Early 40's - Ready to drop about 30

sonomawinesnob1

Hello,

My name is Stacey and I just signed up for myfitnesspal on the recommendation of a friend. I've been in decent shape the majority of my life (always dealing with losing that extra ten or so "comfort" pounds, but nothing severe). I really enjoy being outside (who doesn't?) and most of my exercise came from golfing, hiking, walking my dog, and even jogging from time to time.

This all changed when I moved to the soggy city of Portland, Oregon and outdoor activities became almost non-existent for the majority of the year (seriously, it rains here for weeks and months straight). I put on 20+ pounds in the past year as a result of never being able to get out in the great outdoors. My propensity for good wine hasn't helped my situation either, but I'll blame it more on the weather. At one point, when I was shocked at the rate of weight I had put on in such a short amount of time, I complained to my doctor, who very unsympathtically, prescribed me a treadmill. For anyone who runs on a treadmill you probably already know what a bore it is, even with the most uplifting playlist on your iPod.

After looking at myself in the mirror and definitely being disgusted with what I saw staring back at me, I made a "mid-year resolution" to make a few changes. Big change number one was getting up in the morning and doing some sort of exercise. I invested in Turbo Fire DVD's and have to say, I like them quite a bit. It's a good workout but it doesn't really feel like "exercise."

Being a gadget geek, I also invested in a FitBit which arrived yesterday. This will help me capture progress with food and exercise logs. I'm not really going by the scale - moreso by how my clothes are fitting (and I can tell you that my "fat pants" are tight at the moment, so I have a long way to go).

So - after giving you all of that wonderful, more-than-necessary information, I really just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. If anyone is on the same path (or different path - whatever works) and needs a little motivation or a work-out accountability buddy - just shoot me a message. I'm all for encouragement!

Cheers.

Sasco67

Hi Stacey, I'm Sally from the UK and also in my early (almost mid) 40s. I used to be the skinniest girl in my class at school but years of sitting down jobs got me to my highest weight of 186lbs in 2009. I started on myfitnesspal 45 days ago at 179lbs and so far have lost 9lbs. The weather here in the UK this year has been abysmal, probably the wettest on record so I don't do a lot outdoors. other than walking. I have been using the gym and pool 5 days a week since joining mfp and trying my hardest to stick to the 1200 calorie limit - not easy but I'm getting used to it and barely eating any crap now. At the gym I do a mix of cardio and weights (more weights) 3 days a week, sometimes with a swim afterwards and then I do an aqua aerobics class twice a week. I think weight training and swimming / aqua really help. Although I've only lost 9lbs I feel "firmer" and think I'm getting a bit fitter and have lost an inch off my waist, hips and bust. I do love gadgets and have heard good things about the fitbit but can't afford one right now. Perhaps you could let me know what you think of yours? Do you use a heart rate monitor? There are so many types out there - how do you chose one?

Anyway, if you need another mfp friend, here I am, flab and all, lol. Hope to hear from you and hope that the rain stops long enough for both of us to enjoy the so called summer!

Cheers,

Sally.

tgnzmum

Hi Stacey...I could have sworn that I wrote your post!! I joined this site a few years ago, but disregarded it very quickly...obviously at the time I just didn't have any willpower. I rejoined on January the 1st, and couldn't have done it without the support and encouragement from my friends. This site is amazing....you will love it here! I am so addicted that I check in here more than I do Facebook! ha! Good luck on your journey!! I am here for ya!
~ Heather

chele1028

Hi Stacey!
I am Michele, from Orlando, Fl, and I am 41. I was over being this big last summer, I had reached 237, biggest I have ever been. So on Aug 1st I hit the gym and never looked back! I usually go 6 days a week unless I do a dvd at home or something. I have lost 65 pounds so far and hope to lose another 40 or so, we'll see when I get closer. I enjoy going to zumba and aqua fit class, those are my favorites. Feel free to add me, the support on here is great! Good luck to you!