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[groundhog]

Hi ladies - since the meno I have put on weight ( factor in ill health, very disabked mother, lots of wine and cake).   I hate being this big and would like to start swimming again.  I notice a few of you are regular swimmers and wonder how effective do you find it?  I would have to drive about 10 miles to the nearest pool - is it worth it ladies or should I just go onthe treadmill ( which I find very boring ).  Can I have your opinions please xx

[littleminnie]

I don't go swimming so I can't comment on that. How about a exercise bike, set a programme up on the TV then cycle and watch. I've been told that's the best way to do it.

[Taz2]

I've read that swimming is fantastic for the whole body - keeps it toned and maintains fitness - but to lose weight you need to swim for 30 to 60 minutes at least four times a week. I reckon it would be worth doing even once a week though to help with fitness and make you feel better about your body. I'm supposed to be starting aqua aerobics with friends soon but we were going to do it last year and then we didn't get round to it!

Walking is good for weight loss. You need to keep up a fast pace - four miles an hour - and it can take around six weeks for it to begin to kick in. I think it's far more interesting than using a treadmill but I suppose it depends on where you live. I'm lucky in that I've got countryside lanes within half a mile of my house so can choose between roads and houses or lanes and fields.

Are there are tips here http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/Getfitwithoutgym.aspx

Taz x

[honeybun]

Or walking maybe. Any exercise that you do will be helpful.

I have had to cut down on how much I eat to try and maintain my weight. Even then my shape has changed and my waist is much thicker. In fact I'm not sure I have a waist any more at all 


Honeyb
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[Joyce]

Swimming has helped hubby & me lose weight.

[Limpy]

Swimming has worked for me.
I can only do 15mins on 3 days a week (in my defence they are consecutive ) but even that helps me feel toned and trim.  Should do more but then would be incapable of anything else for the rest of the week

Give it a go Groundhog, you may like it, nothing to lose by trying. I find it is "me" time

[Hurdity]

Hi groundhog - you burn calories by doing exercise and therefore you can eat more and stay the same weight.

Also if you do exercise that builds muscle - this increases your resting metabolism which means you burn more calories even if doing nothing. Swimming may well help to build muscle (arms?), and cycling (legs) but some sort of body conditioning/toning will also help.

Therefore I would suggest a combination of something that raises your heart rate (cardiovascular) - walking, swimming or cycling etc, along with some sort of muscle toning - class or gym.

Hurdity x

[Linsey44]

Hi groundhog, there used to be a programme on tv called walking for fitness.  In the comfort of your living room it also added in exercises that got your heart rate up.  Better exercising on an empty stomach if possible it burns fat more effectively.

When all else fails i usually get a davina dvd all the exercises can be low or high impact.

Have you tried the 5/2 fasting diet? This is also effective.

Good luck

[groundhog]

Thank you all for your helpful comments.  I hate being overweight yet seemed to have lost the impetus to do anything about it.  I used to enjoy swimming so am going to really try this week to get a few sessions in.  It's difficult with looking after my mother and picking up kids but I've got to do something as I am bigger than I have ever been.  It doesn't help my already low self esteem and I like wearing nice clothes etc but now nothing fits.
I can't even pluck up the courage to weigh.  I have turned into a proper ostrich!
Hubby and I are in a total rut and trapped by circumstances.  But I have got to change or everything will stay the same
Thanks again all xxx

[Limpy]

Groundhog are the kids you pick up your sisters?
You really do need to look after you first.

[groundhog]

Yes Limpy they are my sisters.  It's complicated.  Very difficult.  I have to plan everything but should be able to squeeze a few swimming sessions in

[Limpy]

Even a little bit of swimming is better than none Groundhog.
Just do as much as you can.

[groundhog]

I think it's a confidence thing now too, having put the weight on, the thought of exposing my chubby bod in a swimming pool is terrifying!  But it's about the now exercise I can do reasonably well and as you say,  anything is better than nothing.
Thanks for all your comments ladies xx

[Limpy]

When you are in the pool nobody will be able to see your bod.

Don't Fret - Enjoy what you can do.

[honeybun]

Wrap yourself in a towel and leave it at the side and then pop in.

Is there a ladies only slot at your pool that you could go to.

It's going to be time that's just for you....enjoy.


Honeyb
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