I'm always afraid I will hurt myself :-/

Posted on March 20, 2015

I enjoy working out. It has made me stronger and helped with a lot of back pain that started in high school and was rather serious all through college. I think working out makes me feel better about myself even before I can see any changes in the mirror.

With that said I can't help but always worry that I'm going to hurt myself! I feel as though I should push myself more so I actually improve, but then I get nervous and think I shoudl take it easy until I'm stronger. I've been thinking that way for years and years. I'm struggling now because I recently and fairly quickly gained a lot of weight, so somethings are a lot harder for that I used to be able to do happily, like push ups. I'm on diet bet to lose that weight and do push ups again (among other things). Yet, I don't want to go around taking it easy on myself because I think I'm too big to do some things.

I really don't want to hurt my ankles though... or my knees... or something else... I am kind of clumsy and have hurt myself a lot over the years. If I could afford a personal trainer I would get one, but alas, the money is tight right now.

Any advice out there?

Comment Now!

Diane F.

03/20/2015 11:20AM

I have a history of problems with my ankles so I started with cardio exercises that didn't involve leaving the ground. Then I added exercises that involve balancing on a leg which has really helped my ankles and knees get stronger. I have only had one fall in one year and it was very minor.

Elizabeth H. likes this comment.

Elizabeth H.

I do avoid jumping and such, so I modify when I do things like Shaun T workouts. I still get a great workout without too much impact on my joints. It's kind of silly because all the times I've hurt myself have been random flukes, never while working out! I think I need to set some goals to work up to, but haven't thought about that in the right way or something. Hmm.

Mandy H.

03/20/2015 11:01AM

You could focus on simple exercise like squats, push-ups, and sit ups to build up your strength first. And go slow with cardio, just adding more a little at a time! Elliptical is very low impact! Then build from there when you feel comfortable! Weight loss is mostly about your nutrition and diet anyway! Being fit is where the workouts come in! You got this!

Elizabeth H. likes this comment.

Elizabeth H.

I worry I'm being too easy on myself. Maybe I'm not. Maybe I am over thinking things. I do that... haha

Mandy H.

No way! Starting slow is the best way! If you do those three strength exercises you can get sore just from body weight even if you regularly workout! Pushing too hard can lead to injury! You know what your body can take!