It's time to get serious... Need advice...

desmaandjon

Ok ladies. I don't post on here much but lurk when I can. I've got an issue with weight and being, well.... lazy for lack of a better word. Ok, maybe not exactly lazy. I have a toddler that keeps me running around the house. It is hard for me to stay interested in an exercise program.

I'm 42 years old. I have a 14 month old little girl. If you look at my weight and BMI on the charts, I'm considered "obese" (but those that know me don't think I am at all... it's a height thing I think). Anyway, I need to get healthy this year. It is very important to me and to my family.

I've been looking at exercise programs online because honestly, we can't afford a gym membership and I've had them before and never went. I don't like working out in front of strangers. I've looked at the 30-Day Shred... P90X... Body for Life... and others. I'm not looking to be buff or bulky. I just want to lose weight and tone. I'd like to wear those clothes in my closet that don't fit (you know the ones, the 75% of the clothes that are hanging that you promise to "wear" some day). I'd like to carry my daughter up the stairs at home and not be exhausted when I get to the top.

I need a program I can do either first thing in the morning or after the little one goes to bed at night. Any recommendations? Any recommendations for online support groups as well? I'm not sure where to begin but they always say, admitting you have an issue is a start... So here I am...

TIA...

ssinca

sounds like the exercise DVDs are a good place for you to start - the 30 day shred is good because it's only about 20 min.  and it definitely kicks your ass.  

I've heard good things about the P90x but I know it's pricey.  I think you can find them for cheaper on ebay if you want to go that route.  

honestly, one of the most important things is to count calories - write down everything you eat in a journal.  depending on your height, you should stick to 1200-1300 calories per day.  it really is eye-opening once you start really paying attention to calories/serving portions.  

I'm telling you all of this yet I'm doing none of it...:/   

gwynnetx

food journal might help.  be honest and write down everything you eat and drink.  do you have a good friend that used to do weight watchers?  i know friends who have just given each other/passed around the weight watchers materials.

AustinBride06

Sparkpeople.com definitely.

And I'm starting Couch 2 5k... There was a post last week on the baby board about it and Flymanswife posted a link to free podcasts you can DL for the program.

genniemg

I would definatly consider the Couch to 5k training program or walking with your LO once the weather gets better.

I also bought 30 day shred and for somebody who HATES workout dvds I actually like it. 

Try and limit the amount of processed foods you eat.  When I eat them I realize my energy goes down the drain.

Taytee

What would be good is just one good work-out buddy. Maybe someone who lives close and has a similar aged child. You could do stroller walk/runs together or trade off watching the kids for just 30-45 minutess!

Leigha12

Do you have TW cable with VOD? They have a fitness on demand channel that you can go through and play different "videos".  They used to have level 1 of the 30 day shred on there (I have satellite now, so don't know if they still do). The channel is a pretty good resource for getting some variety and not getting bored on the cheap.  I also ditto the food diary. My good friend did this with an accountability buddy and it made her think 3 times about everything she ate. She combined it with exercise and hit her target weight faster than she ever thought she would!

labbielover07

I'm not motivated at all to work out, and I don't even have a LO yet to take care of.  The only thing that really helped me and MADE me work out was when I was going to a gym with a friend.  We went every morning for 4 months... then she moved.  I haven't been on a routine since.  I know I would feel so much better if I did work out.  I recently started writing down everything I eat... and it helps some, but you still have to discipline yourself... and write down that cupcake you eat even though it looks bad.  I would LOVE another person to walk/jog with around the neighborhood in the morning or evenings... but it is hard finding someone super close to get together with before or after work, which is working out at 6am or 7pm for me.  DH will not pay for another gym membership for me since I dipped out of my last one. 

Jen1007

A food journal is a wonderful idea! When I first started working out I used livestrong.com's daily plate.  I was able to track all of the calories I consumed and burned! I really liked it because you can search for foods from anywhere either fast food, HEB brand etc. I highly recommend this site, and it is free!

I don't know if you have any sort of game system but I lost my first 10 of my 30 total using Wii Active. I really loved it, it was quick but could be challenging.

I second sparkpeople.com there is a nestie group on there and they usually have a daily check-in.  

HTH! 

bobcatsteph

Sparkpeople and either exercise videos or Wii fit or Wii Active.

aggiecab

Just got a Wii Fit Plus - and I hate to exercise - hate almost every kind except for yoga

I am enjoying the Wii - it is engaging enough to keep me interested and give you easy goals - it makes me want to flip it off rather frequently but keeps you going.  I feel guilty and reluctant to skip my workouts so that helps.

Jess.O

You have been given lots of great advice already.  It's great that you've decided that you want to make a change and have reached out to others for advice or whatever you need.   

Your diet is important.  It's not only calories that you need to be aware of (although that is important).  Make sure you're choosing healthy foods (whole wheat rather than white bread, veggies rather than starches for sides, fresh fruit rather than dessert, etc.) 

I agree with some of the pp that workout DVDs may be a good starting point for you.  If you aren't comfortable working out in front of others this is a good option (if you can make yourself do the whole thing correctly and on a regular basis).  You mentioned that you don't want to be bulky or too buff. It is a common misconception that this will happen quickly.  The women who look "bulky" work very long and hard to look that way.  You won't get that way from an average workout and diet.  Don't let that get in your way. 

 What do you like to do?  If you like your workout you'll be more likely to continue it.  PP had great suggestions about working out with a friend.  If I can be of any help please email me. A>.  I'd love to have a new workout partner.   

 No matter what, it's great that you've decided to get healthy! Good job!

 (I'm a nutrition teacher and DH is a previous gym manager and current health supplement manager if you're curious about where my information comes from.)

TheCoach'sWife

P90x is amazing