My Progress!

Monday, March 16, 2009

First Steps.....about killed me.

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First things first. I did it! I finally got my porky derriere moving. I have to say, Jessie had my heart rate up before I ever got him going, but what can I say? He's an attractive guy. I only spent about five minutes because I'm afraid that's all my poor heart could take. I didn't want to wear him out on our first date; I'm much better in small doses.

All kidding aside, I made it through 5 minutes, but about 2 minutes into it, my back was screaming. My abdominal and back muscles are seriously weak, but walking in slow spurts will be a good way to strengthen them again; at least until I can get back in a pool. I really felt it in my knees and left hip too. My poor body.

According to the little monitor on my treadmill, the highest my heart rate got was 123, but that was on the lowest setting. When I got on the treadmill, it was already up to 118 and 123 seems to be the limit for fatburning. Anything higher than that and I slip into anaerobic exercise. I'm hoping that if I continue to do it regularly, I will gradually be able to increase the amount of time I'm walking. My focus right now is on increasing the amount of time I spend on the treadmill and not so much how fast I'm walking. As long as I have my heart rate in the fat burning zone, I will assume I'm doing some good.

It is so disappointing to see how difficult things are for me. Finishing five minutes was harder than finishing 45 minutes used to be. Then, it was more because I was lazy and just had other things I'd rather be doing. Now, it is truly physically difficult for me to go much beyond one minute. I can continue though.

I start my weight training today. I posted before that I am going to be following the exercises here for a seated total body workout which is perfect for the obese or other people who might have physical limitations, but still want to strength train. I will be alternating upper body workouts with lower body workouts each day and taking Sunday as my rest day. Today I'll start with my upper body. I'm almost looking forward to feeling sore; knowing that my muscles are changing, even if its only bit by bit.

As far as the weigh in, I maintained this week (please see my weight and measurement charts to the left). I suppose I should be glad I'm not gaining, but I won't lie, it is rather disappointing. In the past, I've just seen it come off faster in the beginning, but I know that getting my activity level up will help get things moving again. I also reminded myself that when I started this journey earlier in January I weighed 465 lbs not 460 so all in all, I've lost at least 16 lbs. Right now, I just want to make it into the 430's. Hopefully by the end of march or at least the first couple of weeks of April for sure. We'll see....

Now, let's talk about those measurements... SO hard to post those for you guys. The shame in realizing that my thigh is as big as an average man's waist; my waist is 5'9" around. I truly am wider than I am tall..unreal. I compared those measurements with where I was the last time I dieted and worked out and every single number was up by 1 or 2 inches. I'm not surprised by that though. I can feel it in my clothes and in how uncomfortable I am in my own skin. I have to start somewhere though and I'm already feeling better with what I've lost thus far. It's only going to get better right?

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10 Comments:

Tricia said...

That's awesome! I'm so proud of you! As someone who is really close to your numbers, I can't tell you how inspirational it is for me to see you workin' it, girl. I hope to be right there with you soon! Keep it up, you're doing great!

Anonymous said...

Hey, just found your blog - you are amazing! congrats on things getting hot and bothered with Jessie. :) i just bought a treadmill this past week. and i don't worry about speed. just time. happy blogging!

Anonymous said...

Woot! Just getting up and doing something is the hardest and most important step. Go you!

Unknown said...

High 5 on the walk! :) I took measurements when I first started weight watchers and I know how happy it makes me to re-measure and see a change. You go girl! :)

:)tj

My Big Fat Super Super Obese Blog said...

Thank you guys so much. I really can't tell you how badly I want to skip my nightly 5 minutes, but after reading your encouraging comments, I'm definitely giving him another go tonight! I was going to try and do 4 5 minute walks a day, but I got a late start today. Tomorrow for sure :)

Tatersmama said...

Good for you ! I know it's not an easy thing to do, but with perseverance and encouragement, we can do anything we set our hearts to.. so I know you'll get there!

I know it sounds piddly, but 5 minutes of exercise is 5 minutes more than none at all, so it ALL helps!

GO girl!!

Mrs. O said...

You are doing great!!! Just keep it up. Like you said, even if you are going at the slowest setting and doing just 5 minutes now, it's more than you had been doing so your body will thank you soon enough. Before you know it, you'll have done 15 minutes without even realizing it.

I'm really proud of your enthusiasm and motivation. You are truly inspiring!

wildfluffysheep said...

That little image made me giggle. The pig is soooo cute.

Kudos on the first date ;) sounds like you scored a second!

hey dont be disheartened with staying the same :P jessie is gonna sort you out next week :D you're soooo on the right track. I am so happy you posted your measurements. I posted mine and it felt cathartic. These numbers won't last, they'll be decreasing before you know it

amberherself said...

Hey!

I started a vegetarian (i know, borrring) recipe/food blog - there may be some recipes on there you like. They'll be on the healthier side, for the most part. Check it out :) Also- "YOU GO GIRL." I haven't named my elliptical machine yet but you have inspired me. I think he will be Latin. Armando perhaps?

tryingvegetarian.blogspot.com

Chubby Chick said...

Yes, it IS going to get better! You CAN do this! Just take it one day at a time and do the best that you can each day. The results will follow!

A few weeks ago, I got on my elliptical for the first time. I could only do 2 minutes, and I felt like my legs were going to burn off and I was going to die. But I kept at it, and after a couple days I could do 5 minutes. I stayed at 5 minutes for awhile, and then I was able to do 10 minutes! I couldn't believe it... and it really was a great feeling!

Just do as much as you can on the treadmill... and try to slowly increase the amount of time. Your body WILL adjust and your endurance level WILL go up! You're going to be amazing yourself before you know it, girl!

I have a lot of weight to lose, too... so let's do it together. I'll be here for you every step of the way! :)