Given up the smokes, now need advice

PaddyW

Well, I've finally gotten off the smokes and I need advice on getting fit. My fitness is nothing short of abominable, and I really need advice from some seasoned people as to where I should start and maybe goals I should aim for. Last time I tried doing any bit of training I probably overdid it and ended up feeling dizzy, weak and sweating like crazy. Had to sit down for ages!

So please share you wisdom with me Thanks.

digme

You need to build new habits ,they usually take a few weeks and then they're automatic like smoking was.
Doing some walking with a friend might get you started.

Limousine Fred

PaddyW wrote: »

Well, I've finally gotten off the smokes and I need advice on getting fit. My fitness is nothing short of abominable, and I really need advice from some seasoned people as to where I should start and maybe goals I should aim for. Last time I tried doing any bit of training I probably overdid it and ended up feeling dizzy, weak and sweating like crazy. Had to sit down for ages!

So please share you wisdom with me Thanks.

Hey Paddy!

My advice would be to join a gym, speak at length to a trainer about your goals and write down all the questions you want to ask. Going from little or no training to some or too much is gonna hit you pretty hard so you'll just have to knuckle down and get used to it!!

reprazant

Before joining a gym or anything like that, I would say try the couch25k.

It is easy, gradual and free.

All you need is the will power to do it.

Skrynesaver

Hi Paddy,

3 Months off the smokes now, I'm still overweight and last time I tried to run I ended up with shin splints so I started walking around the block every evening for the first few weeks (big block ~10K mind)

I also changed my diet lots, 3 meals a day and a bag of fruit on me at all times so I didn't hit the sweets or Cuisine de Spar.

Once the walk became "easy" I started going swimming every morning, I've gone from managing not to drown to half a mile every morning.

Last week I got a bike on the bike to work carry on and I'm leaving the car 10K from work and cycling in to my swim and out to the car every day.

I've gone from 17 stone to 15.5 in 3 months and as digme says above, it's a simple matter of changing everything .

I'm aiming to be able to run once I get under 14 stone and then I dunno, weights, Pilates, start training for Marathon and Triathalon events whatever it is i take on next I intend to keep building "good" habits.

Best of luck
PS: Sweating is good, shows you're trying, dizzy is bad and you should probably get a blood pressure check from your GP

keithm1

Top post there skryne

PaddyW

Skrynesaver, excellent post. Thanks for the advice

littlehedgehog

Couch to 5k is fantastic i lost 4 stone in 1.5 years, and c25k is what really helped the weight fall off - I started walking 15min a couple of times a week, which increased to every day, and then 30 three times, and 15 twice.. Then I started c25k it's a fantastic program - if you've an iPhone, the 'get running' app is the best c25k app.

Ellis Dee

PaddyW wrote: »

Well, I've finally gotten off the smokes and I need advice on getting fit. My fitness is nothing short of abominable, and I really need advice from some seasoned people as to where I should start and maybe goals I should aim for. Last time I tried doing any bit of training I probably overdid it and ended up feeling dizzy, weak and sweating like crazy. Had to sit down for ages!

So please share you wisdom with me Thanks.

First of all, congratulations on a wise move.:) When I kicked the habit years ago, I found that it really only took a few weeks for me to adjust and do something else with my hands and then I just forgot about the smokes.

As regards exercise, I'd just agree with those who recommend walking. It's natural, unlike all that stuff in gyms, and you can always do it at your own pace. Get comfortable shoes. Nothing to stop you cycling, either, depending on how safe the roads are around your place.

If you really get into the walking for fitness thing, consider getting a dog. It's a big commitment, but you'll have to go out for walks regularly, whether or not you actually feel like getting up off the couch, but you'll enjoy ever minute of it and have a really good friend.

Best of luck to you.;)

frag420

I have been trying to kick the smokes for ages. I am not a typical smoker as in i only ever smoke when I have a drink. I dont feel the urge to smoke at any other time and when I smell it during the week at work or on the street I find it repulsive so cant understand my need to smoke when drinking.

This coming saturday is my mates birthday and its one last blow out. After that I am of booze for a month in an effort to kick the smokes.

As for the C25K programme. I started this year. I have had a few injuries and setbacks but back into it this week. Started back on week 3 day 1 last night. aws tough but got through it. I never thought I would be able to run/jog for three solid mins at all.

My point...................Stick with it op. Its gradual, wont happen over night but when you see that first change( for me is was a slimmer face,think Zoolander pout) and I knew it was working.

KEEP IT UP!!!