Group: New Members Greet & Meet - Introduce yourself

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 1539, Messages: 27038

Officially introduce yourself to the community by sharing your goals, obstacles or accomplishments. Don't be shy.. we're all here for the same reason. The more support we share the easier it will be to reach our goals!

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Where on earth do I start? help me

safesadie
safesadie
Posts: 1
Joined: 2009/08/11
United Kingdom
2009/08/11, 08:39 AM
Hi all,

I have just got engaged and have had the real kick to get into shape for my wedding in 13 months time.
Here are my issues.

1)I weigh 238lbs
2)I have just managed to get my diet under control - it has been horrific until now. The weight is slowly coming off but I need to exercise.

3)I haven't exercised for a decade and I can't run to the end of my street without having to stop.

4) I would like to shed 100lbs as I am only 5ft 3"

5) I work awful shifts and can't find something to fit around my life

6) I have joined a sports team and a gym in the past and given up after a few weeks, not out of being lazy but out of feeling ashamed and humiliated at not being able to cope after 20 minutes.

7) After we get married we would like to start a family but being so overweight has affected my reproductive system and I need to lose 70lbs before I will be considered for fertility treatment, I am hoping the weightloss may help us conceive naturally as I had not had any problems until I became overweight.

Can someone help me get the ball rolling? You guys are my last hope

Sadie!
yadmit
yadmit
Posts: 4,670
Joined: 2003/10/05
Canada
2009/08/11, 09:06 AM
1) Losing a 100 pounds is doable... 2-3 pounds per week is safe loss, but prepare for a plateau

2) Maintain a healthy diet

3) Just keep at it... it will only get better

4) Again, doable

5) Just pretend you work a normal shift, it possible. You need to make the time for you.

6) Most people that have been in a gym have whittle their weight away. Each person in there, while they may have different micro-goals, all share the same goal, and that's to be healthy.

7) Get to a healthy weight will be a great start.

Hope that helps!
bigjockhill
bigjockhill
Posts: 88
Joined: 2009/07/03
United Kingdom
2009/08/11, 07:37 PM
Welcome to f/t Sadie, there is plenty of good advice in the message boards, read as many as pos.
As Tim says, it's all doable, you will also get plenty of support from the other members.
Good luck, keep at it.
DirtyMainstream
DirtyMainstream
Posts: 5
Joined: 2009/08/13
United Kingdom
2009/08/13, 04:51 PM
Hey :) I'm new too.
I *hate* the idea of going to a gym, or like you said joining a sports team. I feel like everyone's kinda watching you. So I find it easier to work out at home with work out DVDs and youtube. Lol.
Although, it might help you to think that whilst you're conscious of everything you're doing and how worn out you are, that pretty much everyone else is likely to be focused on that too.
You might find, if you feel embarrassed, that to begin with you might be better off working out at home too, but the trouble with that is you might also be tempted to slack off.
Is there anything in particular that's active you enjoy maybe? Like, dancing? I mean, calorie counting is obviously going to help and the work out plans on here seem to be quite good but I have only looked at them, not tried them out yet, bit late at night to be exercising here. Lol.
Also, I hear swimming is a great workout for all over, if you've got access to a pool.
Sorry I can't offer more real tips or advice, I'm pretty new to the whole exercising and weight loss thing.
staceyelizabeth
staceyelizabeth
Posts: 2
Joined: 2009/08/14
United States
2009/08/14, 04:36 AM
I'm new here too, but I have felt your pain, with going to the gym and feeling as though you''re being judged, but, all you have to remember, is everyone there all have the same common goal. Leading a healthier lifestyle. Also remember, you are an insperation. When I go to the gym and see people giving it there all, regardless of how fast or long or hard they work out, it keeps my goals nad wishes in check. It makes me push harder, and keeps me going longer.
Good luck with everything
BrendaAshlyn04
BrendaAshlyn04
Posts: 7
Joined: 2008/12/11
United States
2009/09/16, 04:40 PM
hey all i have been to a GYM i started out at a little gym working out with cute little elderly ppl (it was really a rehab center) but as time went on i realized that everyone is working soooo hard on trying to meet their goal for the day that they dont have the time to watch you. things that helped me were to get an MP3 player with fast upbeat music and zone into it as you work out. and the gyms have much more things to help you reach your goal than at home.
daveme214
daveme214
Posts: 4
Joined: 2009/08/28
United States
2009/09/18, 07:43 AM
Sadie,

As the ol' saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Cliche, yes, but it's true.

As everyone's pointed out, most folks are in the gym focusing on themselves. I went through that when I started lifting weights--I'm a skinny dorky guy surrounded by muscleheads lifting twice my body weight easily.

But I learned it doesn't matter--I think for the most part, people are happy to see others trying to improve themselves.

So, focus on what's motivating you--your wedding, your desire to get pregnant--and go to the gym with that on your mind. Start slow: hop on the treadmill and walk 15-20 minutes. Do that once a day for a few days, see how it feels. If it's good, try 30 minutes. And so forth and so on.

Drink tons of water, eat healthy snacks, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

The weight will go away, but you have to commit yourself. It's a lifestyle change and it's a lot of work.

But that's what this website's for--support! Use us!

Good luck.

Dave