@ThomasF for most people yes, diet is more important. For me, not at all. I can have an impeccable diet but if I don't exercise every single day, my weight won't even shift by a single pound. My mother and sister are the same. It sucks lol.
@Rockman I do a 3/4 mile walk every evening, regardless of whether I've exercised that day already. There's something really wonderful about walking. It's so good for the mind - especially if you walk with someone. My partner and me use it as therapy. We always start out fine on the walk, then we have an argument in the middle, and by the time we get home, we're in really good spirits.
@Bimmerboy I run every Saturday morning. To begin with, it used to increase my T. But I have found over time, the more I improve my fitness, the less effect exercise including running has on my T. So, I would say you're fine to run but make sure you don't pavement run because of the impact. Also, I do a weight class (though it seems to be mostly women who do the classes) and wear earplugs.
What I can recommend though, is swimming! Swimming is unbelievably good for building fitness fast, with muscle building and weight loss. I've swam regularly since I was 17 (now 32). It has never effected my T and if anything, it makes it quieter. Getting out the pool after a good workout feels amazing!
I lift weights 6 days a week, lots of heavy compounds and some isolations. 99 days out of 100 it doesn't affect my T, couple times a year I might get a spike that goes away within a couple hours but that also happens without lifting. I would highly recommend weight lifting, it's one of the few reasons I'm still around and you will have to try hard to not lose weight while doing it.
@Steph1710 I agree swimming would be very helpful probably the best form of exercise. But there's 2 things stopping me firat of all insecurity about my body and most importantly getting swimmers ear that shit is one of things that landed me here.
@martinberryhorse I used to lift weights alot in fact was healthy. Never was clinically diagnosed as obese. Lifting weights was my thing so I want to get back into but as every person with T and H does I have to take into consideration these 2 conditions before any new venture.
@Bimmerboy ah yeah. Swimmers ear. I know it well. I put these drops in before I swim that kinda coat the eardrum, so the water just tips out when you put you head to the side. The drops have worked very well for me. I am also about three stone over weight atm. I know what it feels like to have body confidence issue. But trust me, no one is judging you. You're there to get fit, not to look good. :)
You can wear silicone swimmers earplugs to stop water getting in your ears @Bimmerboy.
If you are overweight thats even more reason to swim. You can cover up if you want, I like to wear a T-shirt over my swim suit, nobody ever mentions it.