College Student's Journey to Weightloss

Even though this website said it's my second day, it's honestly my first day. Hello, I am Airigami and I am planning to lose 50lbs. That is just a start, though, to see if being at 200 is ok or if I need to lose more. You can tell me, as I am 5"10 (yeah...I am tall...don't ask me how). I was able to lose 20 pounds before but gained it back again when I got home during a very tense divorce dispute between parents. I am a sedentary person meaning I rather stay inside at times playing games than going out. Doesn't mean I am a hermit, I do like to go to karate or walk around sometimes if my body gets antsy. My pursuit is a degree in Creative Writing or Screenwriting if it helps out, so that can be a contribute to my sedentary style of life ^^".

Replies

  • BrettWithPKU
    BrettWithPKU Posts: 575 Member
    Preferring to stay inside doesn't mean you're sedentary, though it does mean you're introverted. I'm an introvert, and introversion is OK (regardless of what popular culture will have you believe), but weight loss will be much easier for you if you're not sedentary (that is, if you exercise).

    What sort if games you're into may be relevant. The trend right now is teenagers and younger adults playing Pokemon Go while walking around the local park. If you're into smartphone games, pick one and commit to ONLY playing it in the course of a walk. Sure, some people gripe that kids playing Pokemon Go aren't looking where they're going and may bump into things and people; but that's why you don't play games while walking down the middle of the street!

    I'm a millennial (albeit an older one), but Pokemon Go motivated me to go exercise at the park every day. After about 2 weeks, exercise was a routine, and I didn't even need a game anymore (I got tired of Pokemon Go relatively quickly); nature and the knowledge of long-term benefit--oh, and audiobooks!--kept me in the routine.
  • airigami
    airigami Posts: 14 Member
    BDonjon wrote: »
    Preferring to stay inside doesn't mean you're sedentary, though it does mean you're introverted. I'm an introvert, and introversion is OK (regardless of what popular culture will have you believe), but weight loss will be much easier for you if you're not sedentary (that is, if you exercise).

    What sort if games you're into may be relevant. The trend right now is teenagers and younger adults playing Pokemon Go while walking around the local park. If you're into smartphone games, pick one and commit to ONLY playing it in the course of a walk. Sure, some people gripe that kids playing Pokemon Go aren't looking where they're going and may bump into things and people; but that's why you don't play games while walking down the middle of the street!

    I'm a millennial (albeit an older one), but Pokemon Go motivated me to go exercise at the park every day. After about 2 weeks, exercise was a routine, and I didn't even need a game anymore (I got tired of Pokemon Go relatively quickly); nature and the knowledge of long-term benefit--oh, and audiobooks!--kept me in the routine.

    I am more of a PC gamer or 3DS gamer than anything. Pokemon Go didn't really do much for me, but I think it's because I get bored rather quickly. I do have a portable exercise bike in which I am learning to use while watching TV. In fact, I did 27 minutes of it today (but it was because I had bare feet on and well..the peddles were hurting so now I'll just wear shoes), and it's because I am a little busy today with preparing for school.

    And all I know about sedentary is just that you don't move a lot, and it does describe me slightly (only because like I said, I get antsy if standing/sitting at one place for too long).
  • BrettWithPKU
    BrettWithPKU Posts: 575 Member
    I'll zoom out. My Pokemon Go suggestion was an example of an idea that will be the key to your success, if you want to make exercise a routine:
    Rule #1 to making a habit of something you hate doing is this: Make yourself want to do it, then do it until it's a habit.

    "Want" (fear and desire) is driven by your heart, and "Should" ('best for me') is driven by your brain. And if the two ever come into conflict, the brain can win a few battles but the heart always wins the war.

    You probably can't use your PC on the exercise bike, but could your hands be free to use the 3DS? If so, designate some "exercise/3DS" time every day. Within a week or two, this exercise will be a fixed part of your day. Once it's a habit, it's MUCH easier to continue doing something you're already doing, than to start doing it from scratch.
  • serenitymunson
    serenitymunson Posts: 1 Member
    Hello! I am about in the same situation. I am going to school for therapy though and I gained weight after having my daughter and stressing about full time work and school with a baby at home. I work a desk job but am determined to lose some weight. I set a hefty goal of dropping about 63 pounds to get a portion of the way back to a healthy body weight and to remain in that spot. If you would like we could motivate each other. I will tell you, given the choice between skyrim and exercise I will pick skyrim most of the time. This is going to be a long road for me and I would appreciate a friend.