[MummyTard]

I am very overweight and I want to start the journey to weight loss, but I get short of breath and tire easily. Can any one help me with any tips? I can't afford to join a gym at the moment... Thank you!

[PaulineN]

Hi there and congratulations on deciding to start an exercise routine.

I suggest walking. You have said you get out of breath easily so start small. Try walking to the end of your street and back for a few days. Once you can manage that, go a little further before turning back. Eventually you will walk the block etc etc. It doesn't matter how long it takes to extend your walk. Do it at your own pace.

good luck

[pinkcupcakes]

walking is always good.. do you have a park or shops nearby that you could begin walking to? then you could gradually increase the time as you stsrt finding it easier( and you will ). just make sure you have proper shoes ( i got my joggers from woolies for like, $20 but they make a world of difference),and a drink , and sun protection. it really does make it so much easier. have a look and see if there's any walking tracks in your area?
also do you have access to your local swimming pool? swimming is a good way to exercise because it's gentle on your joints and muscles ( although i did have trouble with the breathing at first).even if you joined an aquarobics class for awhile?i know they're usually for old ppl but it could be a good transition into more vigorous exercise.

also if you have one of those free gym parks around (one that's not on a main road-why do they do that?) that could help too.

[eyesabove]

Congrats on taking the first step towards exercising!!

You'll do great.

The secret is a little bit everyday.

You could try the couch-5k program. You can google it or search for it on itunes. It is downloadable to your ipod and its just a little every day that builds up. It is essentially a running program, but you can substitute for your fastest walking during the running bits and a little slower for recovery.

I read about a lady who didn't feel comfortable exercising anywhere but at home. She started by walking in circles under her clothes line every day. Started with 5 circles, the next day 6 and so on until she had lost 40kg!!

Just a little every day. You can do it. And if you miss a day, don't even worry about it, just start again the next day.

If you need something more structured. There are lots of free aerobic clips on youtube, depending on your style and what you like.

Try searching; Befit - heaps of videos of diff levels from Denise Austin, Jillian Michels, billy blanks junior....

Keep looking until you find something you think you love and then try to get 1/3 of the way through the routine. The next time, work towards 1/2way, then 3/4 then the entire routine.

Take your time - its not a race, do what makes you feel happy and proud of yourself.

I printed off a chart and gave myself a sticker (corny but I liked it) each time I exercised. At 20 stickers I bought myself a new top. At 50 a DVD I wanted and at 100 a pair of boxing gloves. Non-food related prizes are the best, and you need to stop yourself from buying other stuff you want at other times, so that it really means something to earn those things! I have a cookbook I bought myself, wrapped in gift wrap and waiting for me to reach my goal weight. Its been waiting for a long time, but I will get there one day!

All the best OP. Looking forward to hearing your success story!

[smarty~pants]

Another shout out for c25k, I am 129kg and I'm in week 4 of couch to 5k.

I am so super slow it isn't funny but I don't care, in doing it and today for the first time I ran a kilometer without stopping - and could hardy believe it.

Inspire yourself - i stumbled across this lady http://www.caloriecountingrunnergirl.com and have been following her (and a few others) on FB... To be honest the People I have been following on FB are the main ones keeping me inspired. They have lost large amounts of weight by changing their diet and exercise an their daily posts really spur me on.

Pm me if you want

Sorry for the dodgy typing im on my phone

[smarty~pants]

I am very overweight and I want to start the journey to weight loss, but I get short of breath and tire easily. Can any one help me with any tips? I can't afford to join a gym at the moment... Thank you!

You have been on my mind - how are you going?