Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

[icandothis2010]

I have yet started exercising. Besides the occasional walks with my dogs and housework I am lazy. I really want to start running and I have seen the couch to 5k. Has anyone ever done this and if so how does it work out? I am used to walking but every time i run i get absolutely horrible shin splints ( the ones where i can barely get out of bed). I can go to the gym that is close by that is free and can walk to it to get some more. Are there any pointers on how to begin? I am starting the Atkins diet pretty well and i am just missing the key ingredient exercise. I also have the pilates videos and wii fit but i have no motivation at all to do these things. any Pointers? Thanks in advance!!

[Kntrylady]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

Hi CanDo....

I can't help you with the running (my knees can't handle it), but for motivation? Maybe what helps me might help you.

Do you have any exercise equipment at home, ie: bike, treadmill, eliptical, etc? Or know someone you can borrow some equipment from or buy cheap? (for instance there is a Gazelle on Craigslist in Kailua for $50) and ... Do you have a favorite TV show, or a movie you want to watch?

I record a couple of my favorite shows, and don't allow myself to watch them unless I'm in front of the TV exercising. The first hour show took me 3 days (the shows are shorter when you skip commercials) to finish watching. Now I can exercise for the full show. Best wishes in getting in your exercise. You'll feel wonderful when you do.

[liv]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

You just have to do it. sounds banal but that is all that there is to it. To me the thought of being thinner but still lumpy was not a great one. I wanted some definition and now that I have started I have found things to do that I actually like. I have tried lots of things.
I suggest signing up for some the challenges this month. They are just starting. Push ups - squats -or abs work that you can easily do anywhere. And if you want to get into some pilates and lifting you are welcome to joing the strength challenge that I am running

I have done C25K. I took it slow and I loved it. I still run. But if running does not agree with you there are lots of other things to do. I would not do it if I was bothered about it. And if you are going to run - I have to pieces of advice - First buy a good pair of fitted running shoes. You risk injuries without them. And second, take it slow - shin s[lints are sign of over training. You need to work out your strength and endurance a little bit of a time.

[Princessdmw33]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

I did the Couch to 5K two times and got many weeks into before my ankle got very bad and I couldn't take it anymore and ended up at my doctor. (I have feet problems to begin with.) He told me to stop running and that my body may not be made for running.

Fast forward two more years, I tried it again. Stretched this time, bought good shoes (went to a running store and got fitted) and happily went along. A few weeks in I screwed up my posterior tibal tendon and was told to stop running and to not do it again. Two years later I still have issues.

My advice to you is to stretch a lot before hand, do not skimp out on it. Stretch afterwards, again to NOT skip it. Get good shoes and take your time. Do not push it.

The program works, I ran 20 minutes the first time I did this program and I was never able to get past 1 minute without wanting to die!!!! But our bodies are important and the stretching, water, and good sneakers are important.

[liv]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

I do not stretch on a cold body. Ever. When I run I just start super slow and build up. I only stretch after.
running can be taxing sometimes - there are many other cardio things to do if you have issues

[2big4mysize]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

go to the couch25K site and read about proper footwork as that is the key to not getting shin splints. they actually teach you the way to land on your heels and roll up onto your toes for take off for the next step. Also if you decide to give it a go make sure your shoes are okay. Most running shoe stores will give a free anaylisis of your stride and what type shoe you really need.

I have bad knees and can't do the running so I did HIIT walking
it was fun and challenging. First I just walked on the treadmill flat and bumbed the speed up faster to get my heart rate up to the max level for 1 min and then did the recovery by slowing it back down. eventually I reached a point where I couldn't walk any faster so I had to add incline to reach the max heart rate. the longer you do it the faster you get and the higher the incline gets to reach that max heart rate.

when I started it was one min at max and then it took me about 5 to recover back to the slower fat burning heart rate, but after a few months I was doing 1 min fast one min slow one min fast one slow.. for 60 min. burns off body fat improves cardio and does wonders for your leg,s hips, and tummy.

[DWHIT]

Re: Exercising? What to do and how to do it?

I am absolutely addicted to my Wii fit! Give it a try. The step exercise really gives you a workout and I enjoy the boxing too!

Good luck to you!