Trying to keep fit but still feel like crap

[jogger1976]

Hello all,
Just wanted some tips from all the experienced member s in here.
I started exercising again after a long period of activity approx 6 weeks ago.
At present I'm found 1x boot camp style class/ 1 swimming session and a variation on the squat challenge. I also go for a 4-5 mile brisk walk when I can.
Although I've lost some weight I still feel pretty crappy, particularly​ in the mornings, and I generally find the excerise class incredibly hard work and appear to struggle more than any of the other attendees. I do try to push myself though. The swimming sessions started off ok, but the pool is often so busy, regardless of the time, that it's hard to get a rythym going, without having to stop every few minutes.Very frustrating!
My quality of sleep is not brilliant and I often wake up at random times, 2am this morning.
Basically, although I'm keeping at it, I don't really feel any better physically ( weight loss aside) than when I started. In fact, some days I feel worse!
Any suggestions, as I'm pretty demoralised at the moment.

[Captain Smerc]

How's your diet and alcohol intake ? I only really made good progress when I changed these . Felt much better after cutting out a lot of the crap (but tasty !) food . I've not had any booze since Xmas and really do feel better for it . Honestly

[oddman]

I think you are doing too much and without structure.

Pick a goal - Sprint triathlon, 10k run, cycle sportive - whatever

Find a training plan for your goal and stick to it. When you are following a sensible training plan e.g.for running 1 really easy run, one interval session and one long run a week, you'll get into a pattern and recognise fatigue for what it is - ie. a response to the planned stress you are putting your body through. Most sensible plans will have an easy week every 3 or 4 weeks and a taper before your planned event

Set time aside for stretching, strength and conditioning

Eat well

Rest

Above all have fun

[jogger1976]

I'm currently having a beer while I write this! But honestly, I have generally cut right down. I went about 8 weeks dry prior to starting my routine and lost a fair amount of weight and felt better.

I genrally eat a lot of fish (my favourite) rice/cous cous/ and veg. I have also tried Quorn, which is surprisingly tasty. I do cheat occasionally and have the odd McDonalds ever few weeks.

I think the problem is that the excercise class is quite fast paced and needs quite a lot of coordination, which I have none of! I end up doing most of the excercises wrong, even when the instructor, who, God bless her, has the patience of a saint, gives me some pointers.

The swimming is pretty frustrating, as the pool is so busy now at all times, even with lanes, so I can't really get a ryhthym as I say.

I would ideally take up running again,but unfortunately I had to quit several years ago due to a recurring issue with shin splints. This was probably the one thing I enjoyed and genuinely got me fit as a fiddle.

I'm due to move soon, which I think isn't helping, and also work is pretty stresfull and unrelenting at present, which both might explain the sleep issues.

I'll probably just persevere with the excercise classes as I've pre paid for a block, so I might as well get my money's worth before I move to my new location.

Thanks for the input.

[Moulder]

All of what you are doing sounds like anti-fun, which may be affecting enthusiasm for the whole thing.

If running is out, and though the last thing the world needs is another one, how about cycling? As the nights are longer find a few places/pubs that are in cycling range and cycle there/back with a turnaround low calorie drink (e.g. Gin and Tonic). As you get fitter extend the distance.

An event would be good as this "forces" you to do it if you tell everyone about it. The earlier suggestion of a sprint triathlon is a good one, if you do it as a team you could do the cycling leg and a couple of mates do the other bits.

[J4CKO]

Perhaps get a Personal Trainer and get some tips, I find strength training much more edifying than loads of cardio, I do like a swim but any more than say 20 lengths bores the crap out of me, too easy to amble, too many distractions, same with most cardio, cycling on the road is a lot more fun than in the gym.

I find lifting weight the most enjoyable, get some BT headphones, good Spotify playlists and get on with it, and contrary to popular belief and what I thought, your weight doesn't go up due to all this new muscle, am nursing a sore chest due to yesterdays work.