Discussion Board

Howdy,

I lost ~100 pounds on McDougall about 8 years ago. I ended up being very fit, doing step aerobics 3x/wk, weights 2x/wk, yoga 3x/wk, hiking, etc.

4 years ago I got into an ongoing extremely high stress job and, slowly but surely, all the healthy, life-balancing activities were dropped.

I've subsequently gained 90 pounds. My knees, ankles and feet hurt much of the time, sleep apnea is back, I feel sluggish and lethargic (not to mention irritable and blue) almost all the time.

So - first things first - back to McDougall eating. But I also know I'm one of those people that really need exercise. Walking hurts, no access to a pool, stationary bike causes me to be bunched up so my stomach presses into my lungs and I can't breathe well at all. I tried going back to step aerobics (I'm still surprisingly fit despite the decline in health and fitness) but my legs/feet/ankles hurt so bad from it that I've stopped.

I'm in my mid-40s, no sign of menopause, and as I mentioned, surprisingly fit, considering. My BP is in the normal range, though I do suffer from edema in my lower legs/ankles -- this will go away quickly with McDougall, I know. I didn't go back to eating meat, but did indulge in some dairy foods; despite this, my cholesterol is still only 167.

All that said - I don't think exercise will result in heart or BP issues, etc, so...what do you think? Should I just suck it up and exercise anyway and wait for weight loss to catch up to take care of the pain?

Thanks for any suggestions you might have. I'm out of ideas!

If you can find one to try before you buy, I found that recumbent exercise bicycle was MUCH more comfortable and less scrunched up than a regular one. Also seemed to give me a longer leg stroke. If in your area, check Play It Again Sports for used equipment.

How about a gentle yoga class?

Not something restorative - but an easy moving class. And/or working one on one with someone that can help you develop a gentle routine that is within your limits.

Would some of these folks be near you?
http://www.viniyoga.com/index.php?cn=wh ... ch#Arizona

I'd be hesitant to move through pain - especially if you are not sleeping well.

Vic

Dylan,

First, congrats for starting the climb back out of physical misery - which is certainly as you have described it. Winners are those who go after success again - so that puts you on the success trail.

You describe how beneficial exercise was for you, and it will help your energy, health, and well-being. None of it sounds comfortable now to you, and that makes sense. But your exercise muscle needs to be exercised for it to feel like the norm again. It would be prudent to check with doc to make sure no contraindications. The recumbent bike suggestion sounds like a possibility, too.

So glad to see you getting started and not waiting for the additional danger fallout of the "holiday" season. Keep us posted!

Lani

My MIL has a fancy recumbent bike that she's not using and I've asked to borrow it. Great idea!

Thanks for the responses.

Very cool Dylan. Let us know.

Lani