A bit of advice...

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This probably isn't for everyone, so I should explain a little about myself.

For the past 2 years or so, I've pretty much been a desk jockey. I run my business from home, and my bedroom is my office, which is where I spend most of my time..

I had an appendectomy gone seriously wrong, almost died from the post surgery screw ups from my doctor and ended up being bed/chair ridden for nearly a year. Then another year went by faster than the first and I've grown a bit of a gut...

Since I started vaping, I've actually gotten some energy back, for the most part I can go down and back up the stairs without being seriously winded; and as such I've started down the dreadful path of getting back into shape...

4 days ago, I went out on my new morning routine and played a little basketball. The following day, I could barely walk. I didn't play hard, barely ran at all, but the extra exertion on my body took a serious toll on my knees. It doesn't help that I'm naturally a big guy... played football in HS, went into basic training at 17 weighing 215lbs (all muscle), came out of basic at 225lbs (more muscle) and haven't went under 220lbs since (11 years later). I now weigh 250lbs (the flab grows... 25lbs in 2 years, 1 of which I had no choice.. I guess it could be worse)... Anyhow...

As I type this, my left knee is in serious pain, and I'm constantly taking pain meds (non narcotic, OTC stuff like advil) to help with said pain.

The problem is due to being so physically inactive for so long and doing a little too much. What's worse, I didn't do any kind of stretching beforehand.

So, my advice is, anyone who's thinking of becoming more physically active since taking up vaping... take it easy for the first two weeks or so. And more importantly, do proper stretching less you find yourself in a similar situation as I am in now.

I had to learn the hard way, and trust me.. you don't want to ><
 
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It is typically recommended to consult with your doctor before jumping into an exercise program, especially if it is a complete 180 from your past routine.

If your life has been mostly sedentary you need to start slow and ramp yourself up. This can be in the form of just a short walk around the block or neighborhood. Or even in the form of some chores like mowing the lawn with a push mower, vacuuming. Heck turn on some music and dance.

Also I want to mention there is a huge benefit to stretching, not just as a preparation for exercise but as an exercise in and of itself. And in these more slow motion types of exercises I could also mention Tai Chi or Yoga.

Ken
 
Good advice on the stretching bit (and the rest).. I now plan to go back to military style PT type stretching before I do anything at all exercise wise... which is, like you said, pretty much a workout in and of itself. I seriously feel like I'm 80 with horrible arthritis (I kinda know what to expect since my closest friend aka grandfather went through all sorts of arthritis trouble before he died) right about now.. It's no fun, no fun at all...
 

JonnyVapΣ

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I just did the same thing. This is the first winter in...years...many years, that I actually had the energy to shovel the driveway instead of breaking out the snow blower. In fact, I haven't even started the snow blower yet this season. I'm now on pain killers for my neck and back...LOL. Despite all this I am still happy that I can throw snow myself again without feeling like lying down for a nap 1/2 way through. And my 3 year old son can't out-play me in the snow any more. I don't hate winter as much as I used to....
 
Good advice on the stretching bit (and the rest).. I now plan to go back to military style PT type stretching before I do anything at all exercise wise... which is, like you said, pretty much a workout in and of itself. I seriously feel like I'm 80 with horrible arthritis (I kinda know what to expect since my closest friend aka grandfather went through all sorts of arthritis trouble before he died) right about now.. It's no fun, no fun at all...

I know the feeling. I got kind of slack when the kids were being born. I don't get much "workout" time these days still but then again I spend a good amount of time lugging bass and pa gear around and in and out of clubs, combined with 3 hours of stage antics and playing the bass, well they seem to be enough for now as long as I keep a good diet.

Ken
 

caged

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Riding an exercise bike did wonders for my knees when I attempted to get back in shape a few years ago. When I first started running, my knees were in a ton of pain, though no meds were needed. The exercise bike strengthened my knees to the point they could take the punishment from running. I think for larger frames, strengthening the muscles around your knees is a must.
 

mlinky

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If you can manage it, get with a Pilates trainer once a week. Pilates is terrific exercise for building strength and flexibility. Be careful to only work with a certified instructor one-on-one at first...starting with mat classes at your local Y could do more harm than good. Pilates was originally developed to rehabilitate wounded soldiers, so it can work really well for someone who needs to gradually increase their physical activity.
 

MizChappy

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cjhmdm I am totally with you there! I had a car wreck some years back...long story short I broke my neck and ended up much the same as you while waiting for my body to heal. Doctors orders were that I was allowed to sit, stand, lie down and walk...thats it. Wasn't even allowed to pick up a gallon of milk =/. Anyway I gained 60lbs. After I was allowed to start exercising I was in misery. I bought a gazelle at the Dr.s suggestion due to it being low impact and manged to lose a bunch of weight. Still ended up sore for a while tho.
 
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