[Ronin]

Kim, et al.,

While folks on this forum probably see me as an example of a heavy duty exercier, I wasn't always that way. Like people said, eveyone started somewhere. The sad fact is that most of us classifiy "Exercise" somwhere between a colonoscopy and a root-canal.

The key to any successful exercise progam is finding a physical activity that you actually like! (What a concept!) I know people who have gotten fit by square-dancing, ballroom-dancing, and all sorts of activities not generally classified as "exercise" but all have the common element of having to get the body moving, and having fun while doing it.

Yes, I ride my bicycle or we ride our tandem over 90 minutes per day most days. That isn't punishment, that is pure pleasure (okay, not so pleasant when we get caught in the rain). The best part is when the endorphines kick in -- it's a legal high! The worst thing anyone can do is pick an exercise because it is something they "should do."

I once had an argument with another exercise person who was trying to convince me that I "should" run rather than bicycle/tandem because it is "better." Yes, it is technically better, but I hate running, it makes my knees hurt and I won't do it willingly whereas if I miss a day of cycling I feel as though my day was not complete -- even if that ride was 90 minutes on the trainier in the garage (a.k.a., Tour de Garage).

Do what you enjoy that keeps you moving.

[Kim_in_TN]

Ronin, I agree that you have to find something that is at least tolerable and to your own liking. I love to dance, so once I really get going I always begin my own aerobic dance type of workout. I also enjoy bowling so hubby and I will try to fit some of that in again here before too long. Last fall we bought helmets to use with our kids' old bikes and enjoyed doing that for a short time before the weather got too cold for our blood! I would like to start that again soon too, as I still am a bit rusty and nervous making turns .... this newest experience was the first I had been on a bicycle in 20+ years!!!

[labob]

I think walking is the most important thing a new exerciser can do. Everything builds from there. I would suggest setting time goals rather than distance goals, though -- the great thing about exercise is that the more you do it, the better you get at it, almost without even trying. I guarantee that if you walk 30 minutes every day, in three months you're going to cover a whole lot more ground than you do right now. At that point, it's easy to step up to more strenuous exercise, but give yourself time to lay the foundation first.

Enjoy your walks -- it's really wonderful to get out in the fresh air!

Of course I'm a bit of a hypocrite tonight. I was going to go to the gym, but at the last minute I got talked into going to an office happy hour. One glass of wine and the motivation for exercising flew out the window. Tomorrow I'll be back on track.

[Gunnie]

Kim,
A lot of the warning signs were slapping me in the face, and I am sick of being labelled morbidly obese on my medical records. That little voice inside me told me it is time. I had a severe leg break 6 years ago, so walking more than a mile at a time starts to cause me pain in my left hip due to my leg bones being out of alignment. I had to do something, so I finally bit the bullet and joined a local health club that has a lap pool. I hesitated for a long time because it really can be seen as a meat market, but as I focused on why I was there instead of worrying about "fitting in", I now hold my head up high, and act like I own the place!

Like you, I'm starting very slow. I was a swimmer in high school, so I set goals for myself every week. I am up to 600 yards each time I go, and I feel so great! My doctor is thrilled, and she said that the club I chose was a good one because so many doctors are members there. You keep it up, and don't get discouraged. If today you don't feel well, then don't beat yourself up if you don't walk that day. Working this into my schedule is very difficult, and if I can't go one day, so be it. I'm even starting to wake up on my own at 4:00 a.m. to "get moving"! Good luck with your routine, and even just parking at the far end of the parking lot helps.

[Kim_in_TN]

labob ... thank you for your input. I do enjoy my walks now, especially when the weather is beautiful. Yesterday it got up to 76 here in TN! Just last Saturday we had our first big snow! Amazing, crazy weather we have these days! As long as the weather is good, I can see myself increasing my walk-time pretty quickly. I tend to be one that loves to be outdoors if the weather is right!

Gunnie - thank you for sharing your personal experience ... I feel the same about my weight. According to all the charts, I am considered obese. That word is so completely the opposite to what I was for my entire childhood and young adult years that I can't even believe it really happened to ME! I loved to swim as a child, we always had a backyard pool but I think seeing myself in a swimsuit right now would be very bad for my already low self-esteem. That is always an option for me though once I shed some pounds later on! Until now, I'll keep my long baggy t-shirt on and walk!

[Alice]

Speaking of baggy workout clothing...I suggest tossing them out and buying some inexpensive clothing. I was embarassed by what I had to wear my first few days to class. I made a quick trip to Walmart (and I don't even like Walmart) to buy some cheap "yoga" style pants and tops.

They are comfy and come in all sizes. If you feel good about your "styling workout"...then you'll feel better about your fitness. Now that I've taken myself out of "bootcamp" level...I will wear them to walk each morning in my neighborhood.

Since they get washed frequently, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on expensive workout stuff.

I do highly recommend the Danskin cropped yoga pants and ordered them from their website. They are flattering and actually "stay up" over your tummy which seems to be a struggle these days in the lower waist styles.

Go get yourself something cute to work out in...you deserve it!

[Kim_in_TN]

Originally Posted by Alice

Speaking of baggy workout clothing...I suggest tossing them out and buying some inexpensive clothing. I was embarassed by what I had to wear my first few days to class. I made a quick trip to Walmart (and I don't even like Walmart) to buy some cheap "yoga" style pants and tops.

