When you are out of shape

[starlightbright]

When you are out of shape how do you get yourself motivated and going? I really don't want to overstress my body and "out of breath" to where I don't want to do this activities, so what should I do? I have also quit smoking to help this process along! I need a treadmill but am afraid to invest in one, because I am on unemployment and broke!
I love sweets, which I am sure most of us do, so how do I keep away from them? I need any help anyone can give me.
Thanks

[Missy]

There are a few things you can do that might help.

-Take a picture of yourself in a bathing suit and post it on your mirror where you can see it everyday...it will keep you wanting to make that change

-Put together a collage of pictures of all the reasons why you want to be healthy and what you have to live for

-Find a friend to do your workouts with you

-If the funds are there, hire a personal trainer. I had one for 7 months and he kicked my butt into shape..I've almost lost 70 pounds in a little over 8 months.

-Lastly...don't buy ANY junk foods. If you don't have them in the house, the harder it is for you to have them easily assessible to you

[starlightbright]

Thanks!
I don't have anyone really to work out with but my husband and he actually said he would. Even if it is at like 6 in the morning!!
I wish the funds were there but I am a stay at home mom for the time being. After I drop some weight then I should get a job and get a personal trainer. Just can't afford right now. I lasted 15 minutes on my biggest loser workout today, I think that is good and at least I got my heart rate up and I feel it all over. Tomorrow I will try for 20 minutes.

[Missy]

You already have a great plan right there. Aiming for a higher goal every day really helps to see if you can push yourself to that next level. 15 minutes is great if you are just starting out. You can build up along the way as your body gets used to the new change and you start putting on muscle. At least you are exercising and doing something, it's a lot better than doing nothing and crashing on the couch in front of the tv every day

[Trying4Thin]

Hi!

There is a huge misconception that you have to have a gym membership to lose weight. Not true. You can find everything you need within your own four walls or neighborhood. The hardest part is deciding to change and then actually doing it. So far you are halfway there. Try maping out a list of activities that you would like to partake in. You mentioned the treadmill. I LOVE the treadmill. But they cost a bazillion bucks (the really great ones). So, rather than buy one and hate it or end up using it as a clothes rack; try your walking outside first. Just do as much as you feel comfortable doing. Then the next day; take one or two steps further. This will build endurance. There are definitly pros and cons of having a treadmill vs not having one. But one good thing about the outdoors is that the terrain changes enough to challenge your leg muscles. The more your body has to "guess," the more calories you burn. Natural occuring grade is (to me) more challenging than treadmill incline. The other pro of outside is the awesome weather we are having and the scenery always changes. How often does the scenery change when you are in your livingroom? Save the indoor workouts for when the weather isnt cooperating or there is a really good tv show on. I am glad to hear that you have a supportive hubby. There are many out there that dont. Have fun talking while walking and the time will fly by. It wont even feel like exercise. People who are on a weight loss plan and feel they are being supported by a loved one or friends are much more likely to be successful in getting to goal and staying there. I agree with Missy about the junk food plan. You cant eat what isnt there. If you know you cant be trusted around it; it doesnt belong in the house. Keep a food, exercise, and emotions journal (either online or on paper.) There are a zillion reasons for why this is a very good idea; but I wont take up more space to explain.

I wish you the best and keep us posted on your progress. I look forward to getting to know you!

~Carrie

[Rocky]

You took a great first step by coming here, this is an amazing comunity of support!!! WELCOME!!!

[starlightbright]

Originally Posted by Rocky

You took a great first step by coming here, this is an amazing comunity of support!!! WELCOME!!!

Thank you so MUCH!!!
And I am here for everyone as well. I love to be supportive and be supported.

[muppet]

Welcome ! I LOVE you avatar!!!

[starlightbright]

THANKS!!! =) I thought it was appropriate
Hey check out my Zuchini recipe I put up if ya get a chance.

[Patty_Ann]

Okay...I am going to try to post some tips here for ya. Some of them might be repeated by others but I'm gonna give ya what I have for now. First - I want to say that you are heading in the right direction. Coming to this forum daily will inspire you to keep it up and to work harder...lots of support and motivation in here. Second - you are doing the right thing by starting out slow...you definitely do not want to over do it while beginning b/c it will discourage you to keep up. Okay...here we go.

1. Post motivational posters and pictures throughout your house. Example: I have a poster on my fridge that has a quote on it by Carrie..."As the fat and inches of the girl I was before continue to met away; I am starting to see a much stronger and happier woman in her place. I know I can and will do this." Another example: I have my goal weight poster in my bedroom...I also have other motivational quotes in my 'new' workout room...I have before pics on my fridge and in my bedroom.

2. Each week write out new goals for the week...this will keep you motivated! I type them up each Thursday and post them on my wall. (Yep...I have posters all over my house.) lol

3. Like the others have said DO NOT BUY THE JUNK FOOD. I had to do this while first starting out on my weight loss journey back in February 06 b/c I couldn't keep from eating them. I have a weakness for ice cream. I replaced ice cream with frozen yogurt and sherbet. I am now able to get the sweets for the family and not have a struggle on wanting to eat them.

4. Working out...you are doing it right...start out slow. Your body isn't used to the exercise and it will hurt. When I started I was walking 1/2 mile daily for my first week...my second week I went to 1 mile a day...after a few weeks of walking one mile each day I started walking 2 miles a day. I am up to 6 miles daily (except Saturday...this is my football days). I can remember walking for only 20 minutes - I am now doing 1.5 hours. The only way to get through this is to give yourself a little each day.

5. WALKING...WALKING...WALKING! I am big on walking...this is how I have lost my weight. I added some different workouts throughout my months but I continue to WALK. I started walking outdoors in Feb...whether it was cold or not - I had to bundle up but did it. On days that I couldn't go outdoors I knew that I had to do something. I went to Wal-Mart and invested in walking dvds...my favorite is anything with Leslie Sansone - she has many dvds and they are great! Try them out!

6. Encouraging others to eat healthy and exercise daily always makes you feel good. I have encouraged others to eat healthier and exercise...I must say that I have been able to get my family to invest in ground turkey. We are big meat lovers and we ate too much ground beef. All of my family eats ground turkey now...even my diabetic sister that is stubborn. I have encouraged my children to eat healthier and to stay active (I really have never had that problem b/c they are always busy with sports).

7. Be a good role model - this kinda goes with #6. I have really changed inside and out - when my children look at me I can see that they are proud of me. They have made comments on how they are happy that I started losing weight...they would never have said anything before that I was too big but now I can see how my appearance and energy has made them happier. It is a GREAT feeling knowing that my children and hubby are proud of me.

8. Drink LOTS of water...be sure to have water with you at all times. I was one that never drank water - hated the taste. All I ever drank was milk, tea, and pop. Now water is my FAV drink...although, I have to have it in a bottle. I started drinking 80 - 100 oz of water daily...made a huge difference in my health. My teeth are whiter and not so sensitive. My face has cleared up a lot. I just feel better in every way now that I drink water all day.

I hope that this wasn't too much for ya...it takes a lot to get going but take it in strides. If you have to start on exercising daily and then the next week start on eating healthier. Do it at your OWN pace Girl! Best of luck! OH...CONGRATS ON STOP SMOKING! THAT IS ALWAYS GREAT!