Getting Stuck?

ParanSkies
ParanSkies Posts: 59
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone~ I'm pretty new to the forums so please don't be too mean LOL.

Although I don't think I've hit a plateau yet, I am really worried that I will be hitting one soon! I'm very a short Asian girl (4 feet 10 inches) so my weight of 129 is definitely not healthy (I started at 140, almost obese!). When my mom was losing weight, she just could not get past 120 and I'm scared that the same will happen to me. I already feel like my weight loss is slowing down. I know it's helpful to change up the type of exercise that I do, but I feel like the one I do right now (using the elliptical) is the most efficient and it doesn't tire me out as much as running or biking. Are there any other things anyone can recommend to avoid getting "stuck"?

Replies

  • phlower
    phlower Posts: 103
    Almost everyone plateaus, and your losses will slow down. It's a natural part of losing weight.

    Changing up your workout is a good idea. I would recommend some stength training, even just pushups, squats, lunges, and situps are a great way to start. They require no equipment except your body weight. If you belong to a gym, does it have classes? That can be a good way to shake things up.

    Also, keep an eye on how much you're eating. Now that you're smaller, your body doesn't need as much food, but you still want to make sure you're not eating too little. Play with that, and find a good balance. Either way, as long as you keep making healthy choices and taking care of yourself, you'll eventually reach your goal.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    I use the elliptical too, I think it's great for burning calories without tearing up your knees. I am plateauing now, at just under 200lbs, and at about 230, I was stuck too. I bought a bike, and rode it like a madman...it really helped me bust through the plateau. I don't ride as much now because it's colder, but perhaps I should.
  • ParanSkies
    ParanSkies Posts: 59
    Almost everyone plateaus, and your losses will slow down. It's a natural part of losing weight.

    I would recommend some stength training, even just pushups, squats, lunges, and situps are a great way to start. They require no equipment except your body weight. If you belong to a gym, does it have classes? That can be a good way to shake things up.

    Thank you for your reply :)

    I already do some strength training in between my 10 minute warm up and my cardio afterwards. I usually do 3 sets of leg presses, leg curls, hip adductions, tricep pulling down thingies (what exactly are they called?), and I occasionally do the fly for triceps. I typically only do 20-30 for each set. Is this too little? I try to do sit ups but they don't always happen since I find it easier to have someone holding my legs.

    As for food, I am already eating as much as I would need if I were quite a bit lighter so that I'm already used to this kind of diet. Is this bad?
  • phlower
    phlower Posts: 103

    I already do some strength training in between my 10 minute warm up and my cardio afterwards. I usually do 3 sets of leg presses, leg curls, hip adductions, tricep pulling down thingies (what exactly are they called?), and I occasionally do the fly for triceps. I typically only do 20-30 for each set. Is this too little? I try to do sit ups but they don't always happen since I find it easier to have someone holding my legs.

    As for food, I am already eating as much as I would need if I were quite a bit lighter so that I'm already used to this kind of diet. Is this bad?

    For the exercise, I'd recommend adding some more exercises, using different pieces of equipment- ask a trainer at your gym for some demonstrations of what to do, and how to do it correctly. Your body will get used to the same movements after awhile, and won't work as hard to change.

    It's hard to tell you about eating since I can't see your diary, but make sure you don't go under 1200 cals a day, and try eating back some of your exercise cals to see if that makes a difference.

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