Getting back to exercise......

[bceogirl]

I've had a month long unexpected TOTAL break from exercise due to illness. Where and how do I start back???
I have done nothing, not even walking....so last night I walked around the block. It was very humbling that I was steps behind my husband who does not workout .
I see it's going to be slow going at first but I am cleared by my doctors to do whatever I was doing before.
No way can I pick up where I left off ...( I lost 15 pounds, have had severe insomnia and bed rest has been my only activity!!! )

So can you help me get back into exercise? Where do I start??

I've missed you all and hope I can get back to doing the check-in's and daily workouts soon!!

Any ideas?? I have almost every Cathe workout, P90X, love to walk, own a treadmill and bike.... How do I start back??

 

[MRSchultz]

Becky:

Sorry to hear about your illness, but very happy that you are on your way to recovery. I would suggest that since walking around the block is tough you should start with getting a pedometer. Put that pedometer on and try to work up to 10,000 steps a day. THEN, move on to more advanced work outs. Obviously, your body is going to need a slow return and walking is always good.

Good luck, keep us posted on your recovery.

Marcia.

 

[sparrow]

Becky,

Sorry to hear of your illness but glad you are on the mend. I have been out for a couple of weeks with injuries (hurt my wrist then really hurt my back). It's nothing as serious as yours, but, if it helps, I am starting back with yoga and walks.

Sparrow

My garden is filled with papayas and mangos
My life is a mixture of reggaes and tangos
Taste for the good life, I can live it no other way
- Jimmy Buffett

 

[lorrayne]

Becky,

I would suggest you follow Cathe's beginner rotation. I believe it's pinned on the Rotations forum. It's a great way to get back into shape! I, too, will end up following this one as soon as my stress fracture in my foot heals (I haven't done formal cardio in over a month)!
Lorrayne

 

[honeybunch1]

I like Marcia's option - give it a month or so and move on to the beginner rotation. BUT - be sure you walk progressively faster, too. Prevention magazine's website has a lot of good walking workouts which you may want to check out.

"You can't win them all - but you can try." - Babe Zaharias http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/musik/music-smiley-004.gif[/img]

 

[maddiesmum]

You own a treadmill!!! Lucky duck, there's your answer. You said you can't keep up with your husband walking, so what you do is jump on that treadmill and walk fast/power walk several times a day, for short bursts and increasing your time until you manage a 60 min workout. Then experiment with speed and incline intervals and you will build a solid cardio foundation. From there you could start back with simpler cathe cardio routines like Step heat and Step Fit.

At that point also, you could add weight training for the lower body. As for the upper body, you could start that right now, just take it easy, use lighter weights and be patient with yourself. You won't lift what you used to, but muscles have memory and you'll build it up soon enough.

Good luck,

Clare

 

[bceogirl]

Thank you all for the great suggestions!
I think they are all good and I may incorporate a little of what each of you said and do a "getting back to exercise mish-mosh" . Not worthy of A-Jock, by any means, but right now, it'll work for me!

Clare, I think I will start on the treadmill, since walking seems to be challenge enough for me right now. Today is a rainy day in Ohio too, so the treadmill is perfect. Several short attempts during the day seems more attainable to me right now too then a 30 minute step routine.

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I'll try to keep you informed of my progress.
Sparrow, I feel your pain....hopefully we'll both be back to our regular workouts before we know it.;-)