New to working out, new to fitness, need some healthy friend

Prettygirll39

Hi, my name is Sarah and I recently started working out and (trying!) to eating healthy! I could really use a support system! Any takers?

aggiejen

Hi there. I'm new to this site, but I got myself into the 'zone' back in April. I've lost 36 lbs...and I have a bit more to go...but I'd love to chat with you about what's worked for me...and maybe you can give me some feedback on what's working for you...

To start with - and this is the best advice I can give you to start off with...

Put your mind to it...don't beat yourself up when you have a bad day...this is not a sprint, but a 'long-haul' marathon...

The thing that has worked for me is setting small, more easily attainable goals. I have only been weighing in twice a month...on the 1st and then again on the 15th...

I've averaged 5 lbs a month since April...December was a bust, though. But, I'm not discouraged...I got back on my treadmill today with my head back in the game....

Also, if you haven't worked out in a while...you might want to start small - your body will demand more the stronger you get...but you've got to get your muscles and your lungs ready to take on the load...

I started exercising back in July...I could barely walk 2.5 mph for 15 minutes...but I stuck with it every day....I am now up to 4.0 MPH (running at intervals)...and I can go 45 minutes to 1.5 hours...and some days I work out in the AM and then again in the PM giving me about 5 miles on those days...After about 2 mos. I added light weights...I use 1 lb. weigts to warm up with before I begin my run...then I use 3 lb weights on my cool down. You will see toning in your arms right away when you begin this, but I might get acccustomed to the main exercises and then start adding in the muscle training a little at a time.

Again, just set small goals... the more small goals you reach, the more excited you will become..then you will crave the exercise and exhileration that meeting those goals brings.

The other thing is not to change your eating habits all at once. I started by portion control. Then as I began exercising more and more, I found myself drinking water over every other beverage. Then when I thought about how hard I had worked out and it came time to choose my food, I began making better, healthy choices. It is also about balance..for example...if you want french fries one day..don't deny yourself...but also don't get the super size...allow yourself a small, but balance it with an unsweet beverage (preferably water) and then choose a grilled chicken ....this will give you the calorie allowance to have the french fries. After a while, though, when you begin giving your body 'real and good food' you won't want the ' not so good' food anymore. It will eventually be automatic to choose what your body wants...and it will be the 'good stuff'

(sorry for the length...) but I hope this helps you get an idea of what you want to do...

jen:happy: