Need a support network!

vaquera19

Sorry if you're reading this twice - I did a google search for a support forum and it pulled up another thread that I posted on, but then figured out around here better and decided posting here would be more appropriate.

I finally decided to get serious about working out - which I've never been able to sustain doing in my entire life. I simply don't have the motivation, especially since I'm a lightweight and in my early 20's and have never needed to work out to stay small. I know I'm one of those body types everybody loves to hate, but skinny doesn't equal healthy - and I'm evidence of that. In addition, my habits are beginning to catch up with me as I'm getting older and the pounds have slowly been creeping up on me. When my husband and I got married, we both gained some weight, and my husband finally got fed up with not fitting comfortably into his pants, so we purchased an elliptical and he's been kept up a diligent workout schedule ever since. He's now in better shape now than when we got married. Unfortunately, I'm at an all-time high for weight and can feel the difference it's made in my energy and self-esteem. Though weight-loss would be nice and I know it'll happen, my main goal is simply to start developing healthy exercise and eating habits. I only need or want to lose about 20 lbs., but it seems nearly impossible for me to stick with it as I often lose motivation once I lose the first 5 or 10 lbs and figure I can be happy with where I'm at and quit working out. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that as I never really reach my fitness goals nor am I truly living a healthy lifestyle. And, of course, those pounds slowly but surely find their way back.

That's why I'm here. I need to be accountable to someone other than myself, and you all seem to have a great support group started. I'm not quite ready to give up my favorite foods yet (I love spaghetti!), but I know that if I start small by simply working out daily I can make small changes until I'm living as healthy as I want to be. I'm excited to join a group of wonderful people that can support me and I can give others support in return!

So, about my plan (for now): I'm going to set a goal of working out at least 20 minutes/day. I really need to build a habit and expectation for myself so that I don't wimp out on days that I really should be working out. Over the years and many attempts to get into working out, I've acquired many DVD's and games, including Pilates, Tae Bo, Kickboxking, and Zumba. Plus, we have the elliptical, a pull-up bar, push-up bars/handles, and few dumbbells at our house, so there's no excuse for me not to work out. I should be able to find at least 20 minutes of exercise that I enjoy doing each day! Not to mention, after we move this fall, my husband has a Power Tower we'll set up as well as the P90X and Beach Body's Insanity program that he said he'd do with me. I need to get my butt in gear to be ready for that! Ideally, I'd like to lose a little of the extra fat and ad a bit of muscle to get "toned", but my upper body strength has always been neglected so it's a particular area I'd like to improve. Thus, I'm going to start by trying to focus on cardio and doing a few upper body exercises.

Anyway, thanks for reading my novel of a post. I'm really excited to get to know everyone else on here and achieve my fitness goals! I'd appreciate finding friends to share my journey with and holding me accountable with my goals and not giving up like I have so many times before!