Workout tips for the older/out of shape

[Anonymous]

I agree that you should start with walking. Set a time goal and add on each week. Once you feel good walking work on some dietary changed to improve your health.

[Anonymous]

I am not older (or maybe I am, mid-40s) but I started working out about 2 years ago after very many years of little organized physical activity. I've mostly always looked in shape due to good genes, but I wasn't.

We ended up buying a treadmill and I started there. Very slowly. Walk/run, even if I could only fun for a minute and then walk for two minutes. I would do that a few times a week for 20 minutes, using the Peloton tread classes. Now I'm much better and am comfortable running outside, and I can fun 5ks and 10ks and not feel out of place. But I started very slowly, and I think that is the key. If you're self-conscious, start at home, stick with it, and you will get better.

[Anonymous]

Start slowly, as PPs have said. If early morning is the only time you can work out, experiment with having something to eat. I've been an early-morning exerciser/athlete for 25+ years and have always, always needed a little food before my workout/practice. Fasted doesn't work for me. I know it's pushed a lot as some kind of calorie-burning sorcery, but many people feel and perform better with some calories on board.

[Anonymous]

I started at 302 pounds in April. BMI 48. Recovering from hip replacement surgery. Early 50s. Wegovy, 1200 high quality calories, a dietician, lots of protein, water. And a personal trainer twice a week for 60 minutes. Comes to my house and brings what he needs with him. And ai have gained so much muscle, flexibility, endurance, balance. Because I have someone working with me and my limits and ramping my workout up slowly. And managed to avoid an injury in the process.

248 pounds this morning and recently had my BMI go below 40. I still have a long way to go. But I’ll get there.

I cannot recommend working 1:1 with a trainer enough. Even if you only do a couple of sessions every month to get a workout routine that is appropriate for you.

Also, a recumbent bike 45 minutes, 3x a week. Recommended by the trainer, and spares my other hip, which will need to be replaced at some point.

[Anonymous]

^^ Also— I am not a morning workout person. My trainer comes at 6, when finish work (I’m FT telework) I’ve started to really look forward to moving after sitting all day. Maybe morning isn’t the best time for you to exercise. Some people do better at lunch or after work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Also, my gym is filled with thin, beautiful people. It makes me feel awful to be the most out of shape person in the room. I know no one cares/is looking at me and I don’t feel judged or self conscious- I just feel bad about myself for being flabby while everyone around me has taken such good care of themselves.

I’m very fit, and when I see someone out of shape at the gym, I’m happy thst they are there and want them to stick to it.

You will be “one of us” after a few months!