Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: BlueButterfly on September 26, 2018, 09:39:42 PM

Title: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on September 26, 2018, 09:39:42 PM
I need some ideas. I know moving and exercise are great for mood but I keep hurting myself it seems! I did some zumba today and had a blast but I now feel like I pulled a muscle in my leg! Seriously, it was a short workout and I don't feel like I did anything really crazy.

I've tried some mild weight lifting, which I LOVE, but I keep ending up with random knots in weird places. Things usually go away in a day or two but I would really like to not hurt myself.

So what do you do to keep moving?

So far walks seem to be something I can handle MOST of the time.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: jillydoll on September 26, 2018, 10:11:59 PM
It's probably because your not stretching before hand. :o
And your using muscles you don't usually use.
I know it sounds funny, because how many people do you see stretching before
a dance routine? Probably none, but they're probably used to it.
A good warm up 1st is key, then stretch afterwards too. :)

These days all I do is walk, I like it though.
I used to go to the gym regularly, the treadmill and rowing machine were my favourite.
Then onto the weights. I really loved it... ;D
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't super fit, or muscular, just toned with definition.
I'd love to go back, but these days I'm far too knackered....lol  :crutch:
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on September 26, 2018, 11:10:38 PM
Yes most likely! It's been awhile since I've done much. I used to run, loved the treadmill...but was giving myself stress fractures so stopped to heal and been afraid ever since.

I've lost a lot of weight since everything happened...30+ pounds....I guess over 2 stone would be the equivalent (please correct me if I'm wrong), in 4 months. It's great but terrible at the same time. The anxiety made it terrible to eat and then cutting out sugar and gluten and cutting down on dairy, I've struggled to eat enough it seems. So at least if I exercise, it makes me feel like I have a reason to be losing weight....not to mention the amount of sagging that has shown up!  :o need to get some muscle tone.

I feel like I just need to down a whole pizza myself a few days awake but my digestion would no longer approve of such a thing.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Dierdre on September 27, 2018, 05:52:49 AM
You can't beat a long walk every day.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: suziq99 on September 27, 2018, 07:58:24 AM
I used to love weight training, you definitely need to warm up though, I used to do a few minutes on a bike first then every start every exercise with no additional weights, just the bar or whatever you are using.
It wouldn't hurt to have a regular massage to iron out those knots.

Now I am trying to stick at yoga & walking.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: jillydoll on September 27, 2018, 09:01:08 AM
I'd love to do yoga.
But I just can't seem to fit in the time to go.
Life's very hectic at the mo.
I used to try and follow Geri Halliwells yoga video years ago. :o
Don't think I'd ever get a body like hers though, lol
But I can always hope.... :'(

Well done on the weight loss, it's good ent it when we achieve something,  ;) :clapping:
and tbh, losing weight is a hard slog, just wish it was the same to put it on....lol
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Salad on September 27, 2018, 02:46:31 PM
I love Tai Chi - despite the slow precise moves it makes me sweat! ;D

Plus it gives you that headspace to de-stress and lose yourself for an hour or so.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on September 27, 2018, 04:42:52 PM
Sleep ............ ?

Gardening. 

I used to swim weekly.
I cycled everywhere from age 7 then we moved here and it's not safe on the busy roads ::)

I used to walk miles every day  :scottie:

Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Shadyglade on September 29, 2018, 06:38:31 PM
Mine is 'getting up and down off the sofa:.

Only joking. Walking and Tai chi, when I can remember to do it.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Hurdity on September 29, 2018, 07:24:16 PM
I need some ideas. I know moving and exercise are great for mood but I keep hurting myself it seems! I did some zumba today and had a blast but I now feel like I pulled a muscle in my leg! Seriously, it was a short workout and I don't feel like I did anything really crazy.

I've tried some mild weight lifting, which I LOVE, but I keep ending up with random knots in weird places. Things usually go away in a day or two but I would really like to not hurt myself.

So what do you do to keep moving?

So far walks seem to be something I can handle MOST of the time.

Yes Zumba is great - if you go to a class then the class will incorporate a proper warm-up and cool down so that should be OK. However if you are taking exercise for the first time for a long time then even with proper stretching you are bound to get aches and pains - after all your muscles are growing! Keep at it - it's brilliant cardio exercise and keeping joints etc mobile.

I also do (Fitness) Pilates which is excellent for mobilising all the muscle group;s and joints in your body as well as balance. If yuo find a good class - I can;t recmooned it highly enough. Again the class will have warm-up and cool down,. Even so - and I;ve been going for several years - I still get aches and pains a couple of days later as each class is different and we are awakening different parts of the body. This will help with muscle tone.

Also make sure you eat sufficient protein if you are taking this sort of exercise - not necessarily carbs and sugar if you are trying to lose weight but build muscle.

In between these sessions - then I do (brisk!) walking which is great (or even proper housework if that's your bag - not mine  ;D ), and gardening too...

