New to MFP.. 5ft0 wanting to get fit.

strawberrygashes
strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hi All,
I thought I'd finally post a message after days of lurking... I haven't got much weight to lose, I mostly want to tone up and get fit and after seeing lots more people here after the same goal, I thought I'd say hi!
I'm 25, only 5ft0, and after having children it took me nearly 4 years to get down to what I wanted (I went from 150lbs to 109lbs). In the last year, my weight has slowly crept up, although I've always been conscious about not letting it get too out of hand. I'm currently 121lbs.

I wanted some tips on how I actually stop obsessing about my weight though.. I do have an ideal weight of 114lbs, as I think I look best at 114 (109 was maybe a bit too low for me). And focus more on the fitness and toning part. I tell myself to STOP weighing myself, and some days it feels like an immense pull and I weigh myself and feel disappointed. I totally understand how silly it is, when I'm in a healthy weight range already and only want to lose a few lbs. I know that the state of my tummy doesn't help, my tummy was damaged after my 2nd child, my Dr told me I won't be able to tone it up without surgery (it's lose, wrinkly, you get the picture) I think it's the stomach muscles that are damaged. So when I look at my tummy, I have a bad habit of calling it fat.

I have started to incorporate more exercise into my daily routine. Doing 30-60 mins of zumba 5 times a week, 20 min jogging 3-4 times a week, and 100 crunches a day for 5 days. And trying to force myself to stop looking at the scales and just focus on my fitness and general health.

Would love to hear tips off of anyone, or hear from people who have the same goals as me. :-)

Replies

  • saracatherine89
    saracatherine89 Posts: 291 Member
    Welcome!

    Awesome screen name...J*** Off Jill reference? Haha :)
    Best of luck with your goals?
  • saracatherine89
    saracatherine89 Posts: 291 Member
    goals!*
    I am not questioning that statement, lol
  • kimchi84
    kimchi84 Posts: 56
    hi, i am also 5'0 and have 2 kids :), trying to tone up also and get a 4 pack, hint the word "trying" i find that running really help with the core area, and i do alot of plank. Good luck ! feel free to add me if you want :)
  • strawberrygashes
    strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
    Welcome!

    Awesome screen name...J*** Off Jill reference? Haha :)
    Best of luck with your goals?

    Yep!! :-) Love JOJ and theres a reference to food too lol.
    Thanks for the welcome.
  • pharold
    pharold Posts: 4 Member
    The cardio from zumba and running should help to drop some of the pounds. Remember to drink lots and lots of water and try to cut out as much sugar as you can.

    As for the tummy situation, don't bother over-doing with the crunches, they'll just hurt your back if you do too much then you'll end up not being able to do anything. Planks probably are the best thing to get in the habit of doing (much as I hate them). Any thing that will help you tighten your core. Even "superman's that help strengthen your back muscles will help your core and in return your abs. Laying leg lifts are another great one. If you have availability to any classes, TRX is great for toning and strengthening.

    Good luck on your journey!
  • strawberrygashes
    strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
    hi, i am also 5'0 and have 2 kids :), trying to tone up also and get a 4 pack, hint the word "trying" i find that running really help with the core area, and i do alot of plank. Good luck ! feel free to add me if you want :)

    Hi Kim :-) I added you as a friend.
    I am new to running and so can only manage short distances, sometimes taking it in turns, running and then walking. My legs could go on for a lot longer, but I am still mastering my breathing technique. I am hoping it's something I will eventually get the hang of and be able to run for longer periods :-)
  • strawberrygashes
    strawberrygashes Posts: 210 Member
    The cardio from zumba and running should help to drop some of the pounds. Remember to drink lots and lots of water and try to cut out as much sugar as you can.

    As for the tummy situation, don't bother over-doing with the crunches, they'll just hurt your back if you do too much then you'll end up not being able to do anything. Planks probably are the best thing to get in the habit of doing (much as I hate them). Any thing that will help you tighten your core. Even "superman's that help strengthen your back muscles will help your core and in return your abs. Laying leg lifts are another great one. If you have availability to any classes, TRX is great for toning and strengthening.

    Good luck on your journey!

    Thank you for the tips :-)
    I don't overdo it with the crunches... I much prefer making up for exercise with my zumba & running.
    And yes, I am trying to drink more water I know I don't drink nearly half as much as I should (I didn't know whether that was just me or whether it is genuinely difficult to drink a lot of water, as I find it difficult lol)
  • pharold
    pharold Posts: 4 Member
    You should drink at least 1/2 your body weight in water. That sounds like alot but it really isn't. Flavor it up with lemons. Or take a jug of water and soak orange slices in it...pretty much any type of fruit is really good to give water flavor. Once you make a habit of drinking more of it, it'll come easier to you. One last thing, try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning...it'll get your metabolism moving!

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