Hello...

I woke up one day and saw a complete stranger in the mirror in front of me. Turns out I'm hypothyroid and in the space of a few months I went from a size 12 to a size 20.

When I finally managed to convince the docs that something was wrong, I was heavier than ever and even tho I'm now on meds to deal with the thyroid problem, I still have three to four stone to lose somehow.

I have never been on a "diet", I have never purposefully tried or needed to try to lose weight before. This is a completely new experience for me but my health relies on it working.

I had a baby 9 months ago and I dont want her growing up thinking her mum's a wee tubby wumman.

I used to be fit and I'm hoping I can be once again. A game of tennis damn near killed me recently so I'm thinking I need to start a little more slowly.

How the hell do I begin to exercise?
Classes seem too full on for a reintroduction to exercise and I dont really get much spare time to myself to go to the gym thanks to the baby. I walk the dog daily but its not making any difference to my current cardiovascular fitness. I need to step it up but I need to do so slowly.

Any ideas on how I go about this? What did you lot do to start the exercise?

Thanks

well done on getting to the bottom of your problem

is there anyone who could watch the baby a few times a week for an hour for you to go to the gym? they will set you up with a programme suited for your fitness level.

maybe go swimming with hubby - he can be on baby duty while you get your lengths done?

walking with a baby is exercise as the buggy and baby weight is heavy !! what about increasing your walking distance - this is the lovely weather to do it as well!!!!

or maybe it would be easier to do gym at night so hubby can be on baby duty xx

Hi and Welcome!

Have you tried increasing the intensity of your walks? Try walking faster and for longer periods. Also try and include hills too. All this should get your heart rate going and help burn off the fat.

Other than that how about fitness DVD's you can do at home while baby is asleep - or even watching - you never know your baby might find this rather amusing!! I have loads of DVD that i swap about as doing the one can get boring very quickly, and you dont even need a huge area either.

Hello and welcome

First thing that came to my mind - but Rosie beat me to it - is increasing intensity to your current walks and adding hills if possible. That is one of the best ways to up your cardio. Stairs are good as well, not sure if you come across any on your walks but going up and down them a few times is a good start and then gradually build from there.

The fitness DVD's are a good idea also.

Good luck!

EA Sports Active on the Wii is great for regaining fitness. Although you can follow set workouts, you can create your own too (great if you're short on time). Wii Fit Plus is good too and is fun. Or you could get a pedometer and try to reach a step target every day.