I think i'm gonna go ROGUE

I've always done my own thing, not really following any program but whatever my trainer wants to do this week. And on my own, I do whatever I feel like doing, sometimes less, mostly more. It has worked for me. Whenever I want to do something different, I talk to my trainer about learning something new. I've made a lot of progress in the past 6 months.

I think it's a natural way, at first you need programs, cause you don't know what works and what does not and so on. But after some time you are able to figure out yourself, what parts do you like and profit from the most.

The biggest point is that you are active. As long as you are doing something that will make your HR go up and preferably increase your strength, stamina or flexibility, you are beating everyone sitting at their homes eating potato chips. What exactly are you doing and how often or at what intensity etc, is second grade. As long as you like what you do - go for it.

I started out just over a year ago and I was so horribly overweight that I was afraid to admit my issues to anyone but myself, so I just started out on my own! I worked on it for over a month before I told ANYONE that I was trying to lose weight, After I shared that I was on a journey to lose weight and get healthy, I got lots of advice and lectures from so many people. I got more and more confused and frustrated as I listened to people, so I just went back to doingmy own thing. I walked, then I walked longer, then I walked faster, and now I'm starting to run! I did some easy workout videos, then I added more intensity, then I got as gym membership! In just one short year, I have lost over 100 pounds just being my own coach. Of course it is great to have a load of cheerleaders behind me pushing me along, The bad part is that I still have about 40 pounds that I'd like to lose and my loss has stalled for a few weeks. So many people are now telling me that I have come so far and that I should just be happy with that. Those comments have spurred me on to push even harder and change some things because I am going to keep at it...there are no excuses!

So, YES! You CAN do this on your own and at your pace. I am proof that it can be done. Good luck to you!

YES! I am totally with you. I spent so many months starting programs and then getting really bored or realizing I didn't have the right equipment while traveling for work or something, and then I wouldn't know whether to start it over or continue where I left off, etc. I started taking different exercises that I really liked from programs and did my own thing, which involves a combo of lifting, running, ballet class, and power yoga. I am a happy (and fit) girl now! Do it up!

Sounds good to me! Eat less/better - Move more. That simple. Find something you enjoy, mix it up to keep it fresh. I do tend to follow programs because I like to see progress (run further/faster or lift more weight), but I change my programs up every few months or so.

You gotta do what works for you!!

I second and third all of this.

I agree. I tried many programs (Atkins, Paleo, Weight Watchers) each one taught me SOMETHING... now I do my own thing. TDEE -20% keeping my carbs in and around 100g. It's no particular "plan" but it works for me based on my past experiences. It's a lot less stressful too LOL.

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I dont follow a particular program or plan. I use MFP as a tool to count my calories but i just watch what i eat, eat when hungry and walk a few times a week.

I used to write out my workout routines/weight and carry them with me at the gym. It got to be time consuming not only writing them down but referencing my notes in between sets. If one of the machines on my list was being used or I couldn't get a spot on heavier weights it would throw me off. Now I just go to the gym and randomly pick exercises that focus on the muscle group I'm aiming for. I stack the free weight to where I can safely lift without a spotter or I use machines for maxing out. I get through my workouts quicker and I feel I get better results.

Why do I jump from one "program" to another?? I already know what to do. Cut the crap, eat healthy and exercise often. So why do I continually search for someone else to dictate how I should live my life?

I think I'm just going to be my own personal trainer and dietitian. I've learned enough that I can take bits & pieces of what I've learned and do my own thing. I will continue to use MFP to log my calories while focusing on what matters most.

I'd like to go to the gym and workout with whatever I feel like. Through some different programs, I've learned that I like to lift weights. I have a few goals in mind: real push ups, real pull ups, and 45lb plates on the ends of my olympic bar. Why couldn't I just reach these goals at my own leisure? If I know a certain workout will affect my job the next day, I'll just do something else. Does an exercise regimen have to be so strict?

Has anyone else had success with "doing their own thing"? I'm really excited about it, like I've finally reached the breakthrough that works for those who lose it and keep it off. I'm beginning to think that I'm just not a program kind of girl. They stress me out because I want to do it perfectly and sometimes the plan just isn't always ideal or possible.

"What other master, then, do you wait for, to throw upon that the delay of reforming yourself?"
Epictetus

Easy to say!

It helps me to have a place to go log in, etc. The ritual.....

I personally do better with some sort of program/plan in mind when it comes to working out. Otherwise, I would probably never work out. I'm a planner though, so it works for my personality and lifestyle.