Posts: 427
6/13/08 7:05 P

Hi Rhonda!

I'm right there with you! I turn 42 in August, and I was always fit and trim, until about 5 years ago. I started back on the elliptical about 2 months ago and that first day, all I could do was 5 minutes and I was huffing and puffing!

But now, I'm up to 45 minutes at level 4, so just keep at it! Increase your time by just five minutes each week and before you know it, you'll be able to go as long as you like!

As for your arm strength, yeah...it goes fast, doesn't it? Try doing wall push ups...that's what I've been doing since I'm not yet strong enough to do them on the floor yet. They're really helping!

Congrats on getting healthy! We're all here with you!

current weight: 217.6

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SparkPoints: (13,772)
Fitness Minutes: (7,355)
Posts: 2,957
6/10/08 12:00 P

But, you're absolutely right about that elliptical machine!!!!!

current weight: 198.4

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Posts: 16
6/10/08 11:34 A

Thanks for the encouragement. I know it shouldn't take long at all to get back to my old self but i was just surprised at how my body reacted, I never thought for a million years that I out of all people, that I , would have a hard time which is why I put it off so long. I always figured well, I never had a problem bouncing into shape before and one year passed, then two years passed and more and more but all the while I did not realize my body was slowing and slowing and losing it strength along the way until now. So guess you can say I am having a major reality check and putting myself first for health reasons now not just vanity reasons. I never thought i would have a rough time doing anything physical, so yeah it is time - big time for me to get my butt into gear and get moving.

current weight: 220.0

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Posts: 400
6/10/08 10:07 A

I wouldn't worry too much...42 is still young, you can still be in the best shape of your life at this age. You can't jump in and be your previous fit self instantly though. Start very slowly and build from there. I was in your same situation where I could hardly do any cardio without feeling like my heart was going to pop but each day I did a little more than the day before. Set small goals like 10 minutes on the machine, one set of some of your old favorite weights exercises with light weights, lots of stretching. Then next time up it, but only a little!! You're doing great just being back at it!

current weight: 148.6

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Posts: 5,594
6/10/08 8:01 A

Hi Rhondalee ... Good for you for going back to the gym!

It may just be your body is out of shape and you need to gradually add exerices. If it continues or doesn't get better you may want to see a professional.



Edited by: REBA1058 at: 6/10/2008 (08:05)

Posts: 444
6/10/08 7:59 A

The only way to get stronger and last longer is to keep working on it. I t may take you a while. It did take you 4 to 5 years to get where you are.

Posts: 16
6/10/08 7:15 A

Yesterday was my first day back in a gym after ashamedly four to five years! I thought I was about to die! I noticed my body is literally at war with me recently because even walking tires me out and I get out of breath. I have always worked out and stayed pretty fit but lately I thought I was getting more exercise than I actually was. Having a job where you sit all day tends to sneak up on you. I noticed that my cardio is awful, could not even do more than 7 and a half minutes on the elliptical machine - that machine is truly a demon from hell! LOL. I do seriously have a question though that concerned me. In doing seemingly easy exercises like raises your arms above your head, I have no strength at all in my arms or anything that seemed to require lifting above my head for too long, why is that? I am not a big person to look at, only a size 12 but when she did my body fat it was 38% , their scale said 190 unlike mine which reads 186 and I lost an inch in my height I am only 5'3" not 5'4" like I have always been. I know your body can shrink when you get old, but yikes I am only 41, next month I will be 42. All of this actually scared me quite a bit when I saw how out of breath I was in such a short time, what can I do to make that better. I know the more I go the better it will be, I once was the fitness guru so I know the answers but what used to work for my body is not working anymore, I felt like I was going to have a hear attack on the elliptical machine honestly. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

current weight: 220.0

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