Another Newbie

KLL1985
KLL1985 Posts: 24 Member
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Hey guys,

I am new to MFP and have been unhappy about my weight for many years. I decided that it was time to do something about it and actually stick to it this time! I have joined MFP as I am struggling to keep motivated. I am 5'3.5 and at the beginning of this year I weighed 184 pounds. Since then I have managed to lose 14 pounds, down to 172 (even if I did fall off the wagon for a few weeks!) However this weight loss appears to have made no difference to the shape of my body; I still wear the same size clothes and still have the same hips, waist, thigh and arm measurements. This is extremely demotivating and I just wondered if anyone else had been in the same position and how you dealt with it. My initial target weight is 140, but ideal would be between 130-135.
I am really wanting to see a difference in my shape of my body by the end of May as I go away on holiday.
Advice and input would be much appreciated as well as motivation tips!
Thanks :)

Replies

  • jaysonhijinx
    jaysonhijinx Posts: 663 Member
    Welcome to MFP!

    You should be able to find some good information here (just make sure it's from reliable sources) but the thing I see people advising over and over again is to start lifting weights. I've started recently (about 3 weeks now) and have noticeably gone down in size especially around the abdomen. Alternating cardio and lifting along with a healthy balanced diet should result in pounds melting away and your physique toning up too.

    Have a look around, I'm sure you'll find more detailed information - this is only stuff I've picked up through reading and listening to some of the gym junkies I know but so far it's been helping me.

    Feel free to add me as a contact if you want someone for a little added support :)
  • KLL1985
    KLL1985 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks for the welcome!

    Weights are something that I have been considering for a few weeks, but I can't afford a gym membership (I'm a poor student, lol) so I am not sure where to start with it as I woud have to do it from home.
    At the moment my exercise regime consists of 30 mins zumba 4 times a week plus haf an hour of walking (3.7mph) most days of the week.
    I woud love to incorporate a weights routine in to this if it was something that I could do from home.
  • jaysonhijinx
    jaysonhijinx Posts: 663 Member
    No probs!

    I tossed up between signing up at a gym or getting some weights for home. Went with the latter option for the convenience of having them there. Wasn't too expensive if I recall for a set of weight plates, 2 dumbell bars and a barbell. Problem is now I want a bench press, hehe. For the moment though I've got a nice little routine happening which will expand once I get a bench.
  • KLL1985
    KLL1985 Posts: 24 Member
    Sounds good! And definitey something that I could. What weights woud you suggest for a beginner? I don't want to get something too heavy and not be able to finish a routine, but I don't want something too light that isn't going to make any difference!
  • jaysonhijinx
    jaysonhijinx Posts: 663 Member
    Now that's definitely a question I can't answer as I'm quite new to lifting free weights. At the moment I'm not lifting too much weight as I'm doing a bit of "conditioning" program to get my body ready to lift heavier weights, and to make sure I'm using proper form. I'm sure you could get some info online or in the forums here.

    I got a set of dumbbells and a barbell at the same time, however you could get them separately if your budget is tight.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories