mollycoddled
01-04-2009, 11:08 PM
I have finally decided it is time to stop being satisfied with simply hating myself and body and do something about it. The million dollar question of course is where to start :dizzy:? This is my first post to the boards and if it is more suitable for the diet section please let me know. There are so many exercise regimes out there and options but with having had such a lack of physical activity for so long I thought maybe some others out there would have suggestions as to something to start with?
To give you a little information, I am 26, 5'4 and scared to weigh myself but am guessing I am about 240. My boyfriend and I have both gained a substantial amount of weight in the past 2 years together and are ready to make a lifestyle change. It is affecting everything from the way I feel to our relationship.
Any thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
-Megan
To give you a little information, I am 26, 5'4 and scared to weigh myself but am guessing I am about 240. My boyfriend and I have both gained a substantial amount of weight in the past 2 years together and are ready to make a lifestyle change. It is affecting everything from the way I feel to our relationship.
Any thoughts and ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
-Megan
Sponsor
mod-anon
01-05-2009, 01:06 AM
Please note that this thread is moved to the Exercise & Fitness Board.
janewhite1
01-05-2009, 10:50 AM
If you've been inactive, it's probably best to start with just a few minutes of brisk walking. Get some good walking or running shoes first, then go outside and walk for 10 minutes. If that was easy, keep going until you get tired. In any case, record how long you walk, and try to increase it by about 10% per week.
Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.
Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.
mollycoddled
01-05-2009, 10:06 PM
If you've been inactive, it's probably best to start with just a few minutes of brisk walking. Get some good walking or running shoes first, then go outside and walk for 10 minutes. If that was easy, keep going until you get tired. In any case, record how long you walk, and try to increase it by about 10% per week.
Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.
Thank you as crazy as it seems I didn't even think of walking for less than 30 minutes which I can do but seems daunting now. I have been inactive not being in the gym or doing much physical exercise but do like to walk and work out.
It has been about 3 years since I've been to any sort of gym with the exception of 3 times going to the gym and using the eliptical machine. I tend to get caught up and think I can do them same amount of physical exertion as I did 70lbs ago and watch the calorie monitor and try to push myself as far as possible. This ended in dizziness, nausea and a total lack of wanting to go back.
I absolutely need to change my diet and have started by quitting drinking sodas and eating fast food to start with this week.
Also, you may need to make changes to your diet.
Thank you as crazy as it seems I didn't even think of walking for less than 30 minutes which I can do but seems daunting now. I have been inactive not being in the gym or doing much physical exercise but do like to walk and work out.
It has been about 3 years since I've been to any sort of gym with the exception of 3 times going to the gym and using the eliptical machine. I tend to get caught up and think I can do them same amount of physical exertion as I did 70lbs ago and watch the calorie monitor and try to push myself as far as possible. This ended in dizziness, nausea and a total lack of wanting to go back.
I absolutely need to change my diet and have started by quitting drinking sodas and eating fast food to start with this week.
janewhite1
01-05-2009, 10:15 PM
When it comes to exercise, research shows that any exercise is better than none. (As long as you are exercising safely, of course!)
Maybe you can find some way to make the walk fun. Headphones, walking buddy, goal at the end of the walk?
Replacing soda with water could be a big help all by itself.
Congratulations on deciding to make changes!
Maybe you can find some way to make the walk fun. Headphones, walking buddy, goal at the end of the walk?
Replacing soda with water could be a big help all by itself.
Congratulations on deciding to make changes!
dubW
01-06-2009, 08:05 AM
Making the decision to do something about a weight problem is the first step. Congratulations. Understand, it is a slow process, but can be enjoyable. The biggest mistake that people make is thinking they can take it all off in a few weeks - I blame TV commercials for this. Make going to the gym or your workout routine a part of your day. Someone suggested headphones - a great way to make working out enjoyable. My final words today are simply - understand that this is a lifestyle change - not just an exercise plan. Check with your doctor to get a sensible diet plan - set reasonable goals. You can do it.
mollycoddled
01-06-2009, 05:33 PM
Thank you both for your responses. Most things I say sound silly but I honestly had tears in my eyes reading the responses just knowing that you took the time to respond and give your thoughts. Yesterday goes down as day one of the exercise and today is day two for modifying my eating. I know it is a long process and have decided that my first goal will be 5% of my body weight. I've never been this overweight and my drive to lose weight to become healthy (and admittedly satisfy my vanity) is something I didn't know I had. I'm excited to be a part of these boards and share the experience as it comes. :wave:
Megan
Megan
dubW
01-08-2009, 07:28 AM
Good choice, I like your positive attitude. Make it fun. While I deplore his methodology, Richard Simmons had it right. You can lose weight, tone up, and have a ball. I am into some really heavy classical music (Masses); anyway, I get to attend a concert (on headphones) each time I work out. Some folks jog to rock or country. I saw one guy on a stair-master conducting a "air" orchestra. It's really cool to feel great and know that your exercise routine is doing that for you.
