what to do

[mom341]

Hi all I just joined . I have been overweight since my second son was born ( he just turned ten) I have never tried dieting before, and man there are so many things out there to try!!!  I am starting a walking program tommorow. But have to take it slow because i have degenerative arthritis in my spine and the weather has been messing with it allot!! I have tried some piloties and yoga. but the streaches hurt my back even more. Any one know of some safe excersise that may help and not make my back worse?  I hate taking the pain pills so tend to not do anything . I am also stopping smoking on thursday wish me luck!!

[Ranaesheart]

First, welcome welcome welcome to the WL&D community and CONGRATULATIONS on the positive choices you are making in regard to your health.  WOW .. a walking program, stopping smoking and losing weight.  May I suggest that you make changes slowly ... a step at a time .. so that each change can be implemented and then you get used to it before implementing another.  Just an idea since it seems if too many changes are made at once, it becomes more difficult to maintain them.  That said, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO and WE are here to support YOU!!!

Swimming, pilates, yoga and walking are all excellent sources of exercise.  Stretching will also help limber you up .. just don't overdo.  Water aerobics are the best of the best.  You might also want to try bicycling - either stationary or outdoors.

Hope you will stay involved in the community.  We are honored to have you here and hope to offer you information, support and motivation throughout your journey!  The members here have terrific information to share and they are simply the BEST!

Very best wishes .. and please be sure to use your trackers .. they are most helpful in our success!

[Barb135]

Congratulations on the quitting smoking.  I'm going on 2 years now and if I can do it, anyone can.. Good luck.  

PMoon is right about the swimming - or maybe you could try water aerobics or something.  

Are you sure you are doing the yoga poses correctly?  You should be able to feel it but it shouldn't be painful.  Maybe you are trying to push yourself too hard.  I love yoga, but when I first started, I couldn't do anything near what the "instructor" was doing.  I'm sure I looked like some kind of clod, but as I practiced and my muscles got used to the stretching, etc, it got sooo much easier.  I still can't do it JUST like the instructor, but ssoo much better than when I started.  

You might want to check with a professional to make sure you are doing things that won't hurt your back and that you are using the proper form.  

Good luck.  

[PMoon]

Try swimming. It shouldn't hurt your back.

I really think the yoga would help your back too. Have you tried a yoga program? Talk to a yoga instructor. She should be able to let you know what is safe for you & what isn't.

Good luck with the smoking!