*PICS* I have trouble spots :( and a few Qs!

Core exercises to strengthen the core, yes.... but "spot reducing" doesn't work.

I think, though, that I read that belly fat is related to a high intake of grain in the diet... have you tried shifting your percentages to more protein and low-carb veggies?

Maybe try wheat elimination....not as hard as you might think at first......does wonders. You can read about it in a new book wheat belly.

I think weights would help you a lot, especially ones designed to strengthen the back. Muscle burns more at rest too so you'll find it easier to lose fat. However, because you have back problems it would be a good idea to get advice from a physio &/or personal trainer who is familiar with those issues to ensure no injuries or aggravation.

The last thing I have to say is, I am a firm believer in the effects of our mental state on our bodies. From what you wrote, it seems like you are pretty focused on your lack of success and how things aren't working. I feel like in order to fix that and start seeing results, take every pound, every inch, every extra minute of working out as a victory. Be proud of yourself, though you haven't yet gotten the results you want, you will get them if you keep on your path, it's inevitable. Be proud and happy that you have stuck to something for so long, many many people cannot do this. You are doing amazing, focus on that and it will all start happening, I promise.

I can't agree more.

Alright, you can't spot reduce. You can either lose fat or gain muscle and very, very few people can do both at the same time. Alot of people like to focus on fat loss first and then focus on a clean bulk to add muscle. Either way, start pumping some iron - lots of it.

You want to eat lots of protein to help conserve muscle mass as you shed pounds (you want lost weight to be mostly fat, not fat AND muscle).

I recommend 40% carbs, 30% healthy fats, and 30% protein.

Do yourself the biggest favor ever of your life and go spend $10-$12 on a book called, "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" by Lou Schuler. Do it. Do it. Do it. Then read this book. Then do the workouts in it which will take you roughly 45 minutes about 3x a week. Then just be persistent and patient and YOU. WILL. GET. THE. RESULTS. YOU. WANT.

Clean diet is so important too. If you aren't familiar with eating clean, this is how I got started:

http://www.extremely-fit.com/fitness-tips/2011/01/8week-transition-diet/

Best of luck to you.

Remember if you treat your body right, give it the right nutrition, it has NO CHOICE but to respond with the body of your dreams... it's only a matter of time before you get there!

I agree with everyone who said you are brave for sharing... Also agree with those who said talk to your doctor... about your nutrition as well as what exercises would be appropriate considering your back issues. Exercise is definitely necessary to lose weight as well as keep it off. I am an avid fan of hula hooping if you can do it... you can get a weighed hoop for about $20 and once you get the hang of it, it is wonderful exercise. If you have access to a pool in your area, walking in water provides a great calorie burn but supports your body so that there is less strain on your back, legs, knees, etc. Try to be more positive that you are choosing a healthier lifestyle whether or not the scale cooperates or not. I am just starting to lose weight after a frustrating 9 months since I had thyroid surgery. It was a long road of working my butt off but seeing no progress on the scale ... however, I felt better because I was not eating crap food and I have noticed the increase in my stamina with the exercise. Take your measurements because you may have some physical changes that don't necessarily show up on the scale - once you start exercising you will build muscle mass - 1 pound of muscle takes less space than 1 pound of fat .

I live in NC .. feel free to add me if you need support.

i just started to lift heavier weights. I have been on for 6 months and lost threee pounds then gained it back and could not lose, I do cardio alot. I did some striength training but not heavey i started trying to not eat at night, lift heavy and ate more protien so far i lost three pounds in two weeks...

Also i have osteopnea and i have degenerative disk all over my back I have arthritis as well. The only thing that has helped me is to keep moving at first yes it was painful to walk every day but i did it any way, I was not sore like DOMS I was just hurting period.. my joints and bones. But i kept going then i started jogging a little at a time and listen to my body then i did step aerobics on my non jog days it was lower impact. I now jog for three miles ever other day. I lift heavey and i feel better, My hurts are not like it was before i started my exercise. I use to be in pain it hurt to get out of bed... I really feel if you rest you rust.. So it is important to goa walking and i really like step because it gets the heart up without jumping up and down...

Your shape is very similar to mine I think, certainly your problem areas in your photos are the same as mine

I have found walking to be my most effective workout, I have 3 kids aged 5, 3 and 10 months. When the 5 year old is at school and the 3 year old at pre-school (they offer free sessions of 3 hours at age 3 in the UK) I power walk for just over an hour with baby and can burn around 600 cals doing that. I also try to swim once a week which could work well for you with your back and then DVDs. I have a number of Jilllian Michaels ones, being honest she is kind of annoying but my measurement changes have been FANTASTIC the best one I have for that is banish fat boost metabolism, which says it is 40 mins but is more like 50/ 55 with warm-up and cool down. It is INCREDIBLY effective though.

You can definitely do this, but be prepared that at the end you will most likely be the same shape, but smaller. I'm still the same shape and I am well within healthy ranges on BMI, waist size, body fat ratio and all that but I'm still an apple and if I wear the wrong things my eyes will go straight to my tum and think :grumble:

i was actually thinking about 30 day shred! will it be too hard on my back (i have sciatica and nerve issues as well as slipped discs and minor scoliosis), and also will the weight STAY OFF? im concerned about that because of how quickly some lose weight/inches with that... cuz i've always heard if it comes off fast, its coming back fast.


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I slipped a disc in my back in July which came with a pinched nerve and have minor scoliosis. I can do 30DS with no back pain.

The two biggest things you said that stood out is that you haven't been exercising and you weren't watching portions, I think once you really focus on those two things then you'll see a lot more progress in your weight loss.

Edit to add - the younger you are the less likely you'll have lose skin, you can also use lotion religiously it'll help.