I have a problem

[supernova]

that I am trying to figure out how to work with.

I am very motivated to exercise. That's not my problem.

You know how they say in order to lose weight, you have to exercise most days of the week?

Here's my problem: I can exercise about 4 days a week/max. That's if I do typical cardio-style, go for the target heart rate workouts. I seem to hit a physiological brickwall after than 4th day, and get very exhausted. If I do get in five or six days in any given week, I spend the next week resting up from it. No, I'm not joking.

I was born with heart defects and still have two leaky valves. At some point I will probably have to have either or both valves replaced/repaired, but I'm no where near that point yet. In fact I wouldn't notice it at all, but for this exercise tolerance problem. And believe me, it's taken me a long time (I'm in my early 40s) to be able to admit that.

The upshot is I'm trying to figure out a way to exercise with something I can do everyday, or most days and not wear myself out so that I can keep it up. The way it is now, I can't manage my weight very well just by doing 4 days/week. I really don't want to creep back up the scale.

Anybody got any thoughts or suggestions? Maybe I'm just working too hard for me?

[Rainbowreflect]

1. Maybe you could try mixing it up a little.

Day one work out at max for a shorter time, day two work out longer at an easier pace, day three do interval training and take the forth day off. Also try doing different types of aerobics.
But what ever you do check with you doctor first!

[MissMillie]

2. I'm so new to this working out thing that I wouldn't dare

to presume to know what is best for you.

It seems to me that if you did cardio every other day, and then weights or strength building (even yoga) for the off days that you would still be able to lose some weight--after all building muscle means burning more fat.

Then again, I'm new at this, and certainly not educated in the ways of fitness or cardiac health.

Would your doctor be able to suggest a routine for you?

[flvegan]

3. Couple questions:

Okay, you're a female in your early 40's with "two leaky valves" in your heart. 4 days a week is probably pretty good. What type of cardio are you doing and where (gym, road work, etc). When you say "target heart rate" workout, for how long are you maintaining that target heart rate, and how are you measuring that? Lastly, how much weight are we talking about losing, and what is your build/body type?

I think what we really need to look at is caloric intake. You can cardio 'til the cows come home, but you're not going to be successful if you still take in too many calories.

[wildeyed]

4. When I feel overtired, I do yoga and walk.

The walking burns calories, the yoga builds strength and suppleness, and it helps increase my energy. Plus I sleep better. The main problem with this routine, very time consuming. I can bust out a run and some serious strength work at the gym in an hour. The yoga/walking routine takes 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Honestly, four days of exercise a week is really good by most people's standards. Are there alterations you can make to your diet? For me, I can't eat bread and sweets more than once or twice a week without gaining weight and feeling tired.

[MemphisTiger]

5. Try working out every other day, at least you will feel like

you're getting rest. If you workout too many days in a row it can wear you out fast. Also, what is your diet like? That is the biggest factor in energy levels.

[seemunkee]

6. If you want to work out more often try switching things up

alternate cardio w/ some strength work. The strength work can be shorter. Do 2-3 lifts and call it a day. You'll gain muscle mass which burns more calories. I hate spending huge amounts of time just working out for the sake of working out.
Also spend one week writing down everything that goes in your mouth. and I mean everything. Figure out your calorie in take and see if it really matches what you think you are eating.