I want to make a lifestyle change

Is there a specific reason you want to start running?

I have to say that I am in the same boat as you emmajane. I've struggled with my weight my whole life and have recently come to the same conclusion as you: it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. In November, I started running after work, but now that there is snow and 10 degree weather here in PA. I'm left looking for a new exercise routine. I know quite a few people that have had a lot of success with both zumba and crossfit. I've tried many exercise dvds, but always feel like I'm not doing the routine correctly. I'm planning on getting the Xbox kinect to fix that problem. Many of the games/routines they offer have amazing reviews. This may be a great option for you too. Best of luck and please share if you find something that works for you!

I feel the same way too!! i start and stop over and over. This year i want to do it fit and feel good. I started running last year even being overweight. i have run 5k, a 10k and attempted long runs. I need to loose 45 lbs. The dogs love the runs, my trot along while i huff and puff! ha . What i started to do was to start slow.. I ran for 1\2 mile and walked for up to 3 miles, once that got easier i increased the running time/decreased walking time slowly each time til my body got used to it. Walking made me enjoy the time while starting out, til i could run the 3 miles (about a 5K). I added once a week interval training too, the same way speed run for 10 seconds and walk 50, for 30 minutes. Over time i increased the times when my body was ready. I think that help trick my body to be able to push harder. Now you would think i would look like a marathon runner with all the talk, but i OVER EAT and am not consistent with a program, so ill be restarting again. I was amazed before how much faster i got even overweight. i Hated running before now i love how a feel and love going to races. there are all ages, and levels!! once race i was the last one and they were packing up!! but i did it !! Good luck with your new journey ill be there too!!

Hi Emmajane! Those are great questions. If you can, invest in either a treadmill or a reclining bike. The two best pieces of equipment you can own. If you can only get one, get the treadmill. Everything is on sale now. Or go to Craig's list for a used one. I bought a terrific used Reebok treadmill for only $125 at a garage sale! Just start walking! Get a Fitbit zip which you can wear all day and it will track your steps. Just as journaling food is so important, doing the same for your walking will help you keep going. Aim for 10,000 steps each day. By checking the fitbit, you will be encouraged to walk further if you think you won't make your goal.

Zumba is awesome! Even if you are uncoordinated, you work up an incredible sweat and calorie burn. You can do it at home and there is enough music and people on the discs to make you feel like you are in a class. I dont have time to go out to a class...I do it in the mornings and alternate with my treadmill and/ or bike. I would suggest a.m. exercising. It is too easy to 'poop out' after a day's work and not do it. Also, research supports that people who work out in the morning are more successful with it, and with life in general. You can also invest in a heart rate monitor, to make sure that you are in your target zone while you exercise, for maximum results, but if you cant afford one you dont need it. Just do something, daily, for at least 20 min a day. The consistency is crucial! You have to do it regularly to feel good from it, which will motivate you to keep doing it.

Try the above. Along with the food journalling, you will start to see results within two weeks- promise.

emmajane2211,
just start out walking. I lost 36 lbs in 2005 by just walking, and at the time I was 285 lbs and I could only walk 15 min a day, but I was going to do it no matter what. Just put it in your schedule each day to just walk and it will make a world of difference.

hope that helps.

This. I lost the majority of my weight walking. I slowly ramped up the exercise. I've cycled 3550 miles this year and have rowed over a million meters on my C2 rowing machine. Lifestyle change is a gradual process. Make small changes, stick with it and soon it becomes a good habit.

There are also some great proven apps to help you stay focused. C25K is fantastic and it works. (Couch to 5k). Best of luck.

A lifestyle change is just a decision. You have already decided, so your journey has begun.

Change is easy but committing to the change, that's the challenge.

Make micro-goals that are attainable and rewardable goals and update them to be more challenging each day, each week, each month. At some point, you will no longer think of them as goals or commitments, they will be so ingrained into your routine that you just do them without thinking about it.

And if you fail a little or a lot, come up with a "reset button", a phrase, a thought, an image that reminds you or your commitment to change. The image can be positive or "Scrooge-negative" but it must remind you of the "why" behind the commitment.

Just put one foot in front of the other...

What did you do?

Treat it like a job.

Which is what it is, really.

I was always active but when I decided to start running it was because I was walking so much. I just started running.

If you reeeallly want to run, maybe try C25K or sign up for a race in May or something....

Congrats on dedicating yourself to be fit!