2015 Adopt a Noob Official MFP Thread

I'm interested in a mentor if anyone on here has experience with any of the following "handicaps" to fitness (I feel that having someone who can relate would help a lot): Fibromyalgia, Bipolar Disorder, medication-induced metabolic syndrome. Plus, I am a cynical snide snappy personality (not bitchy, just extremely cynical), so it would help if you were bulletproof (or equally cynical). I am female but would prefer a male mentor if possible, or perhaps a manly-woman (girly girls really annoy me). I'm not opposed to being told things like "man up" "step AWAY from the desk!" "suck it up" "do the f**king work!" so long as it's balanced with an occasional "good job" and "you've got this!"

I'm 40ish, and I used to weight lift a lot about 20 years ago. I can bulk up muscle in no time flat, I see definition pretty quickly, BUT, I've since developed metabolic syndrome, and I'm struggling with serious mental health issues, lack of motivation, and completely lack of energy, compounded with pain. I've put on a ton of abdominal fat that I just can't seem to beat. I have some physical limitations on impact exercises. I can do lifting 3-4 days a week (due to access to equipment being only 3-4 days per week - lifting almost never hurts me), I can do yoga (basically I can do things LIKE yoga, low impact), some days I can do walking/jogging or higher impact exercises, but a lot of times I just hurt too much to work that hard. I have NO current aerobic activities, and consider myself extremely unfit, quickly reaching too high heart rates and being out of breath. I prefer low impact exercise. I have back problems that are so bad that I have problems with doing abdominal exercises because it hurts my back. I'm terrified of bicycles, skates, and water (I mentioned I have serious mental illness up above, part of that is a form of obsessive/compulsive fear of things that could lead to serious injuries or drown me). I have one bad knee that limits me occasionally (not too badly, but it can flare up sometimes). I have PT exercises I'm supposed to do 3 times a day... I actually do them maybe twice a week. I want to change, but I resent that I have to change in order to change, and that I have to change because what I am isn't acceptable. I'm angry that I can't just exist in peace and not be fat. I'm angry that I was fine before the medication that did this to me did this to me, and now I have to actually WORK to just be "normal", and I have to WORK REALLY HARD to be "fit". If it is helpful, here are a few more personal facts that might make a difference: I am a cat person. My cats (2 out of 3) are also obese. I am in a stable healthy relationship (half the week I get to be a "housewife" where I do lots of housework - which is as close to "work" as I get currently. I do not work, I am disabled (legally). Before I became disabled I did all sorts of work from managing an office, to packing in the slaughterhouse. I've moved around quite a bit, I currently live in Vermont, and love it here. I dislike drama, especially girly drama. I used to have a horse, I love riding, but don't have access to it anymore. But then, I used to love rollerskating too, but I'm too scared to do it anymore. I used to *love* playing disc golf (frisbee golf), but there are no courses in my area. I don't have a car. I don't have a gym. I don't have a treadmill. Oh, and it's currently 14 degrees outside with a Wind Chill Advisory. If you can FIX ME, you are REALLY accomplishing something! I'm open to being someone's "project". I have been very fit many times in the past, but not since this metabolic syndrome issue kicked in. Oh, and one last thing: I really really dislike hippies/vegans/alternative medicine people. You're not going to convince me that drinking bleach is good for me and cleans me out, or that eating gluten is the root cause of 50% of my problems, or that organic foods are better, or that vaccines cause autism, or that by eating some exotic berry that I can change my metabolism. I don't believe in magic, prayers, or gmo-labeling (I feel the need to point that out since I did mention above that I live in Vermont, lol). I don't do illegal drugs, I do drink occasionally, I've never smoked in my entire life. I do take prescription sedatives to sleep. My bloodwork comes back 100% "perfect" at every physical, my doctor says that according to my bloodwork, I will live forever. However, I'm not sure I want to, the way I FEEL.

PS, I tend to type in "novella" form (and if you read all that, good for you!).

runfoorun wrote: »

I can take on one or two noobs! I’ve lost 115 lbs over the past few years and recently decided to finish off with another 60 lbs to hit a goal weight of 175 lbs. I have found what keeps me going in strength training and running. Like most of us, food is a daily struggle but I’m in it for the long run and have picked up a few tricks and such to help me keep going. I would love to share what I’ve learned along the way. I know what it’s like getting started. Especially for those starting at a morbidly obese bodyweight. I prefer to help someone in that seemingly hopeless position I was in a few years back but I’m just as willing to help anyone who would be a right fit. Since I began my weight loss I’ve finished my first half-marathon, marathon, 50k and 50 mile trail run. I am currently training for my first 100 mile run.

This is incredible!!! Although I am not in a seemingly hopeless position, I would really appreciate your guidance with running. I would love to aim to try for an ultra marathon at some stage.

I'm available to be a mentor. I am a competitive natural bodybuilder who is also a certified as personal trainer. Willing to help anyone accomplish their goals.

