New from the UK - and nervous!

Hi I am from the UK too and have added you as a friend

I've been doing this from begining of Jan and the only exercise I have been doing is walking and has lost 2 stone so far. In the last 2 weeks I've started the 5k runner programme (similar to C25K) after buying an extremely supportive sports bra!

Good luck on your weight loss journey.

Hiya,

I'm from the UK and added you as a friend too haha!

I did put this in my message, but figured it would be helpful for everyone else too!

I'm totally put off by public exercise due to my rather generous chest too! I've started exercising at home using EA Sports Active 2 on the Wii which I've found really helpful because it has a heartrate monitor which accurately tracks the number of calories burnt, and I can do it at home and easily fit it into my lifestyle (I even use it while I'm waiting for the washing to finish etc).

You can get a wii and a few games including EA Sports Active 2 for less than £40 from places like CEX which is about the same as a single months gym membership. I did get a set of free weights to use with it as I prefer them to resistance bands, but there's so much you can do at home with minimal money spent!

Good luck x

Hi Kerry, Im new here too, I found this site and joined on Monday. I find it a great help with watching the calories, and tracking my workouts. Speaking of which, you don’t need to join a gym or risk damaging yourself by starting a running program. Emma hit the nail on the head by suggesting walking as a great way to start exercising; she also lost two stone big bonus.

It’s all about becoming more active and increasing that activity over time. Your body will adapt to exercise very quickly and as such you will need to keep changing what and when you do things. Contrary to what many so called fitness experts preach, endless cardio sessions (Steady state cardio) are not the only way to help fight the fat. Short Interval training sessions (20-30 mins) are a great way to ramp up your heart rate and they will keep your body burning fat for much longer than an hours slow plod. Helizi's mentions skipping, this is a brilliant exercise and you can do it in fits and spurts and give yourself and really good work out even after 10 mins.

Orangesocks mentions weights which is Resistance training, (weight training). This is another excellent way to torch fat. Many women shy away from weights’ in the mistaken belief that they will suddenly grow huge muscles, not so. I have lifted weights for all my adult life and now how hard it is to even gain 1lb of muscle. Resistance training can mean any number of things so don’t be put off by thinking about huge bodybuilder’s bench pressing 600lbs. Simple things like bodyweight squats, bicep curls with bags of sugar or using cheap resistance bands are all you need. The internet is awash with routines and exercises that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. Much as I hate to admit it, my Mrs bought some Davina DVDs and they are surprising ok. They are quick tempo and mix up all of the above, from intervals to res resistance and steady state cardio.

Either way you approach it just getting on this site and setting yourself goals make you accountable to yourself. Its helped me already and I train everyday twice a day, the food tracker really surprised me and using that alone can help guide you to a 1 pound weight loss per week.

Good look and keep up the good work.

Glen

Hi Kerry

Welcome to the site. I did this a few years ago but alas have slipped back into old habits, so here I am starting again and determined to get myself into a good shape. I agree with the above posters - running is not the only way to go! I went overboard with it and did a half marathon 2 years ago, having never really run before and with only 3 months' training. My knee still hurts. Weight training is the thing for me, gets rid of fat, makes you more toned.

I have big legs and was worried that weight training would just make them bigger - instead they got slimmer but a better shape, less wibble!

Good luck and I hope we can support each other!
Kate

I know this was mentioned already, but youtube is an awesome way to save money on a gym membership! You can find full hour videos, or if you don't have time, even 15 minute work outs. I feel so much more comfortable doing them in my own living room (with the shades drawn, of course!)

Another vote for just walking, I have a backpack & walk just over two miles to the shops, put shopping in the back pack and cheat by catching bus home, but could walk back if I felt like it, you may feel like it, or just shorter trips

Walking works wonders, free and fresh air

Hiya Kerry......I just found this site too! I really think having others who are on the same journey is gonna be the key for this happening! I started 2 weeks ago......I drink a protein drink in the morning....watch your portions....eat 3 meals a day...and 3 snacks...8 glasses of water! I have had a cupcake both weeks and eaten out once each week and still managed to lose 6 pounds!! Now I have to get motivated to workout! Good luck to you! Keep in touch if you'd like!! Cheers!

Hello from Orkney

You've come to the right place One the forums if you don't mention VLCD, detox's or get all defensive we're all pretty nice, helpful people.

Good luck with your journey. Small goals will get you there.

mmmm, Orkney cheese

Also UK, feel free to add me :drinker:

Hi I'm in Scotland feel free to add me if you wish. You don't have to go running or go to a gym to get active. Just do something as basic as walking. For the first 3 months that was all I did. then when your a little more confident you can add other things to your routine. IMO the most important thing is consistency and not to deprive yourself. Just because your losing weight does not mean you can't eat the occasional bit of chocolate if you work it in to your calorie allowance. Good luck

Hi, I'm from the UK too - feel free to add.

Re. snacks without fruit -
hummus and carrot sticks/celery sticks
handful of almonds
170g fat free greek yogurt
sliced tomato and feta?
popcorn (not the ones loaded with sugar/oils etc)

There are many more snack options out there, but these are just to name a few.
Hope this helps!

Sarah