Hi! I'm new here. I have never joined a fitness/weight loss forum before, so I have a lot to learn. I'm so glad I found this forum, because it's really helpful to talk to people who have similar goals in mind.

I am male, 20 years old, 5'5'', and I weight 124 lbs. Although I don't appear to be overweight when I wear loose clothing, I have a bulging belly which I want to get rid of.

I have never maintained a fitness routine, and I have only worked out (by this I mean things that are more intensive than walking) four times in the past year (I am not joking). I feel really unhealthy right now, even walking makes me sweat a lot. I'm starting to feel the effects of my lifestyle as I easily sprain my muscles and I get tired very easily, so I'm turning a new leaf by eating healthier/less and exercising.

Since I'm a complete newbie at this, I'm looking for an exercise routine that is not overly intensive. During one of the four times I worked out, I jogged on the elliptical for 20 min. and I lost my sense of sight temporarily for a few minutes afterwards. This was a really scary experience. Another time, I ran with my friends on the field for around 10 min. on a field and I almost threw up. Basically, I'm really out of shape so the routine I'm looking for is one that won't lead to such scary situations.

Ultimately, my main goal is to live a healthy lifestyle with a healthy exercise routine, and my secondary goal is to get rid of my bulging belly (I don't necessarily want ripped abs, just a flat one is good enough for me). Thanks for reading my somewhat lengthy introduction.

I don't think you need a routine. I think you simply need to change your lifestyle habits, which it sounds like you've already started.

You set the pace.

If you're losing your sight and vomiting.... you aren't listening to your body. Again, pace yourself.

I'd simply start doing cardio by any means necessary 3+ times per week. Run, bike, swim.... whatever.

As your conditioning improves, which it will assuming you remain consistent with this.... then increase the intensity of the cardio sessions. At first by length of time. Once you're able to run for 30-40 minutes, I'd up the intensity by increase speed, start adding some interval training, etc. But again.

I'd eventually HIGHLY recommend you start resistance training. You aren't going to transform your body without it.

Above and beyond all that's been mentioned above, diet remains your primary driver for success. There are plenty of informational posts found in the stickies about healthy eating. I suggest reading the "words of wisdom" thread found in the On Topic section of this forum.

Thank you Steve! Why won't I transform my body without resistance training?

That's a very open question.

However, in a nutshell, to get the body that most people want.... it takes the synergistic effects of proper nutrition, resistance training, and cardiovascular exercise combined.

Weight lifting gives your body a reason to maintain muscle while dieting.

It does a lot. Again, I suggest you read the stickies.