They are comfy and come in all sizes. If you feel good about your "styling workout"...then you'll feel better about your fitness. Now that I've taken myself out of "bootcamp" level...I will wear them to walk each morning in my neighborhood.

Since they get washed frequently, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on expensive workout stuff.

I do highly recommend the Danskin cropped yoga pants and ordered them from their website. They are flattering and actually "stay up" over your tummy which seems to be a struggle these days in the lower waist styles.

Go get yourself something cute to work out in...you deserve it!

I do have one pair of black cropped workout pants (I think Danskin) and I love wearing them to walk in. However, I wear long t-shirts over them. I'm just not ready to "share" my bottom and belly with the world yet!

[Grammy J.]

Kim,
From one "slightly older" person to another, just continue with your own pace. I used to ride my bike until a 100lb. dog ran into my front tire and I was in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. After another fall where I broke my ankle, my dear husband bought me a treadmill. Can you say "clutz" !! So now I walk at least 30 minutes every day. I'm happy with what I can do and so is my doctor. At my age I figure I have earned the right to do what is right for me and if others don't like it, too bad.
Grammy J.
A1C 6.4
Metformin 3x500 daily

[Kim_in_TN]

Grammy J ... that is one of my biggest fears is getting injured ... especially while riding my bike. My balance on it is very bad since I am now so top-heavy! About 8 years ago, I fractured my foot in 2 places and was literally off of it for a year. Long story but my regular Dr. didn't see the worst fracture and I went from boot, to nothing to cast to boot to surgery finally. It was a nightmare and if I am unable to get around like that again I can kiss my health goodbye!

Thanks for the reminder ... I think I will pass on the bicycle thing for now. I'm much safer on my own two feet .... well, at least with them on the ground anyway!

[Kim_in_TN]

Well, I drove around my block to check the distance. It is exactly .5 miles around once, so now that I am going twice, that means I am walking 1 mile.

Today however, I met my daughter at our Greenway with my two dogs. We walked to the 1 mile marker then back .... so that was 2 miles.

So I walked a total of 3 miles today!!! Yay me!!!

[Alice]

That's great! My stress fracture is healing nicely and I'm walking day-to-day easily...but holding off on my walks so far. Soon, I hope to be back with you!

[Kim_in_TN]

Originally Posted by Alice

That's great! My stress fracture is healing nicely and I'm walking day-to-day easily...but holding off on my walks so far. Soon, I hope to be back with you!

That's great news! Just increase slowly .... we don't want you to have another set back!

[jacobsam622]

Originally Posted by Alice

One fun thing (I think I've mentioned it before on another topic) is to wear a pedometer to count those "baby steps". It takes about 10,000 steps to just maintain your current weight...walk less and that's not enough...walk more and you'll burn extra calories each day.

I found that wearing a pedometer (like we need another meter, right) gave me some accountability...for parking in the last spot farthest from the grocery store door...returning the grocery cart back inside the store...and walking back again to the farthest spot.

Those are the babysteps that really add up for me at Weight Watchers.

I clip the pedometer to the center of my bra...right between the girls...for the most accurate reading. I wasn't getting accurate step counts by wearing it on my waist for some reason, but it may be the brand of pedometer I was using. Most pedometers need to be perpendicular to the floor.

My wife got me a really cool watch that counts every thing steps, calories, etc. I had to take a break from my exercise routine for the past week or so because my back was acting up I going to start back tomorrow. I have an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, an Ab machine and a machine that works like ski's No idea whats it called. I do at least an hour on the machines every day and throw in weights a few times a week.

[Emm]

Kim and all the rest of you - how great are you!!

This is wonderful stuff you're doing, and quite inspirational

I'm not totally unfit, but I have been lazy for a good few months. I gave up my daily walk (why?? I have no idea!! it just faded away) and I feel like a slower person all round for my lack of exercise.

I started looking on youtube for exercise routines - I remembered how the TV used to be full of stuff like that back in the 80s when I was a kid, and it seemed like a good way to start. At least I'm in the comfort of my own room, where I don't care what I look like or if I have to quit half way through!

Well that was a few days ago, and I've done two routines, both on the same day, and I haven't done anything since. Ho hum. SO perhaps I'll hang around this thread and let you lot pose as a reminder for me to get off my butt.

Those baby steps are a great idea. I'm the kind of person who often wants to be doing the best I can, right now... without the practice or lead up! I know that sux, so this thread is my kick in the pants. Thanks

[barbieguy]

Hi all.
I was reading your posts and a lot of it describes me.
When I was diagnosed in January 2007, I immediately ate less, watched my carbs, and exercised (mostly walking.) I dropped 30 pounds and did so well, doctor took me off Metformin.
Well, fast forward to today.
I got lazy. I gained 15 pounds. My eating is out of control. I have a part time job in a pizza/sub shop and we can eat for free during work. Well, it's like a kid in a candy shop!! I overeat every time I'm there. It's like a Carb-Monster has taken over my body!!!
I feel sluggish. My PMS (heaven help the people around me) has gotten so bad and I want to yell and scream at everyone for 2 weeks out of the month! I really dislike myself right now.
The weather here in Pennsylvania has been cold and snowy and wintery for the last 6 months, or so it seems so I don't get out much.
Sorry if I sound like I'm whiny, but I am. I am so disappointed in myself. I am usually upbeat. I think the carbs have an effect on my mood. Is this possible?
I go for my 3 month bloodwork, fasting and a1C, in mid April.
Well, I'm done whining about myself.
Take care,
Barb