thoughts about exercise and other's experience

[PaulFinley]

Originally Posted by Alex2011

Yeaaa

How bad do you want it?
Three and a half years ago I was under similar circumstances , back pain , overweight , could barely run 1 block without stoping, so I decided to make
a change in my life and committed myself to 3 months of exercise and a better diet. I did it without trainers but I do recommend you get one.
Today, I'm currently training for my 2nd Ironman race this year.
So my advise to you is , get a trainer and give your 100% all the time for at least 3 months. Its going to hurt and you are going to pay the price for not taking care of your body, but at the end it's all worth it!
Today is a great day to pay a visit to your local gym and sign up for another chance at a healthier life!
By the way, this month I'll be turning 50
Anything is possible!

I wouldn't say that just anything is possible, but you can have great improvement and if you don't improve the future will be bleak.

Be careful about any trainers you select. Go to someone with some education, a professional. Stay away from the kids at places like Golds; they're salesmen and not trainers.

[Alex2011]

140.6 You know it!

[harley863]

Have you also looked at chiropractic. I've been doing now for about 5 years. Started because had lower disk miss aligned pinching the nerve. I go now every two weeks because there are so many other health benefits to all the other joints in your body. One note... Not all practice the same way. PM me if you want more details from what I've learned.

[SpeedRacerXXX]

Originally Posted by Alex2011

140.6 You know it!

I'm impressed. I've run sub 3-hour marathons, currently could cycle 112 miles in all probability, and with some training swim 2.4 miles. But I have never even thought about an Ironman. Congratulations and keep it going.

[TerraFirma]

I feel your pain...literally. In my younger days, til about 35, I kept pretty fit and thin. Over the past 15 years, I've steadily declined with regards to my fitness and then, last year, underwent a MAJOR medical procedure (not surgery) that laid me up seriously for about 8 months. I am just getting back to some mild exercise. I realized that it took a long time to fall out of shape and it will take a long time to get back to where I want to be...slow and steady wins the race. The way I look at it, if I survived the last year, getting in shape will be easy...it will also be a privilege and a blast. I've read a lot of advice here and it's all good. The one thing I didn't see is something I've been doing for the past 4 months. I see a licensed sports masseuse about weekly who stretches and rubs the crap out of me. It's NOT fun but I feeel glorious after. The masseuse has greatly increased my flexibility to the point that I am now up to light resistance training with a trainer. I have lofty goals for myself but I realize it will take at least a year to get there. It may for you too although you are much younger. Goals are important but make sure to enjoy the journey back to fitness. It's going to be a lifelong struggle so keep the concept of time in perspective and set your goal as constant improvement rather than a finite goal so you don't get discouraged. Good luck!