Cheapest/best ways to get fit and exercise?

wiggywoo9

I'm a single parent to a 3 yr old boy and would very much like to lose some weight! Would like to drop a stone or so, but as I'm restricted with my situation, have any MSErs got any ideas?

Indie_Kid

Walk instead of taking the bus / car?

There should be walking groups out there.

If you want to take up running, there's the Sweatshop running community. But as this is of an evening, it may be a problem for you?

thx1138

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

I'm a single parent to a 3 yr old boy and would very much like to lose some weight! Would like to drop a stone or so, but as I'm restricted with my situation, have any MSErs got any ideas?

Without a doubt running is the best way to lose weight cheaply. Naturally certain I precautions need to be taken, particularly if you have knee problems.

Check out Jeff Galloway's website. He's got thousands of people running safely and without injury.

SailorSam

Walking; Cycling, Swimming. Maybe now we're approaching winter could you get youdelf a Wii. Work from the comfort of your own home, maybe even get your Son involved.

Towser

Have a look at myfitnesspal website and apps ect. It does the fitness and eating the correct amount of calories thing.

lr1277

Hi


I am led to believe that 80% to 90% of desired weight loss can be achieved with diet, the rest being exercise.
So what are you eating and can you cut back? In the last week, I have switched to meat, a little carbohydrates and lots of salad. When I say a little carbohydrate, I am talking about things like breaded chicken and no other carbohydrate than the breading. I lost 1.5kg over the past week. (I also have managed about 30 min of low-medium intensity exercise every day this past week.) If I do need carbs, I eat an apple or have some crackers.
In your case do you snack? Say on your child's meals? I know parents that do that and put on weight.
In terms of exercise have you considered skipping? Can be done at home if you have the space and floorboards. A few books and youtube videos can get you started if you need. If you do decide to skip, please start slowly and remember to stretch your calves very well after each session.


Just my initial thoughts. HTH.

wiggywoo9

No, I don't snack on my son's meals. My dog does that lol I'm not like that lovely single mother who was in the paper recently weighing 25st. I watch what I eat but just need ideas for ways to get active.

Ant555

Could you and your 3 year old jog (with a bit of walking) for 35/40 mins?

If so then I would definitely recommend a 'parkrun'

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

Saturday morning 9am start, enjoy the run, back home at 10/10.30 at the latest and then start the day on a high.

At our local parkrun there are 300+ every week from very decent athletes to people looking to lose weight and also many with young kids. You should see the little ones sprint finish when they see the end!
If there is one near you then maybe go and watch for the first week.
The one I go to is extremely friendly with a great atmosphere, register, print off the barcode and they will put your result on the web site Saturday afternoon.
Little ones do 10 runs and then get a special T-Shirt for free.
Its free by the way so very MSE!

delmar39

Working on the basis that your diet is good, I'd work out when you can exercise as I guess your time is limited raising a 3 year old on your own. The aim here would be to identify exactly (and realistically) what time you have to do exercise so you can work out a plan.


I'd choose something you can do from your front door and for a relatively low cost - jogging/running, fast walking, cycling, press ups/sit ups at home.


You don't say what exercise you currently do, if nothing then perhaps start with a walk/run routine.


If you can commit to 3x30 minute sessions per week you'll see the benefits if you can increase to 5x30 all the better.


Best of luck.

firefly5

If you need a little extra motivation the Jillian Michaels 30day shred DVD is really good. It has short workouts, (20mins) but you really feel like you've worked hard. You could probably pick up a cheap copy on ebay or look out in charity shops.

dotdash79

Leeds Council do free swimming and gym sessions during the week at different places. If you can use your free childcare and do a few of these a week then you would lose that quickly.

http://www.leedsletsgetactive.co.uk/Register.aspx

Maybe your local council has something.