The fail trifecta - overweight, drastically out of shape, and fibromyalgia
 

One of the reasons I joined Weight Watchers (online) is because it's the best choice for me, and very affordable bc you don't have to buy special food. So between trying to be frugal, and working two jobs....I just don't have the time (or inclination, to be frank) to go to a gym.

I know I need to take it slow and easy for now. The fibro and the partially-herniated disc really limit me. The "wow if I were any more out of shape I'd be jello" means that the EA Active for Wii is also out. My last attempt I was yelling at it as my husband watched wide-eyed. "I am TOO doing it right dam you! I can't GO any lower!!!!" (squats) And the next day? Forget day, I was a mess for 4 days of extreme stiffness and pain.

Even walking irritates my back right now, but I've been doing it in small doses. Once or twice a day (three if my energy levels are up) I'll go walking in the (mostly flat) parking garage at work for 10-15 minutes at a pace above 3.0mph. I'm sweating, my heart rate is up, it's definitely not a stroll.

But is this just pissin in the wind? Should I not even bother with such short times?

I looked at the stickied thread on a link to a "No Fat Chicks" exercise advice column but most of the exercises are gym-based.

I'll take any suggestions y'all can give me and I'll do what I'm able. I do have those stretchy exercise bands and a (slightly underinflated) exercise ball.

Not only do I want it to aid in weight loss but I want to be able to walk for a few hours without my ankles, my knees, my hips being in such agony. I want to pave the path to being able to do toning/strengthening things in the future so that I look and feel even better.

Yes, you should bother! Every little bit helps. Some of the biggest losers here started out walking 10-15 minutes a day!

I have fibromyalgia too! Walking and exercise bands are great. Can you get into a pool at all? Water exercise is the best for me in terms of helping with mobility and pain etc. Best of luck!

I wish I had access to a pool =/
Unfortunately the only ones I could get to also are fitness centers with classes.....the time frame of the "free swim" is very very limited. And the membership fees are out of budget :(

If I had a pool I wouldn't have to think twice.
I'll have to reacquaint myself with band exercises then. Thanks :)

Hi there, I don't have fibro but I was obese and drastically out of shape when I first started losing weight, so I can relate in that sense! My advice is definitely to start out slowly and yes, walking 10-15 minutes at a time can definitely help!

Have you seen this website: http://www.fibromyalgiaexercise.net/

This seems like another good article: http://www.fmaware.org/site/News2?pa...rticle&id=5269

Anyway, you will get there! It may take some time but it's worth figuring what is ok and what makes you feel worse in terms of pain. I am not sure if it's affordable, but it may be worth working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist who understands fibromyalgia and can teach you some effective exercises, too. Good luck!

Carefully and gently stretch before and after working out to reduce stiffness/pain.

If 10 minutes is what you can do, then yes, do it! I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It's rough, I understand. Start out with what you can do and just go from there.

Thanks guys! Good to know that little bits are still worth it. Husband said last night he noticed that I'm walking a little faster now when we're out. He had to lag a lot less at the grocery store, lol. He's got such long legs that one step for him is 2.5 for me!

I've got fingers crossed that when I dump off 100 pounds my knees and hips start behaving better. No gaurantees with fibro, but i HOPE.

Do what YOU can, the amount of time YOU can do and as often as YOU can do it... Baby steps are important when starting a workout program...