New and in need of a little advice!! SO EXCITED!

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  • elliott82
    elliott82 Posts: 156 Member
    I think the best advice for working out (other than listening to your body) is to start with something you're comfortable with. You may be DYING when trying to jog, so start out walking. Once you can do that for a while and not feel so winded that you might fall over, add in sprints. Like walk for four minutes, sprint for one. You'll start to build up tolerance until you're able to run (or jog) way more than you walk. I know it's scary, but you can totally do it. I joined an all female non-combat boxing group and we always did a huge run to start off the workout. I thought I might not make it past the run (and then 45 minutes of the real workout I wanted were shot) but I finally decided they could start the rest of it without me...I'd go at my own pace. So I'd run the long blocks and briskly walk the short blocks and I found that I could actually do it. And the girls were all cheering for me at the end because I at least FINISHED. You'll be amazed what you can do when you really try!

    Best of luck to you! (I'm adding you as well.)
  • KimH313
    KimH313 Posts: 162
    Good job on quitting smoking!! I did this year as well and I feel better than ever. I know a lot of people wouldn't agree but what I find works best for me is weighing myself almost every morning first thing right before getting in the shower.... it keeps me motivated and I find myself really keeping on track. I think the reason I gained a lot of weight in the last couple years was never stepping on a scale and so I had no idea where I was at. All I knew was my smaller clothes had to go into a box in storage cause there was no way they were fitting. I was so discouraged that I gave a lot of smaller clothes to a consignment store because I thought I would NEVER wear them again. I started MFP after I went to a doctors appt and they weighed me and I was almost sick over the number they told me. Since then it has been about 6 weeks and I have lost 19 pounds, I work out almost every day doing at least 30 minutes on the elliptical but more usually 45-55 minutes between that, treadmill, stationary bike etc. I also do yoga every saturday morning. If you have access to fitness videos through your cable you could start with that. I do a 25 minute yoga video once or twice a week. MFP has been a godsend to me, and I know in a couple months I should be able to fit into clothes that I thought were never going to fit again. Good luck you'll do great! :flowerforyou:
  • scott7574
    scott7574 Posts: 1
    Hi Shelly and good luck to you! Sounds like you are on the right track. Best time to weigh is first thing in the morning...if not, just do it the same time every time you do. Most people are at their lightest just after waking up. Start out slowly with cardio and build your way up as it becomes easier...just don't get burned out by doing too much too fast. Maybe start with 3-4 15-30 minute walks, bike rides, etc. per week and either increase time, intensity, or add days that you do it. You should progress pretty quickly since you are new to exercise...best of luck to you!
  • Alexagetsfit
    Alexagetsfit Posts: 313 Member
    Hi Shelley! I am glad you decided to start your weight loss journey on MFP. It really is a great place.

    Congrats on quitting smoking. I stopped about 2 years ago and it was difficult and did make me put on a little weight, but I am so happy I did.

    To answer your questions:

    - Do you enter your weight on here every day?
    No, I actually only even step on the scale once a week. I know if I did it more often, I would get obsessive.

    - When is the best time to weigh yourself? Day/Night?
    I weigh myself in the morning after I do my business, but that is just a personal preference. Just make sure you do it at the same time everyday that you do weigh, as your weight fluctuates throughout the day.

    - Would you recommend building up the jogging and cardio workout before getting a workout vid like 30Day Shred?
    I was actually jogging a little before i started, but I think you could go into a workout like 30Day SHred without being in shape, but it will be difficult. They do have some modified versions of some of the exercises though. I would recommend something like Couch to 5k cause it starts off slow and you move up as you progress.

    P.S. feel free to add me if you would like.
  • arichardson750
    arichardson750 Posts: 6
    Hi Shelly!

    Awesome job on quitting smoking - that is a huge accomplishment on its own! Here are my responses to your questions - hopefully they will help!

    - Do you enter your weight on here every day?
    I only update my weight when I see a change in my weight amount, but this can just be your preference in if you want to do it daily.

    - When is the best time to weigh yourself? Day/Night?
    I weigh myself in the morning right before I get in the shower s I don't have on clothes that add extra weight :) According to medicinenet.com, "Weighing yourself first thing in the morning is usually best. Because of variations in food and fluid consumption, we often "gain" different amounts of weight throughout the day."

    - Regarding the jogging and cardio workout before the 30 Day Shred, I would keep doing the basic cardio for a little longer until you build up some good stamina. My fear with jumping right into the 30 Day Shred routine is you may get discouraged right off the bat. I tried to do that same thing and got maybe 15 minutes into the DVD and threw my hands up because I got frustrated and was struggling so bad.

    Also, if you're looking for some fun cardio to do, try a Zumba class! I'm addicted and you sweat your butt off! (quite literally :smile: )
  • annasaidso
    annasaidso Posts: 7


    Well done on your weight loss, it really is inspirational to know that you started off just doing small amounts of exercise and now you're training for a 5K! Good on you girl!!


    I'm not great with patience... I was in week 5 of the couch to 5K plan before I ran my first 5k in November. I had to interval run it (run 6 minutes, walk 2, rinse and repeat) but I made it to the finish line in one piece in under an hour.

    I ran my second official one on Dec 31st and ran it straight through and finished at 45 minutes (with old folks with knee replacements, walking and lapping me.) I came in last in my age group, but I finished and improved my time in one month.

    I'm registered to run 3 more, one every Saturday from Jan 21 to Feb 4... and I'm running 3.2 miles 3x a week to get myself ready...

    But When I started in September, I could barely run 2 minutes straight. I couldn't imagine running one city block much less a mile.

    But I focused on making through the 2 minutes. And soon I could make it through 4 minutes. Then 8 minutes... and before I knew it I could make it through 45 minutes.

    Lord know if *I* could do this, ANYONE can. A N Y O N E.
  • shelleydavies1991
    shelleydavies1991 Posts: 59 Member
    It really is heart warming to know that so many people can be so supportive and actually care! - If only it were like this in real life or at the gym.. If it was like this at the gym then I'd probably go!!

    I know I've got a bit more weight to shed before I will feel confident enough to head to the gym!

    WELL DONE to EVERYONE!

    You're all inspirations, even if you haven't lost any weight, it's overwhelming how much motivation everyone has!


    Thank you for all your posts and the people that have said I can add them, I have!


    All my love,

    S, x
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