Hurdity x
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: JaneinPen on September 29, 2018, 07:40:11 PM
Since my back deciding to really immobilise me in March I have been building up to being able to walk again.  At first it was with trekking poles and what amazed me was how much it helped to tone the upper body but most importantly it had really really started to reduce back fat and the rolls around the waist. I have also been given exercises to do to strengthen my core which is helping the tummy too. So now I can just about manage half an hour without the poles but in the afternoon I walk with them and actually because of the support can walk more quickly too.  I haven't been able to manage inclines yet but it hasn't mattered.  I would really recommend trekking poles and you do see quite a few people using them nowadays so it doesn't look weird
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: suziq99 on September 30, 2018, 03:10:30 PM
I second that Herdwick, I had a spell of very low iron ( unknown to me at the time) and struggled with any kind of incline. Using the poles made the different between a nice walk or non at all.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on September 30, 2018, 03:23:13 PM
Whereas I trip over my poles  >:(  ::) and Nordik walking has to be taught so that the poles are used correctly. 

Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on September 30, 2018, 07:57:18 PM
I love the ideas all, thanks!

Yes warming up is necessary and I try to do that. I just get odd muscle cramps and strain even doing every day things these days. Sewing 2 days ago gave me a knot in my forearm....and not sewing by hand, with the machine and the knot was in my guiding arm.  :o it went away a few hours later.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Ladybt28 on September 30, 2018, 11:21:31 PM
Everyone - you know that bloke don't you "everyone"  ::)- GP, Consultant, friends, Oracles, husband says - Swimming.  Only problem - I hate swimming pools - hot, humid, small cubicles where gymnastics required to change and smell funny!

I like zumba and or any form of dancing  I tried yoga but my left arm and shoulder are wrecked and I can't "downward dog" with just one arm .... looks like I'm showing off  :lol:  No really - my arms cant take yoga so I gave up.

Consultant Blokey at Pain Clinic swore by swimming and walking - in fact his treatment for everything was to tell us all to walk up and down the swimming pool. Actually it's not as easy as it sounds and very good for your core muscles and calf muscles.  I did try once but it just reminded me why I hate swimming pools!

Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: JaneinPen on October 01, 2018, 07:45:17 AM
I tried walking in the training pool at our local centre as it wasn't as deep. Okay up to a point but couldn't do many strides before having to turn and so yes it became very boring and honestly didn't make any difference. I can't swim because I can't get my ears wet.  Tried many different ways of keeping the water out which haven't worked so breast stroke is the only option and is the worst one for back sufferers so my two walks with and without the trekking poles are my choice right now
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 01, 2018, 08:23:35 AM
I stopped swimming locally due to the issues you mention  >:(  ::).  I would love a bungalow with a heated, covered pool off the bedroom .......  :whist:  I have the design in my head  ;)

This morning I have got out of bed, walked up and down stairs a few times, off to hang laundry - does that count  :D
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Ladybt28 on October 01, 2018, 09:00:33 AM
It's quite surprising how many calories housework burns - but you don't need one of those expensive tracker things CKLD you can put a free app on your phone and keep it in your pocket to find out just how many steps you do in a day and it's quite encouraging!  Are we going to be seeing you hanging around with Kevin McCoud in Grand Designs any time soon???? ;D :D

I had the opportunity to go a couple of times with a friend when I lived in England to a really posh country club type spa and I loved their swimming pool - totally different from a public one - but hey ho there are none close to me here and I couldn't afford it anyway.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: suziq99 on October 01, 2018, 10:34:09 AM
We have a large pool that never gets used , neither DH or myself are into swimming about although we both dive 😂.
The dogs used it more than us so it's been closed all year, dread to think how green it is under that cover 😶
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 01, 2018, 01:10:28 PM
 :o. where do you live again suziq99  ;D - on my way  8)

I don't have apps.  I know where my mobile is and how to text.  I don't need it for anything else.  I know exactly how far I walk daily and it ain't far enough!  I tried skipping a few years ago and bought a holla hoop  :rofl:

Housework certainly burns off calories.  My Gran started hers at 5.00 a.m. so that she was ready to run about with the kids once we were out of bed  ::). 
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on October 03, 2018, 01:13:45 AM
Glad I'm not the only one who hates the public pools. My family finds me a little odd for that.

