Feeling like a failure ):

What kind of building do you work in? Is there someplace you can walk around IN the building on hot days if you get there early?

Making life changes is hard and ultimately takes time. I still have problems committing to daily exercise, luckily my job has me standing my whole shift or I'd do nothing all day. I hate people seeing me workout too because it's always "Oh, you're actually doing something?" which isn't at all helpful. There are exercises that you can do even sitting at a desk that no one will notice if you're interested in looking into those on teh days it's way too hot to be outside moving around. Best wishes, I know you can do it!

All of us struggle sometimes. I have lost over 100 pounds, and I have had some 'failures' along the way too. When I started, I could barely walk a mile,slowly, and then laid in bed at night with my knees aching from just that little bit. But hang in there, it really is worth it. If you can't walk before work because of getting too hot, is there any other way? Can you walk early, before you get dressed to go to work? Or after work? One of my excuses for a long time was that I did not have time to exercise. I have four children, a full time job, and a husband who is frequently away. But when I decided it was time to get healthy, I made time. You just have to find a space where you can fit in exercise.

Just dont give up, find what works for you! YOu can do this!

I'm the kind of gal who sweats if you look at me funny, and my knees are absolutely wrecked. I often walk in the parking structure, too. Firstly, don't worry about anyone seeing you-- I don't think I know anyone who's not a raging sociopath who would ever judge someone for getting a little movement in their day

Secondly, does your parking structure have an underground component? Many do, and the heat and humidity is often WAY less gross there.

But on days when I feel like I'd come in to work gross and sweaty if I walked at lunch, I made an effort to walk more during the day. I take the stairs, or I make myself get up once every half an hour, even if it's just to walk to the bathroom.

Use bathrooms that are farther away, take the "long way" to get to your desk/office, etc. Get up and ask people in other departments things instead of emailing. Park a little further away from the entrance.

These will ALL add up. I highly encourage you to get a FitBit Zip or even just a basic pedometer-- it will encourage you to take the longer walk to your desk.

Most of all, DON'T LOSE HOPE! You can do this.

The only way to make an actual change is to be consistent. Plus, you don't have to walk to lose weight. It has to do with calories in vs. calories out. So that means you are eating too much. If walking is too much of a burden right now then just focus on the food side. You will get results. Excuses will get you nowhere.

I agree with this. And also, if you want to walk but not outside, try just walking around your house for a little while. It's still exercise. Good luck xx

Unless you've been overeating due to improper logging of food, there's no way you really regained that 5 pounds. It's probably water weight. I myself have been up 3-4 pounds all week between a couple high sodium days, PMS and the humidity.

To make sure you're logging correctly, I would highly recommend weighing and measuring your food, at least initially, if you're not already. Also double check the MFP listings against your food labels as some of them are rediculously wrong. You can also Google nutrition info now for most generic products (not brand specific) to give you a better idea of accuracy.

To help with the water weight, really make sure you're getting at least those 8 cups in every day - and that's all water. You can still have your coffee, tea, etc but make sure you get 8 whole cups of water. You need the extra right now to combat the water weight.

Ditto on the suggestion to walk around inside. You may be embarrassed to be moving in front of others but I guarantee no one's judging you the way you may think they would. Most people are going to see you getting more active and think "good for her!". I would also recommend checking out the Walk Away the Pounds videos by Leslie Sansome. You could do those at home in the morning on hot days before you get ready, or do them after work. WalMart sells them and I'm sure you can get them online too. They're a great beginner workout and Leslie is a lovely person - very sweet and upbeat.

You can either rant and boohoo about it...Or get over yourself and realize that this isn't going to happen in a week, a month or even a year... change is incremental and sometimes those increments are hella tiny. And you know what? You can't control the weather, making changes to your body IS going to be uncomfortable, people ARE going to see you, you ARE going to look dumb at times, but so what? The results are worth temporary discomfort.

You're not a failure, so try hard to look at in a different light You are trying to do something good for yourself, and you should be applauded! Nothing happens over night, so keep working at the food logging and walk when you can. Have you considered Mall walking in the mornings before or after work? They're usually nice and air conditioned, and if you go early, you're really only around the other mall walkers, who tend to be sweet seniors (that's the case in my town anyways).
Keep trying, because even if you don't see the results right away, you're making better habits for yourself, and every little bit will start to add up!
Cheers!:flowerforyou:

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so down but don't give up! Is it possible to work out at home maybe on a stepper until you feel comfortable to walk outside? And if you start eating healthier you can lose some of the weight that way and then add exercise little by little. I found that I was working out all the time but eating as if I never had to worry about calories and the scale didn't move. Now that I'm eating better and watching my calories I find that I don't have to workout as often though to be honest I have more energy and really enjoy working out! Good luck to you!

Everyone has the same 24 hours in our days. Over those 24 hours, we make choices about how to spend the time. We all make time for the things we think are important and we want to do. If you want to get healthy, you will make the time for exercising and you'll get over your irrational fear of people seeing you walking.

It's not comfortable for any of us to make big changes, but we know they are necessary and absolutely worth all the initial awkwardness and pain. My health and happiness was/is FAR more important to me than anyone's reaction to a morbidly obese woman out for a walk, or lifting weights at the gym.

You're gonna have to decide what your priorities are and act accordingly.

Walk at home. Leslie Sansone has walk away the pounds dvd's that are great for beginners. If you can't purchase them, check your local library and rent a few.

Good luck!

Add me to the list of people who walk laps around the office hallways (on a different floor - ha!) during my lunch break. It's far too hot and humid to walk outside when you have to dress professionally. I just keep a good pair of tennis shoes and socks at work and change into them. Even 10-15 minutes a day makes me feel like I've at least done SOMETHING.

At home, I bought an inexpensive ($40) rock stepper that lets me "walk" in place in front of the TV, and I use that in the heat of summer and dead of winter - again, at least to get SOME activity in besides weight lifting.

And yes, I have a long way to go.

I inboxed you

I will tell you now, there will be some hard times staying in track. And when you do fall off the plan, its frustrating to get back to where you were at before. I've been doing a major roller coaster these past couple of years and stressing out over it because I just cant keep that motivation half the time.

I've changed jobs and now working as a waitress at a restaurant and my body is not used to being constantly on the go and on my feet when I work 8 hrs. So of course I developed ankle and hip problems and that made me not want to go on my walks because I'm too soar to do anything after work. With any pain, its good to not overdo. Its also not good to not do anything either, just take it at a slower pace if you need to walk. If you got room in your home, I'd recommend getting a treadmill of some sort. That way you have the privacy in your own home, and they are a great help!

I have one and I usually do an hours walk early in the morning if its really hot out, take a shower then get ready for work. Then after work, I do another hour walk later at night when its cooler and that would tire me out to I'd be able to sleep a little better. They are very handy, I recommend you looking into getting a treadmill. It would make things easier especially when its really hot outside.