Sick of the 'Just join a gym' comments

being in a caoric defecit while not resistance training is horrible for the metabolism... someone 50+ lbs overweight can get away with it but someone trying to shed 20-30lbs needs to do some sort of strength training while trying to lose body fat.

Im more than 50lbs overweight...when I lose 10lbs I will look into it then.
I do the walk from the next bus stop, run instead of walk up the office stairs, walk home from the shops type things but I would need some advise about resistance training, I don't own any weights and need help to know what to buy, how often to use etc so I don't just waste my money

Look for the free videos of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred on YouTube. You need handweights but it is fine to start off with a couple of tins of beans as weights. Also a good idea to wear some cushioned trainers/running shoes as you will be doing some jumping. It only takes 25 minutes - start with three times a week (a rest day between each - a lot of people do it every day but it can be hard on your knees if you are new to it).

It's a straightforward circuit training routine - cardio, strength and abs. I find it's best to do it first thing - just get up, have a glass of water and get to it. You can then jump in the shower and get ready and go to work. All it takes is getting up half an hour earlier than usual and you will feel full of energy all day.

And, no, I don't go to a gym but have been a member of several in the past. I could never stick to it, wasted a lot of money and I'm getting way better results now doing running (the C25K programme is great to get you started) and handweights at home.

2 words....XBOX...Kinect

I second what people are saying about working out at home. I'm currently doing 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels and zumba for wii.
Tell your co-workers your saving extra money for a trip, or a nice purse or something. But really, your savings money for new clothes!

Never volunteer the info that you are calorie counting, on a diet, whatever. All you needed to say was, "I bought my lunch." If they want to start a discussion, point out that they don't get to decide and you don't have to explain. It's called a personal life because it's personal.

Precisely what I was thinking. I tell very few people that I am dieting. Just graciously say No Thanks, and move on. I think there's never a time that people try to shove food down your throat MORE than when they know you're watching what you eat.

The coworker stuff really can be the worst. I didn't bring it up til people started asking. So I tell them - I count calories and I work out. The end. But it's never the end. I've yet to explain it all in any detail to anyone because they haven't asked and I don't want to be 'that' person, who can't stop going on and on about it. If anyone decides to try (I know a number of coworkers who are trying since New Year's) and wants any input from me, I'd be thrilled to share some stuff I've learned about food, but most of them focus on my workouts - what I'm doing/how long/how often. I get it but honestly, with an average calorie burn per workout of 300-500 calories a day, my weight loss has been because of diet, primarily. I've found no one much wants to hear that but I'm willing to share if they ever want to know.

I have experienced situations very similar to what happened to you. It is very frustrating when people try to derail you. I think the best response to your co-workers at this point is to simply smile, shrug your shoulders and say there's no point in arguing with you and walk away if you need to. Your plans & effort to reach your weight goals could be (and probably will be) brought up by your co-workers again.

And I can certainly relate to your reluctance to join a gym. I was very intimidated by the thought of joining because I thought I would look awkward, and quite frankly, stupid. When I finally joined a gym, I realized that many of the people there were very similar to me - overweight and wanting to get fit. One of the best things is the staff / trainers who are very supportive of my goals and have helped me create exercise routines to help achieve my fitness & weight goals.

Try not to let your co-workers frustrate you and if they do again, consider taking a nice little walk to blow off steam and burn some calories, too!. :-)

Would "No thanks, I'm not hungry." have been too difficult? You would have avoided the confrontation and not given them any info on your personal business.

Wow, my coworkers are always supportive when I say 'no, I'm watching what I eat.' It is a smaller community though. Whenever they're ordering out I just pick something light off the menu and save part to incorporate into later lunches, or I just tell them I'm not in the mood. Part of my lunch is dinner leftovers (I plan that in when I'm cooking) so I always have some enjoyable food and people don't give me "but this tastes better" or anything else.

I have problems with gyms and lately have just been doing active 2. Other times just body weight exercises and light hand weights.