Gia029
01-09-2009, 10:05 AM
I have an addiction to cola and sugar. I have gained 80 lbs in 4 years and have not stopped gaining, now up to a disgusting 250lbs. I keep putting off making a lifestyle change.
dubW
01-09-2009, 04:39 PM
I was like that too. Until the doc gave me a year to 18 months to live, and he was dead serious. I got the message. Hopefully, you will too before it's too late.
Gia029
01-10-2009, 12:22 AM
Why did he think you were going to die?
hunjiman
01-10-2009, 01:27 PM
I have a friend that was in a similar spot and she started replacing her soda addiction with Apple cider vinegar in sparkling water with some squeezed lemon. It provided the "bubbly" but the benefits of acv were significant. It allowed her to begin to reduce her sugar intake and the acv provided a mechanism for removing toxins and improving digestion. She has lost 74 lbs (exercising too).
Gia029
01-11-2009, 08:18 AM
That's an encouraging story
dubW
01-12-2009, 05:23 PM
Why did he think you were going to die?
Obese, insidious life style, fatal dietary habits, sedimentary. Every test out of bounds.
Obese, insidious life style, fatal dietary habits, sedimentary. Every test out of bounds.
Gia029
01-13-2009, 12:41 PM
How obese were you? How many pounds have you lost?
dubW
01-13-2009, 04:38 PM
61 years old. 240 pounds, 5'11", slight build, progressive bone disease. Former diet was Pizza and beer and bar food. Typical lifestyle was bar patron Monday thru Wednesday, then party from Thursday thru Sunday. I could go on, but that gives you an idea.
Since October I have lost 26 lbs. I am holding at 214, my guess is that the drop will continue after the muscle gain/weight loss evens out.
Since October I have lost 26 lbs. I am holding at 214, my guess is that the drop will continue after the muscle gain/weight loss evens out.
writeleft
01-13-2009, 05:14 PM
I'll tell you where I started, and you may laugh...but it has been great fun. I am a middle aged woman, by the way..who has enjoyed a beer or two myself.
I bought myself a W i i console, got the sports game, and had a blast with it right in my own living room. It's something anyone, any age can do, and it keeps track of your daily progress. I have played it with kids, young adults, and oldsters like myself (who seem to get the biggset kick out of it).
It was so good for me, that I added the W i i Fitness set-as a Christmas gift to myself!
The initial investment is a few hundred dollars, but it has been worth every penny to me. Grab some of your buddies off the barstools, and "bowl" with them on any T.V. It will really crack you up, and it goes great with beer and pizza.
By the way, I have lost 46 lbs, gained alot of flexibility, toned up, and had fun doing it. Best of luck to you!
I bought myself a W i i console, got the sports game, and had a blast with it right in my own living room. It's something anyone, any age can do, and it keeps track of your daily progress. I have played it with kids, young adults, and oldsters like myself (who seem to get the biggset kick out of it).
It was so good for me, that I added the W i i Fitness set-as a Christmas gift to myself!
The initial investment is a few hundred dollars, but it has been worth every penny to me. Grab some of your buddies off the barstools, and "bowl" with them on any T.V. It will really crack you up, and it goes great with beer and pizza.
By the way, I have lost 46 lbs, gained alot of flexibility, toned up, and had fun doing it. Best of luck to you!
janewhite1
01-13-2009, 10:55 PM
I agree, Writeleft. My friend got a Wii fit, and we all love to play it. I'm considering buying one myself, but I already have a gym membership, and I'm much better about going to the gym regularly than I am about working out at home! Kudos to anyone who can stay on-task and finish the workout in the living room.
dubW
01-22-2009, 07:12 AM
We have the Wii and Wii Fit also, though I am not much into it; the gkids live on it, and my wife, who still works full time uses the exercise programs.
By the way, I have come off my plateau and have lost 5 more pounds since my last post. My goal is to lose about 10 more by March, then 25 more by September.
By the way, I have come off my plateau and have lost 5 more pounds since my last post. My goal is to lose about 10 more by March, then 25 more by September.