very poor body strength

[rmacro]

Hi I really need help with my body strength and learning how to improve it. My general physical shape is very frail and weak because of a background of neglect and abuse. Things like standing up and working for 6 hours are extremely exhausting. I really want to find a way to improve my general body strength but people say things like 'go to a gym' and the last time I nearly blacked out after 10 minutes. Things like pushups/situps are not possible and I lose a day work after 5-10 minutes of trying, and then I am starving. I have no idea where to start building very very basic strength for my body and I am naturally slender/lean anyway. I don't want to get ripped, just build up enough strength to do a day of work 5 days a week.

Nutrition-wise I eat lots of protein rich foods, ie. beans, diary, lean meats, rice and so on, and vegetables like cabbage, leeks, peas, onions, mushrooms and the occasional bit of fried meat. I try to stay away from all processed foods, and try to do a short workout once every 2 weeks but it is extremely exhausting and I lose days of work which I can't afford. Please someone give me some help as to what basic exercises and routines are best for building very poor body strength

 

[PLB_old]

Have you been cleared by your doctor for exercise? I would start there and see if they have any suggestions for what you should do. What do you do for work? It sounds like you'll just need to start off slower. What did you try at the gym before? You might need to start with just building up to doing a daily walk to build up some very basic endurance. For the first few weeks, you might walk every other day, then slowly try to add more days. After that gets more comfortable, try some strengthening exercises 3 times per week. Start with very light weight and only 3-4 exercises. Work on that until it gets easier, then slowly add more.

I've worked with patients with severe lung conditions who can only walk at maybe 1 mile per hour on the treadmill for 2 minutes or less at a time.... That's while using oxygen straight from a tank. Over time, their conditioning improves... If they can do it, so can you!

 

[vrodmuscle]

^
Definitely see a doctor as suggested above.

In addition, take a look at starting strength by Mark Rippetoe, it's an excellent source for beginners looking to build power. Diet sounds ok, perhaps incorporate more leafy greens and broccoli related veggies.