I believe it is necessary to lift weights. To prevent muscle loss, muscle wasting and as stated in Dr. B's guidelines.
The problem I have with it is:
1)somedays my arms are so weak I can't lift them to even turn taps on or off. Turning the steering wheel is hard work some days. My legs give out on those bad days.
2) at work, I regularly lift things 50 pounds plus. Climb a disgusting amount of stairs. Is this sufficient for exercise on my work days?
3) when I get home I am exhausted-I normally only eat what I need to to take my meds and go to bed right away. Lifting weights after work, even lifting a fork is hard.
4) to work my entire body would mean going to a gym. That turns me off completely. Gyms in Vancouver are meat markets for meeting up. It is a bunch of heavily tanned people looking for a stereotypical mate. (Before you lambbaste me-the gyms here are like that. The only city I've lived in where folks do their hair, spray tans to go to the gym).
Do you guys have any creative ideas for weightlifting I can do at home on my good days?
Or any good links to show me how ?
I have exercise bands, 5 pound weights, and a exercise ball.
I really really do not want to go to a gym.
Posted by pointermom (Member # 43153) on :
I really like the exercise bands. hook them on a doorknob and do bicep curls, tricep extensions, etc.
My local rec dept. has a class that I like, called Body Basics. Not too strenuous, weightlifting movements, everybody picks the amount of weight that they can handle (mine change a lot depending on how I'm feeling)
I take the class with a friend and we keep each other accountable so we can't blow it off.
Do you take a potassium supplement? I started taking potassium and drinking V8 last week, makes my exercise class much easier!
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
I'd say you are getting worked at work!
I also don't have time for a gym, nor willing to put my kids in a daycare there, or have to buy nice workout outfits to impress, and I'm shy.
So, I have DVD's I lift weight to- have a set of 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 dumbbells.
The weather has been so gorgeous here, I've taken to walking the hills (paved sidewalks) in my beautiful neighborhood because all the flowers, trees, foliage really brings me joy. And the sun shining on me.
Need to get to the weights again tho. But my daily hikes are taking over instead right now. It will get too hot soon enough, and kids here off soon for summer, so I'll go back to my DVD's.
Get good results (redefine muscles) with the weight work,
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
I wouldn't workout days that you are lifting heavy stuff at work and climbing stairs. I believe that is your workout for the day.
I do body weight squats (occasionally pick up some 10-20 lb kettlebells and squat). I do the bands as mentioned above for shoulders/back & I do pushups. I do it all for golf! Posted by one4islands (Member # 28187) on :
Despise gyms, so I workout in my basement.
That means no dues, easier to commit to...don't have to drive somewhere.
Have got dumb bells , barbells, exercise bands ( I never use), treadmill, recumbent bike, slide board and power tower.
Use my P90x, Les Mills Body Pump, Chalean Extreme and Brazil Butt Lift DVDs.
I've watched my muscles wither away over the past 5 years and have lost strength.
I'm back to working out every day, alternating cardio/weight days.
I have good and bad days, most of my issues now are left sided balance troubles.
In the past, my hands would hurt so bad just grasping the dumbbell that a workout was hell. Quite often I could not finish an entire program.
Last night I was super nauseous, sleepy and had no energy whatsoever. I forced myself to suck it up and lace up my tennis shoes. I actually surprised myself by doing quite well and was able to give 100%.
I try to push myself, because I truly believe that exercise is crucial in maintaining good health and strength.
I think your up and down stairs and heavy lifting counts as a work out.
I'd say find an exercise DVD, get some light dumb bells and do what you feel you are able. Sometimes you'll surprise yourself once you get in the mindset. It also is great to boost your mental health and knock out some stress.
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Thanks so much for the suggestions! You guys are the best!
I feel so relieved I am not the only one who would rather workout at home. In my grubby, non-lululemon sweats with paint stains on them. Haha.
I was worried about what weights to buy, but I will get a DVD and start low, add weights as I get stronger.
You guys are so great! Thank you! Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
I can be really strong one day and not the next-many different muscle groups
This is not normal and for me i think when i am very weak it is because of inflammation putting pressure on nerves that affect muscles
I believe this causes my intermittent incontinence too
I try to find patterns that make me weak-and stop them-some times i can sometimes not
Last night i was playing with dog and realized i was doing squats! Many of them...
Earlier in the day yestetday and today i feel like my ankle and knee cant hold weight
I know my pt became frustrated cuz i didnt follow the pattern of stressing a muscle so it will grow and get stronger for the next 48 hrs
My imprivement is up and down...not gradually up
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
For now, I would consider all the exercise at work, a work out day. When starting out with weights, I believe the Burrascano guidelines say to shoot for one hour a week.
When you feel up to it, the goal is to work out every other day. Maybe on the days you work, you could just stretch a bit.
I am a certified personal trainer. PM anytime for free advice!!
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
WOW faithful! That is so generous of you to offer! Thank you Posted by oceangirlSA (Member # 40873) on :
Greta, I don't blame you for not wanting to go to a gym like that!
I exercise at home - walk on my treadmill during the cold weather and outside in the summer. This gives me the freedom to exercise in my own time frame.
I cannot lift weights right now due to severe tendonitis in my elbows, shoulders and ankles, so I an envious of those who can.
I think you are doing quite a lot as it is, but the idea of getting a DVD or a good book, might complement what you are already doing.
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