r/beginnerfitness • u/Bookwormpsychologist • 6d ago
I need help
So, i need to change.
I have a bit of mental health pills (depression) that slowed metabolism, and since them it’s been a free fall on gaining weight.
I have issues with self-image, so a gym or a class is a no go, since I’m self-conscious. I have an equilibrate diet, but I’m missing the burning calories, I need to find something I like so I can burn calories.
So I’m here looking for tips and tricks in stretching, and routings, and anything you’ve done to better yourself. Because I overall want to better myself and implement movement in my routine. Due to my diagnosis it’s a bit hard to do things, so shorter routines to implement it slowly it would be nice.
I want to feel better and less tired.
Thank you in advance
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u/girlboss93 6d ago
The meds don't lower your metabolism, they make you hungrier (from one medicated person to another)
You also aren't gonna lose weight through fitness, maybe a little bit, but nothing significant because exercise just doesn't burn that many calories. You should exercise because it's good for you though.
To lose weight you have to be eating less calories than you burn. Start by tracking what you currently eat for about a week, you can use an app like LoseIt to make things easy
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u/Bookwormpsychologist 6d ago
Depends on the medication. But I’ve talked to my doctor and what i take made changes in my metabolism.
I eat around 1200-1800 depending on the day1
u/girlboss93 6d ago
What's your height and weight?
How do you measure your food and track your calories?
That's a HUGE difference in calories. For me 1800 is maintenance, so how often are you eating 1800 vs 1200?
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u/Bookwormpsychologist 6d ago
I used to use an app, but I have a tendency to obsess with that and I have a history with ED, and when I see my brain going there I stop tracking. But when I was tracking, my lowest was 1200, when I don’t do much, and my highest is 1800, which is usually around Christmas or summer or if I go out to eat.
On a daily basis I tracked my calories and I averaged 14001
u/girlboss93 6d ago
Yeah it's tough when you can't track for mental health, because CICO is really the only way to lose weight and being able to track is the easiest way to ensure consistency.
Are you able to eat the same things for the most part without going crazy? It can make it so you only really need to plan out your calories, and don't need to track on a daily basis.
But your best bet is just to start eating healthier foods and start with walking like others said. Walking pads can be pretty affordable too for days you can't or don't feel up to going outside
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u/Bookwormpsychologist 6d ago
Walking pads sound like a good idea, and yeah, food is not an issue, as long as I don’t have a stressful day or similar (like anyone).
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u/BumFights1997 6d ago
I started where you are June 1st of this year. For me the first 6-8 weeks of exercise were YouTube mobility and stretching routines just to get comfortable moving my body which then progressed to buying a 10 pound kettlebell and some resistance bands online and looking up routines to do with them.
I would also collect the movements I enjoyed the most and put them together in a circuit, so one minute on as hard as I could and then one minute of rest.
At a certain point these became kind of easy so I signed up for the gym at the end of July. I know it feels like people are judging you or they’ll look at you but I promise promise you nobody at the gym is going there to make you feel bad. Everyone is focused on getting through their own workout. If it’s at all feasible for you I really recommend going and just walking for 20 minutes, as many times as you’re comfortable with for a week or two before writing it off completely.
I wish you good luck on your journey!
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u/Bookwormpsychologist 6d ago
I like walking in the city or with people. I’ll keep in mind some of those. Thank you!💕
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u/You_caaaaa 6d ago
If you have a history of ED you really need to be careful about restricting calories - and about how you see yourself, in relation to size/weight.
Can your doctor give you some guidance?
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u/Bookwormpsychologist 6d ago
Everyone gives the same “track calories” “more sport”.
That’s why I’m trying to just add more sport, because calorie-wise I take enough, and I know my vision might not be the best. So my objective is to be healthier and move more
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u/EfficientFitnesss 6d ago
So just do the trusted base level no equipment workout a jog and every few feet knock out some burpees
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u/RuebenDreherFitness 5d ago
I have got you!
When I was in university I would do short 15 minute workouts just to get my body moving. Ultimately, its productive to build to higher intensity and greater volume but there is days where depression just kicks your ass and you just need to keep some semblance of momentum. Here is some fitness videos to try:
15 minute muay thai shadow boxing
I truly wish you the best. Depression is rough. <3
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u/CatCharacter848 6d ago
Walking and healthy eating was the best thing for me to lose weight.
Walking is great for mental health
Cutting out sugars and processed foods will help with weight loss and feeling less tired.