, flexibility, stamina, cardio and strength training) and the Wii Sports Resort for active FUN. I also have the EA Sports Active package but still find most of it too advanced for me at this time.

Also found Qi Gong for Weightloss (DVD) to be very helpful and try to use that and my Tai Chi DVDs at least once a week.

The reason I like the Wii so much is that it keeps my interest up meaning I use it almost every day. That wasn't the case with the DVDs. I also found strength training (dumbbells and resistance bands) to be easier at first than cardio. HTH

Hi Mizski,

How have you been? Did you have your 2nd surgery yet?

WATP could get a little boring, yes, but I have several and they each are a little different, so that helps a little. Two of them I got free. And as you go up to the faster miles I stop thinking about the boredom...LOL...I was too out of breath. BEFORE----Now I have improved, dropped some pounds, built up some stamina. And it is much better than breathing in the frigid air outside in Chicagoland, at least for me!

And yes Qi Gong and Tai Chi, I do those also. That is a very good suggestion, I forgot to mention. Not too hard for new people to exercise if they use a beginner;s version. Great Idea!

I haven't tried Wii yet, I must be one of the last not to be into it! LOL!

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Out of shape exercises

>>This time of year walking can be difficult if you live where the weather can be icy, snowy, cold>>

There's always a shopping mall.

[mizski]

Re: Out of shape exercises

>>This time of year walking can be difficult if you live where the weather can be icy, snowy, cold>>

There's always a shopping mall.

Not always! Here's a pic of our downtown. No mall, WalMart, Target, etc. That's why I picked up WATP and Zumba DVDs.



So, even if you can't walk outside or in a mall, there are plenty of things you can do.

[soon2bslim]

Re: Out of shape exercises

If you want 2 start off slowly - do little things like park your car pretty far from the mall entrance (may be the only option this time of year, anyway), walk up the escalator instead of standing in place, take the stairs instead , even for just one flight, going down the stairs is not that challenging but it is moooving- better than stansing in place on the escalator/elevator. if u don't have weights, pull out tomato paste cans or tuna cans and lift w/ those just to start. There are short videos on You Tube that you can do which are designed to give u an idea of the workout, but may be just enough to get u exercising, regularly, for a short time - you can do them sev times a day and buy the video when you are ready for a more complete workout. U can also google begginner workout videos and see what comes up. KEEP MOVING should be your theme, even at home, bend and stretch to reach things, do little errands instead of sending kids upstairs to get you something.... whenever u have the opportunity to move yourself- do so with vigor!

[JulieB]

Re: Out of shape exercises

I started (@285lbs) with walking and cycling (stationary bike). I also did some Pilates/Yoga DVDs. Swimming is also good. I looked up abs workouts on youtube too, I bet you could find other workouts there too. Another idea is dancing...just put on your favorite music & dance