I lost all the muscle I had over the last few months, and I'm really weak now. I can barely walk for more than a few minutes, forget about uphill or in the sun. If I go up a flight of stairs, I get faint and need to sit down quickly.

I'm sick and tired of it, and I don't know where to start. I'm afraid to go to the gym because I think I'll just pass out.

Any advice?

Steroids?

Be patient with yourself.

How will that increase my stamina?

It will help you take it slowly but surely. Don't compare yourself to the way you used to be. Focus on your progress week by week.

Do you do any exercise at all? You need to start gently. Walk. As far as you can without getting tired. You'll find you can walk further each time.

Weight training. Start with very very light weights. 1kg. A tin of beans. Walk carrying the weights and do bicep curls as you walk. Lie down and do some chest presses by lifting those weights, straightening and bending your arms. Gradually build up. Wear light ankle weights when you walk.

I understand that, but what progress? What should I start with?



No, I haven't started because I feel too weak. Maybe I have to force myself.

Whatever you can still do, but in very small amounts.

That makes it that much harder. Just finding parking at the gym, to be there for 10 minutes...

Smile! Perhaps Lyric's idea is more practical- just walk.

Anyone who is weak will find exercise exhausting. Yes you have to force yourself at first. Walk to the end of your street and back. I have no idea how far that is, but you set your own targets. When I first started walking as part of my weight loss program, I was totally out of breath doing a short distance that I wouldn't even consider a walk today.

Didn't your doctor advise you?

mosheshmeal
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I would, but not during the summer. The heat alone makes me pass out.

(I'm not usually this frail and weakly thing, I promise.)

OK. do you live in a house or an apartment? Walk around your apartment carrying two cans of beans or equivalent. If you have stairs somewhere, and they are cool, (either inside or as part of your building) walk up and down one flight.

Around the kitchen, or early in the morning when it's still cool out. What's the minimum you can walk now?

You're right, I know.



Didn't ask him.



My apartment's a bit small, and Grandma lives downstairs



I suppose 10-15 minutes if it's a leisurely stroll...

I agree with the idea of starting with walking. Due to the heat you might want to go to an air conditioned mall to walk if your apartment isn't really big enough.