I am a retired Chartered Surveyor, based in Scotland.

As a previous expert windsurfer, mountain biker and runner I have been into fitness and diet for the last 35 years. I now work as a pro bono consultant, so I am accustomed to mentoring people.

Previously I designed, specified, built and tested very large land information databases.

I think the MFP app. is a brilliant concept, long may it be free! There are a few pitfalls when using it, that require advice.

Seeking to mentor members of Team UK

May you achieve all your goals.

jamessteelapim

jgnatca wrote: »

Hey, I will mentor a few. I'm a fifty-something grandma, had Bariatric surgery last summer, and am now at 190 lbs from a high of 276. Weight loss so far has gained me spectacular health gains including normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar, and off cholesterol medications. My heel spurs are gone; bursitis is gone this past month.

My mobility gains make me happiest. I have just finished a winter-time "Learn to Run" program and I now regularly run 2.5 K.

Undertaking this project I had all kinds of expert training and support including a dietitian, physical therapist, psychologist, nurse, doctor, and surgeon. I am also rather thoroughly trained on how to eat for type 2 diabetes. I am very happy to "pay forward" all that I have learned.

A good match would be a mature dieter with a significant amount of weight to lose. I also like to connect with those who want to get active.

If you friend me, please also include a note why my profile appeals to you.

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants.


I'm returning to MFP after a break - I am willing to "adopt" one or two new folks who might need a bit of support in terms of staying on the horse.

I dance, I do the elliptical for my cardio, and I like basic weight training. I am all about comfort food, so the main thing I have had to learn is portion control. I'm recovering from depression and am trying to look forward every day.

Hi All,

I am Antonio, 26 based in London. I have been exercising for 5+ years and have done reading on most methods of dieting/biology etc

I'm currently on a 121 day logging streak and have been using MFP for a couple of years.

I have returned from some knee surgery and have lost all of my weight I put on.

I am happy to take on 2 newbies

Carol I'll mentor you

Add sent

betharin wrote: »

I can mentor 1 or 2. I have been on MFP for a couple of years. I've lost 40lbs, log everyday and and have learned a lot along the way.

Hey there... I am just starting to take MFP seriously and would love a metor who has made as much progress as you. Please let me know if you're interested! -Alisha

I'm open to mentoring. I am 50 years old and live in Germany. When I was 20 I weighed 124kg. Today, I weigh 78kg. I am semi-retired and very active. I lift weights 5 - 6 days per week, hike into the mountains, bike ride (depending upon weather) and study nutrition.

I would be happy to assist one or two people. Send me a message and we'll get started.

Looking for a vegetarian mentor. I ama 43 yr old mom of three. I find that I rely on carbs too much and have never been able to shake these 40 lbs Is there anyone out there that can help?

I am 25 with two babies :-) I have polycyclic ovaries and find it hard to lose weight I am constantly gaining and losing weight. I lost 3 stone last year but I have put half of that back on would love a mentor :-)

I'm going to make this short a sweet. Noob: yes. I would love the support of a mentor to reclaim my body. I want to hear your experiences and am happy to share the ups and downs of mine in Australia. I'm currently on the tail end of the couch to 5k. I would like to drop 10kg but my focus is on athleticism rather than a quick shift of weight.

I am not sure where to start, here, so i am posting. I would be interested in finding a mentor, preferably in the Seattle area, as this makes me be more accountable. My biggest thing is someone who wants to get out, enjoy the Seattle rain, for a walk, moving up to faster walking/jogging/running, possibly biking, Greenlake loops, other places. I am not much of a gym person due to costs and such and have not lifted weights much, though I am not against them, so to speak, but am more focused on healthy eating and exercising. Would love any help someone can suggest

AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »

This sounds fun! I'd like to take one or two noobs under my wing.

I'm 29, married, with a 3 y/o boy and a new baby due in June. I work part-time at my gym, and am a full-time dietetics student at my local community college. My long-term goal is to learn all I can about fitness and weightloss, and help others lose weight and reverse/prevent obesity. So mentoring sound like great practice!

I've been a member of MFP since early 2012. I joined to shed my 40lbs of baby weight, kept it off, and learned that I loved working out and being fit. I competed in my first bikini competition this summer in July 2014 and took 6th place. I plan to compete again after baby #2.

For exercise I lift heavy weights, and prefer the stair climber for cardio. I believe fitness is at least 80% diet, so eating right is the first step toward a positive change. I follow a flexible IIFYM approach, and am a fairly strict calorie counter. I realize calorie counting is not for everyone, but I had/have such smashing success with it, and as it's pretty much a guaranteed success if you do it right, I don't really know what to do with you if you are unwilling to commit to it.

I've had setbacks, slipups and lazy days, but the important thing is to not give up and get back on the horse as soon as possible. Giving up is the only true failure!