[FloraDanicaHR]

I need some help....

I have a bad back, I use to run all the time (I miss it!) and now even walking hurts. I am trying to get back into exercising, I have new pain meds (Apo-Naproxen 375 mg twice as a day or as needed) and hopefully can feel better. But now I need motivation, I want to run, but can't.

So can any of you help?! I need motivation to do small boring activities. I want to lose 30 lbs, that's probably too much, but I set my goal high- I'll stop when I am happy!

[madvoice]

Aquaerobics, Swimming, yoga and pilates can all help. Try and find a gym that can give you exercises to strengthen your back. Best of luck

[TrickPony]

I just started doing pilates this month, and it's like I've found my life calling!!! lol

But seriously - they are awesome. And really good for many types of rehabilitation - though you should ask your doctor first.

[BuddyPalAmiga]

Cutting calories is the best way to lose weight Dish up your plate as you normally would, but then put half of everything back It works wonders!
As far as the exercise, have you ever used an elliptical trainer? It is a fantastic workout for your legs, butt, back and cardio. You can amp up the calorie burn by adjusting the incline and resistance. It's also much easier on your hips and knees than running.
Good luck!!

[FloraDanicaHR]

Originally Posted by BuddyPalAmiga

Cutting calories is the best way to lose weight Dish up your plate as you normally would, but then put half of everything back It works wonders!
As far as the exercise, have you ever used an elliptical trainer? It is a fantastic workout for your legs, butt, back and cardio. You can amp up the calorie burn by adjusting the incline and resistance. It's also much easier on your hips and knees than running.
Good luck!!

Thanks! I have heard of that so I will give it a try! thanks

[horse_crazee]

k this is from my experience, and i have been into fitness for a long while now.

if you want to lose weight you can't simply decide to stop it all unfortunately
you have to keep going at it. Its and on going process. (if you think this is hard thats a serious lack of motivation lol) at least be active for 1 hour a day for starters.

remember what you eat is what you are - and this is a very true! saying
cut out all the junk, if you want to get fuller quicker it is ideal to drink 1 glass of water, 10 minutes before eating meals. Have frequent meals in SMALL portions, this keeps the metabolism active, and yes keeping it healthy. cutting out fast foods
Try to drink just water and no other liquids like coffee, soft drinks ect.

and yes i agree on the elliptical it has less impact on joints, and you can also go backwards. Its great to be going 5-10mins forward then 2-5 minutes backwards then forwards again ect. And increase the times the more you do it.

ALSO another thing girls are afraid of but it works very well.. doing weights.
Before you say "oh i don't want to be big and muscular".. girls don't grow muscles as fast as guys do!
Doing weights is a great fat burner with the right routine...
(which can go more in depth) and requires a lot of of discipline
For eg. More reps and light reasonable weights turns it into fitness

Weights can work your whole body burning various areas depending on the particular area you are working.

Taking classes at the gym is a good idea such as pump, pilates/yoga, and boxing classes and spin classes. (BICYCLES!)

just remember to keep in mind "its not easy, if it were easy.. everyone would do it and everyone would be skinny)
think yourself one in thousands!

it also isn't ideal to directly aim for a celeb's body or routine since they actually have a fortune they can blow their money on for things such as personal trainers and dieticians. So don't let that put you off.

Its a good idea to have inspirational photos hah.

[madvoice]

Pump may not be such a good idea for someone with a bad back. Especially the types of moves it entails.

[PonyGirl93]

Definitely do some swimming/water aerobics, etc.

Do you have a back brace or anything that helps you at all? If so, always wear it while you're exercising (lol but obviously not in water aerobics).

You can do lots of stuff with weights, just make sure you're doing them properly so you don't strain your back or neck. If you're pretty new to weights, you might want to take a class or something. Do you want me to post some good arm weight exercises?

Also, don't focus so much on weight loss. Focus on tone and losing fat. As you exercise, you'll lose the extra fat but you'll gain muscle which will weigh nearly as much. I like it when people decide they want to be a certain jeans size. Sometimes they buy a pair of awesome jeans in that size and hang it up somewhere visible to motivate them. I think that's a great idea