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Hi! I'm Seth (hope the fellas are welcome here, too). This is the first time i've ever tried joining one of these sites, so as strange as it sounds i'm a little nervous (it took me a few weeks at least before i actually registered!). I am really glad to have found it, though, and more importantly than that, i'm glad that you all seem so friendly and helpful; it's an extraordinary boost already.
Alright, before i get all long and rambly, like i said: i'm Seth! I'm a 19 year old male, and i'd guess i'm around 230lbs (standing at about 5'8'' or so, i'd say). Make a long story short, i've been basically pussyfooting around with the concept of weight loss and getting into shape for so long that i've just reached the point where i've said "enough!" and am prepared to actually get into action. My eventual target weight is, for now, 180lbs. It might seem unrealistic (again, i'm completely clueless about this stuff), but for now it seems to be a good final number to strive for. My short-term, at least, is to try and shed some pounds and tone up for summer, maybe June/July-ish, but i can't say whether or not that's possible, either. Hopefully i'll learn, though!
My major problem is that i am very indecisive, along with being a little lazy. A lot of my lack of activity just comes from plain old not knowing what to do, or when i think to myself "i'm bored, maybe i should take a walk" i instead say "forget it, let's tear open a bag of chips and sit at the computer/television" (i eat a lot when i'm bored, which i'm sure is one of my contributing problems). Just in a bad way, really, and i'd very much like to start making a change for the better.
Which is why i'm here! Like i mentioned, my real problem is that i have no idea where to begin. I might be a self-proclaimed couch potato, but i'm sincerely ready to bust out the sneakers and the sweatpants. All i really need is some pointers! As of now, i don't work and am out of school (no lectures, please ), so i have free time coming out of my ears. What i basically would like to know is, where's a good place to start? The only thing i have in mind now is a good, lengthy walk every day (have a brand new MP3 player to accompany me), lots of water and minus the fast food (i tend to eat a lot of that, but to get rid of it will be no problem, and it will be nice to have the cash). But what are the best times to start? As soon as i wake up, a little while later, in the evening? More than once a day? Should i toss in some sit-ups/push-ups/both in there? What are some good foods to keep me going (during many of my ill-fated tries at losing weight, i pretty much stuck with lots of water and apples, apart from whatever dinner was that night).
Anyway, that's really the jist of it! Sorry for going on so long, and thank you so much for being here to help. I hope i can do it this time.
G'day and welcome seth, you will recieve great support and help here.
walking is a good start but you should also add in a mix of weight training exercizes to build muscle which you will need to burn more fat.
for your food start a diary in the diary section and write down all of your food and exercize so that other member can help motivate and give you help with your diet choices.
Loosing weight comes down to cals in vs cals out. More more, eat less. Try to make as healthy choices as you can. You could pick a cal. amt and stick to it...I'm doing 1200cals, but given your a man, I'd suggest like 1500-1700 or so. Then don't forget to excersize and drink alot of water.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
First, thanks to the both of you! I appreciate the quick responses (and apologize for the lengthy delay on mine).
I think i'll start that diary soon, and hopefully get some pointers/critiques on my current plan of action. Right now i'm still a little clueless about what to do, but anything is better than just sitting around wishing the weight away. Anyway, thanks very much again! I'm feeling really good about this journey already.
do you know what trick I use when I hear myself doing that, I wanna, I dont wanna thing when it comes to those battling choices? I make myself look myself in the mirror with those thoughts, and I say them out loud. "So, do I choose to eat those croissants down at the bakery, or do I put the walking shoes on?" Then, I make myself choose. The mirror is an instant reminder of what I look like.
Your original plan of walking and giving up fast food is a good start. What you need to do is make a schedule, lets say you walk every day for 20-30 min at 5 pm. Pick a time that is most comfortable for you that you know will not change very much, and you will be least likely to get distracted from your plan. I don't think it matters in terms of total calories burned whether you exercise all at once or break it down in several sessions, but personally I think it is easier to make 3 10 minute walks per day rather then 1 30 minute walk. Experiment and figure out what's best for you. When you become more fit, add duration and speed. Its better to start slowly and build up strength and stamina gradually, don't burn yourself out too quickly.
Trusylver is right, add some strength training. You don't have to go to the gym, you can start with calisthenics - situps, push ups, squats, etc. For arms and upper body you can get a few dumbells, they are not very expensive. There are also resistance tubes, another cheap option.
Eating/drinking fewer calories then your current intake now is also a very good way to shed pounds. It helps tracking everything that you eat.
I think the best way to achieve any goal is to log your progress. A great way to do that is with a diary. If you log your starting weight and measurements, then check them again once every two weeks or so, you will see improvement if you are following your program. Even the loss of a pound or two is proof that what you are doing is working!!
Another great way to find a program that will work for you is to check with your doctor, mine reccommended weight watchers, I'm just finishing up day 1, and it doesnt seem too bad!!
SkinnyKate: Hey! That's not corny at all, as a matter of fact you're right; it really does help. Especially after finally realizing i spend more time in the mirror trying to find the angle i look best instead of actually grooming or just coming to the conclusion that i should finally work on getting into better shape.
NothinToLose: Thank you for the input! That's actually along the lines of what i had in mind; a walk to start off with coupled with some sit-ups/push-ups shortly after i wake up, and then maybe again in the evening. And i'm sure i have some dumbells lying around here somewhere as well! My only question is, is there such a thing as too much? Should i sort of alternate or anything, maybe have one day with the calisthenics and another day with the weight bench?
ShawnaB: That's a great idea! I think i'll start my own personal log as well as a diary here, to hopefully get some more input on things i'm doing right/wrong, any adjustments i should make, etc. I'm just excited to have found a place with such a wealth of information and helpful folk, and that's helping immensely already!
I'm not an expert on this, but here's my opinion based on my personal experience and knowledge.
Yes, there is such a thing as too much, same as too little, and you need to find a point of good balance somewhere between those two. That's why it is better to start slowly and see how your body reacts the next day. You can always increase your workout if you don't feel your muscles getting stronger, but if you overwork your muscles, they will need several days to recover. If your strength workouts are hard, and you feel your muscles are still tired the next day, or even sore, then you have to wait a day or two to engage the same muscle. Muscles become stronger as they heal, but if you don't give them enough time to do so, you will not get as much benefit from each workout, and it can lead to serious injury that can put you back weeks. So, probably alternating upper and lower body workout from day to day could be a good option.
I'm glad you're starting a journal. I'm using Fitday.com and it is really helping with traking everything I eat and exercise.
Hi Seth,
Just wanted to say hi and good for you for taking the first steps towards weight loss! My best advice is (as Dr. Phil would say) "You can't change what you don't acknowledge" Be honest with yourself, set realistic goals and keep at it even when the results aren't as quick as you'd like (that's my downfall - impatience)
Nice to meet you and keep posting!
), so i have free time coming out of my ears. What i basically would like to know is, where's a good place to start? The only thing i have in mind now is a good, lengthy walk every day (have a brand new MP3 player to accompany me), lots of water and minus the fast food (i tend to eat a lot of that, but to get rid of it will be no problem, and it will be nice to have the cash). But what are the best times to start? As soon as i wake up, a little while later, in the evening? More than once a day? Should i toss in some sit-ups/push-ups/both in there? What are some good foods to keep me going (during many of my ill-fated tries at losing weight, i pretty much stuck with lots of water and apples, apart from whatever dinner was that night). 
You can do it! 
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