[Michael]

Hi!

My name is Michael and I'm twenty-five.

I live in Scandinavia, exactly where I'd like to keep to myself.

About six years ago, I was in a car accident. Not a major one, but it still was enough to jolt things out of place.

Since then, I've been having several neck and back issues. Which I feel has hampered my goals to go down in weight.

Before my accident, I was at my ideal weight of 210lbs. I was active, loved mountain biking and snowboarding. I dare say I was fit.

But since the accident, I've quit going to the gym, and unfortunately, I've gone up in weight.

I don't over eat, but what I do eat isn't exactly healthy either. And I do love my soda.

I know in order to succeed losing my excess pounds, (260lbs to be exact), I need to start watching my calorie intake and get some exercise.

Exercising isn't as easy for me anymore. If I walk any long distances, my back and neck act up and leave me bed ridden for a day to two. I can't have that happen, because like you, I work.

Every time I go to the gym, it's the same deal.

I've hit a wall, and I can't get past it.

What should I do?

Here's my plan:

Water - And lots off it. Cut out the soda!
Food - More veggies anyone? Cut out the fatty foods, loaded with all the gunk that our bodies do great without.

But what can I possibly do to get some exercise?

I'd love some suggestions!

Thanks for taking the time to read,
Michael

[optimistic08]

Hi, Michael,

I think you have special needs, especially after an accident like that. You might want to consult a doctor first before starting an exercise program. I wouldn't know how much things would have been jolted out of place, but the doctor would definitely know =)

See a doctor and let us know what he tells you. I think it's worth checking first! I'm also curious to hear what he has to say, too!

[greatday]

Hi there Micheal!
I too was involved in an accident and was hurt really bad. In fact I was in a wheel chair for over a year. I am not much better now but I give it a hell of a try. Attitude is the most helpful thing you can have. To lose any weight you must have a great attitude and a want to attitude. If you don't, things will always be the way they are. Be determined. Get an attitude that does not accept failure, an attitude that says you deserve to be happy

I know it hurts to exercise, but you just have to go much slower than most. I found that exercising at a physical therapy place that included underwater therapy was great - as long as the water is warm enough. I even walked on a treadmill that was underwater - great - did not hurt as bad as walking outside or on a regular treadmill. If you cannot do any of these, I suggest a exercise band. There are several videos on youtube that show you how to exercise with these bands and some include exercises that allow you to sit and exercise. After your muscles get used to the exercise that will allow you to exercise more.

Take a look at my blog naturallyyours.rip2itblogs.com to find other suggestions and great recipes! You can ask me questions there and maybe together we can get you fit and out on the slopes again!

Good luck and write back! I want to know how you are doing!! I care. I really want to help people in pain and people who have gained weight due to their illness.

[champen]

Hang in there. I'm 27 years old and two years ago I was pretty chunky and out of shape--through a combination of diet and exercise I am now in the best shape of my life and competing regularly in national karate tournaments. The key for you since you have some injuries to work through is to emphasize the DIET aspect of that combination.

On the exercise front, you should see a physical therapist before you try anything strenuous... but I think part of the problem may be that walking and running can put a lot of strain on your back, especially if you're overweight. The classic recuperation exercise is swimming because it's easy on the back and the joints. You might want to give that a shot, as well as doing core strength exercises (like crunches) a few times a week... but take it easy.

The bulk of your WEIGHT LOSS should come from diet changes. To lose weight you have to either eat less calories, or burn more. Until your body heals, burning more isn't the way you should try to do it.

Try to measure your actual calorie intake... I don't know how tall you are or what your build is exactly, but on days when you're not active, I'd take a rough guess that you may want to be at 2200 calories max. For a young guy like you it's not that complicated--just go light on fats and try to eat a balanced mix of carbs and proteins. Replacing soda with water and eating more fruits and veggies are great ideas. If you're going hungry a lot, eat more often but cut down your portion size (4-5 small meals a day are actually better for weight loss than 3 big ones!).

If you are looking for more info than this you should consult a pro or get on a diet/exercise plan. One that I think would work well for you is Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle, because it's got both the diet and exercise elements and good core strength workouts... don't be hesitant to cut down the calorie counts in the diets as well as the intensity of the workouts a bit for the first couple months.

Above all take it EASY, because your ultimate goal should be healing and recovery, if you re-aggravate your injuries by working too hard it'll set you back.

Good luck man, you can do it!