I started exercising yesterday to a DanceX DVD.  Both yesterday and today I feel horrible afterwards.  Is this normal and will it go away?  I have never been much of an exerciser and for the most part I hate it.... so this has me concerned.  I spent a week doing a lower intensity workout and then switched to this one this week.  Anyone have a similar experience? 

Thanks,

Sandy

Hi sandyh3, 

I am sorry to hear that you're not feeling well after exercising! I would first ask you to describe what you're feeling.. tiredness, nausea, headache, achy, dizzy, etc?  This would give me some clues as to what may be going on.  

From what you have told me, it sounds like you've not been exercising regularly and are definitely not used to performing high intensity exercise.  Switching to the DanceX DVD may have just been a little too much, a little too soon.  This can cause you to feel pretty bad physically.  I would suggest that you resume a lower-intensity workout, such as walking, swimming, or a different DVD such as yoga or pilates!  Don't feel like that you have to go from 0 to 100 the first week or two you've started the alli plan. You don't want to get discouraged and cause you to dislike exercise even more!

Take it day to day, challenging yourself as you go.  After a couple of weeks, you should be physically able to increase your exercise intensity or duration by about 5%.  

Stay positive and stay the course!  

Your friend in fitness, 

Kelli

 Hi Sandy,

It took me more than a week to "warm up" to exercising.  I think it took a few weeks to truly "limber up".  Good luck!  Tampabayb

Hi tampabayb, 

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  Sometimes just knowing that you're not alone in the quest for health and fitness is just what the doctor ordered. 

I encourage all of you to continue to post messages, staying connected to the alli community and to take advantage of all of the tools alli provides!

Stay well and positive, 

Kelli

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement.  You are right Kelli, I haven't exercised much at all.  I would end up with headaches and body aches after working out.  I took Saturday and Sunday off and started back up today.  I am still using the danceX dvd but slowed my pace down.  We will see how it goes.  I have just let myself get so out of shape, it's embarrassing.  I can't stand to even look at myself in a photo.

Sandy

Hi sandyh3, 

You are more than welcome.  Alli promotes staying connected with the alli community and to the forums for you to be encouraged, supported and to get answers for all your health and fitness questions! 

Exercising is a critical factor in any weight loss program and for long-term success.  Although it may not feel very good and you may experience aches and pains, stay with it and push through it.  That isn't to say that we adopt or advocate the "No pain, no gain" theory.  Exercising shouldn't be painful while you're working out. It may not feel easy and you surely might be challenged, but that is normal, especially if you haven't exercised very much.  It does get easier as your level of fitness increases and you shed those unwanted pounds!  The benefits of exercise are HUGE and so important to live your best life!

Stay the course and please keep me posted with your progress!  We'll be here for you through it all!

Your friend in fitness, 

Kelli

 I started doing pilates and then cardio pilates.  I just hate the bouncy little trainer on the dvd so far.  She's too happy the whole time and never breaks a sweat.

I suppose it will get easier and better the more we do.  Getting going is always the hardest part and I am SOOOO out of shape and chubby right now. 

What if anything are you eating before working out?  I know if I eat more then something very light like yogurt I get sick to my stomach.

Also it is very very important to make sure you are getting enough water.

Karen

March 2008 203 lbs

November 2008 138 lbs and wearing a size 8!!!

Hi bluescool, 

You are right about eating and drinking water.  Firstly, it is usually a good idea to eat a little bit before exercising such as a banana, a tsp. of peanut butter, 1/2 a granola bar, etc.  Your body really needs some kind of nutrition in order for you to exercise most efficiently... If you feel better exercising on an empty stomach, like 1st thing in the morning, don't workout more than about 1/2 an hour.  

Drinking water is very important before, during and after workouts, to keep you hydrated and promote weight loss and fat loss.  Try to get in about 20 oz. an hour or so before workouts and continue to do so all throughout the day.  Although there's no exact amount that is appropriate for everyone, it is recommended that you drink 8-8 oz glasses of water in a day.

Best of luck to all and stay the course!

Kelli