Don't hate me: Trying NOT to lose weight but get healthy!

reptio

Nesties,

I am looking for advice on the one fitness/health problem that cannot be named.  If I mention my problem to anybody they scoff and tell me, "YEAH, I wish I had that problem, too."  or  "Just enjoy it while you have it because once you hit 30 you'll start gaining weight!"

If you haven't guessed by now, the problem I have is that I am 5'5", weigh 118 lbs, and fit into a size 0 with room to spare.  The problem with this is it is 50% due to an awesome metabolism and 50% due to medication making me lose my appetite often throughout the day.

I am seriously out of shape!
Just because I am skinny does not mean I am in shape.  I get out of breath talking while walking up a flight of stairs! I can stand and walk for long periods of time (all day at work every day...) but I do not do anything other than that to exercise. 

I also am at risk for a hereditary heart problem so my doctors all recommend I avoid anything that would seriously stress my heart (AKA no cardio, nothing too fast/intense).  This makes it very difficult to find exercise that works for me.

 I want to get in better shape so when my metabolism dies down I am not screwed. I want to get into the habit of exercising, instead of just sitting on the couch on my flat butt! Any tips on lean muscle building or healthy exercise that is low-impact and won't make me fall into the unhealthy underweight range?

alithebride

i dont hate you! i dont think anyone would-and those who make comments like that are being petty. ignore them. but i would heed the 'over 30' warning. its possible that like many of us (for me it was 34, not 30) your metabolism changes overnight-literally-so with your potential heart issue you might want to keep an eye on that.

your intentions are good-you need to be in good shape and you're right-being thin doesn't automatically make good shape especially with medication screwing with your appetite and the threat of heart issues=that's got to be tough!

if it were me i'd ask the same doctor who told you to specifically recommend what level your heart rate should be in while you exercise and then wear a heart monitor. some slow paced yoga might be great for you. its challenging, tones and builds muscle, does wonders for flexibility and balance and (not to sound like one of those people) focuses your mind and calms nerves and anxiety. i'd ask them if that is an ok exercise for you to do. i'd also speak to a trainer at a gym to see if there's anything that they can recommend within safe heart rate. that's not something you want to mess with.

good luck

orangemell2012

How about slow swimming, less intense yoga, or walking.

Flamingemu

alithebride:

if it were me i'd ask the same doctor who told you to specifically recommend what level your heart rate should be in while you exercise and then wear a heart monitor. some slow paced yoga might be great for you. its challenging, tones and builds muscle, does wonders for flexibility and balance and (not to sound like one of those people) focuses your mind and calms nerves and anxiety. i'd ask them if that is an ok exercise for you to do. i'd also speak to a trainer at a gym to see if there's anything that they can recommend within safe heart rate. that's not something you want to mess with.

good luck

This is great advice. In the meantime, start with walking. It is an easy way to move and get some (very) light cardio in without doing any damage. The eliptical is pretty low impact which will help keep your heart rate down. Also, cycling is a good way to keep active and keep your HR down.

As for HRMs, I have a Polar F6 and love it. I bought mine through Amazon. You would want to look for a HRM with a chest strap, the ones that only check your pulse when you touch them are worthless. 

Malvagia

I'm 5'4" and used to weigh 118lb due to health problems.  Back then I didn't exercise for fear of losing more weight.  I just do some gentle yoga exercises daily to keep myself healthy.  If you're not already doing so I would recommend that you limit your sugar consumption.  If you eat a lot of sugar and refined flour no amount of exercise is going to undo the damage it does.

nikki2601

Try weight training and yoga. Add protein to your diet.

~NB~

reptio:

I also am at risk for a hereditary heart problem so my doctors all recommend I avoid anything that would seriously stress my heart (AKA no cardio, nothing too fast/intense).  

This doesn't make sense to me. I don't understand the "at risk" part. Either you have a heart problem or you don't, right?  How can they tell you to avoid cardiovascular stress without a definitive diagnosis? I must be misunderstanding something.

LindsayNY

I don't hate you. I'm 5'2" and 107 pounds. I exercise 5 times a week to stay healthy and because it feels good! Nothing wrong with exercising when you are small. It's good for everyone!

 I do Physique 57, it's a combination weights/circuit training workout. They have classes but with LO I can't get to them so I do the DVD. It's amazing and has helped me get my body back after having LO.

Due to your heart situation, I would consult your doctor and ask him what workouts he recommends before starting anything. 

kipnus

Have you had a stress test done? I can't see any good doctor recommending NO cardio. I agree with the others about walking and adding in weight training. Try adding more healthy fat (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, etc.) to your diet as well.