Cleaning does burn calories....now if only I was better with doing chores.  ;)

Yoga today. Was rather nice but realize that I am weaker than I thought. Definitely need to get that muscle strength up and lack of flexibility. But, so far, seemed to get by with no injures, just minor sore muscles from having to use them!
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: suziq99 on October 03, 2018, 10:03:15 AM
You can use the pool anytime CLKD but you'll have to clean it up first 😂
I was doing Yoga regularly a few years ago, I'm not good at it but just going through the moves really helps.
Just gone back to it & boy do I feel stiff half the stuff I'm nowhere near the other girls, thing is it doesn't matter it's all about you. 3rd week in & I'm feeling so much better in myself I guess just getting out & talking to other ppl helps as well.
Keep it up BB it does help.
I'd love to try Pilates if I could find a class.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Ladybt28 on October 03, 2018, 11:44:01 AM
I really liked yoga but as I hurt my left arm/left shoulder blade and neck in an accident any arm raising, downward dogging, and prostrating yourself on the floor (think it is called hare pose) after 3 sessions renders me a complete cripple. I need 6 weeks without anything for the pain to go by which time any benefit was destroyed.  I had to give it up despite the fact I thought it might strengthen those broken bits, doing that to yourself can in no way be healthy. :'(
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: sheila99 on October 06, 2018, 10:32:21 PM
If you're pulling muscles rather than just sore from being used it might be worth considering testosterone. I don't do 'proper' exercise but I help on the farm and found I was pulling muscles frequently when I shouldn't have done. There has been a definite improvement since I've been on testosterone.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: Ladybt28 on October 06, 2018, 11:28:41 PM
Sheila99 - not exactly pulling muscles, I have major weakness in that left arm, shoulder, neck from a car accident.  Normally when you have a weakness exercising the muscles usually strengthens them, they may be sore for a couple of days, but then it should wear off. In my case it causes so much pain even if I that really really easy (often when I was at class it felt like I wasn't doing anything at all, like not even trying) but it takes so long to settle minimum a month, its not working out like it should. Yoga definitely shouldn't do that, it should be ongoing gently strengthening and stretching.  Funny you should mention testosterone, that is top of my list to request next time I am seen at the meno clinic in January.  GP wont entertain it and I know the meno clinic wont unless I have been on 3 continuous months of a regime.  There was a lot of chopping and changing recently but by the time I go I will have done more than 3 months.


If I can get it I will be interested to see if there is any change in my left upper side. The accident happened when I was peri meno.  I didnt break anything or need an operation but the damage to the shoulder muscles and elbow was significant.  I was on HRT but not testosterone.  I wonder if they healed properly?
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: sheila99 on October 07, 2018, 02:06:07 PM
Ladybt28 - I'd be inclined to agree it might not have healed properly, it shouldn't cause you that much pain. It might be worth getting it checked out, and perhaps you could get some physio. It worries me that you could be doing more harm than good. It would be good if you could find someone with knowledge of medical recovery to give you some guidance on how much you can do without damaging it. The pilates teacher at the one session I attended (didn't feel I'd had a workout) had started by teaching those recovering from accidents/operations before moving to the gym so that might be something else to enquire about.
 My muscles felt weak. It wasn't so much that I hadn't the strength, more that they were much more likely to be damaged by some small action. No-one was interested in prescribing testosterone for weak muscles, I got it because I also had zero libido - I'd hate to encourage you to lie but sometimes it's the easy option! 

Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 07, 2018, 02:26:04 PM
2-day I have walked round antique shops - does that count?  I have done some gardening and hung out laundry. 
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on October 08, 2018, 01:38:18 AM
CLKD, that sounds like great exercise to me! It would be horrible for me though. I love old things! Driving hubby crazy. My favorite right now, 100 year old camera I got when my grandmother passed. My father wanted to throw them (a couple others not as old) away but my mother saved them for me! It's beautiful! But just more stuff taking up room in his mind.

Hubby and I went on a walk around the neighborhood. It was something. It's about all either can do right now. He's still waiting for a damaged MCL to heal.

Yoga is too much for me right now even...at least some of it. I need to just do poses that work for me. Muscles are a disaster. I think they are getting weak? I can still do things I did before BUT I either get burnt out quickly or hurt something.
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 08, 2018, 10:58:02 AM
Singing?  Good over-all exercise ;-)

Cameras are back in fashion .........  :whist: and everything has a sale value ;-)
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on October 08, 2018, 02:14:57 PM
Cameras will be my downfall one day!

A few years ago I finally got a nice camera...nothing too special but I love my DSLR camera. I learned I LOVE photography. Couldn't do it as a job though, so did it for free. LOVED IT. (Had to get a real job though  ::)) That was the best thing I ever did for myself. I can't even explain how much it helped me with body image and self esteem issues. Not because I was great at it (honestly, I'm not bad at all) but seeing things through the lens was the best. When you take pictures of people, you want to get them at their best...help them feel beautiful/handsome, etc. So you start to look at them that way...finding what makes them beautiful...and I started to see EVERYONE this way, without the camera lens. Oh it was a wonderful way to see the world....and in turn, I started to look at myself this way as well. It just turned the way I saw the world and people completely around....OH I need to get myself behind that camera lens again.....
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 08, 2018, 02:49:35 PM
Great news!  Do you take in b/w or colour?
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: BlueButterfly on October 08, 2018, 03:01:08 PM
I like both, depends on the picture
Title: Re: Your Favorite "Exercise"???
Post by: CLKD on October 08, 2018, 03:02:33 PM
DH got to the point when he required a shopping trolley to carry all his stuff  ;D