Suggestions for how to get STARTED?!

Re: Suggestions for how to get STARTED?!

• Lobsters25 member

  

  March 2012

  First, don't worry about those extra details, there are plenty of both overweight and 'healthy-weight,' as well as even a few underweight people on this board!  It sounds to me like you already know what you need to do, and how to do it, but you just need to stop letting your head get in the way.

  
  

  Though you have nothing to fear in trying the spin class or looking into the local gym options, there is absolutely no reason you can't start all three of these things in your very house until you're ready to get out.  There are a million exercises that can be done at home to help you get started - jumping jacks, up-downs, pushups, step-ups, mountain-climbers, tricep dips, and more.  You could also start with one of the dvd or on-demand programs.

  

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• shaunaceyh member

  

  March 2012

  I love Jillian Michael's videos, short, effective and quick changes of move so you don't get bored. 
  Also, try going to spin with your friend (prepare for a sore bum first go around) - you may love it!

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• anna.oskar member

  

  March 2012

  If you're overweight, you'd probably benefit more from switching up your diet to a healthier one.  Exercise is great!  But definitely more effective when you're fueling your body the right way.  SparkPeople.com is a great way to track your food intake for free.  It helped me get on track.
  
  Also:  We've got a board expert coming soon who would love you to put your questions to him here: http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_announcement-have-a-question-ask-an-expert-here

  
  
  My Fat Chick Blog

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• brandyleueirvine member

  

  March 2012

  Okay.... heres the deal.  I have an 18 month old daughter... I work full time... and I have made myself a workout routine that I do from home.  Here is what I do... (it may not be for everyone)... I set my alarm for 4:15 am and I take my energy pills... that I have on my night stand.  By 4:45 I am wide awake and go downstairs and do my workout.  I workout for an hour before my daughter wakes up and I start my routine for the day.  I do this about 3 to 4 days a week.  Does this help?  I hope so!

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• reggiesmommy member

  

  March 2012

  I think the best and easiest way to jump in is to take your friend up on her offer to join her at spin class.  My friend (who is in picture-perfect shape) invited me too, and I blew her off for awhile thinking the exact thing you did - it's too tough, I will be the worst one in class, what if I can't do a whole class, etc.  The reality of a spin class is that everyone can do their own thing.  Most GOOD instructors will tell first-timers not to even try to keep up with the class (from a speed and resistance standpoint) and just get a feel for the positions & do what you can at your own pace the first time or two.  

  
  

  I can't tell you how glad I am that I finally took her up on her offer.  Adding spin classes to my routine has done more for my fitness & weight loss than anything else I've done.  I do it now 4-5 times a week and there is really no better feeling than when it's over & feeling like I achieved so much, especially when I glance down at my HR monitor and see how many calories I burned!  

  
  

  The other reason I'm suggesting this is because it is darn hard to get motivated to workout by yourself.  I give everyone props who can do this.  I never could have.  Having your friend there to help motivate you helps with accountability - you're less likely to cancel if you know she is meeting you & expecting you.  Plus it's someone to share your success with!  

  
  

  Best of luck!  You can do it! 

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• firsttimersluck member

  

  March 2012

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_suggestions-for-how-to-get-started?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:a12b7e00-5b47-4aaf-995d-ae85ea1b2c60Post:0ad0f3e0-060c-496e-85e8-7dab9e30c1df">Re: Suggestions for how to get STARTED?!</a>:
  [QUOTE]Okay.... heres the deal.  I have an 18 month old daughter... I work full time... and I have made myself a workout routine that I do from home.  Here is what I do... (it may not be for everyone)... I set my alarm for 4:15 am and<strong> I take my energy pills</strong>... that I have on my night stand.  By 4:45 I am wide awake and go downstairs and do my workout.  I workout for an hour before my daughter wakes up and I start my routine for the day.  I do this about 3 to 4 days a week.  Does this help?  I hope so!
  Posted by brandyleueirvine[/QUOTE]
  
  <div>
  </div><div>.........Energy pills? </div>

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• Lobsters25 member

  

  March 2012

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_suggestions-for-how-to-get-started?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:a12b7e00-5b47-4aaf-995d-ae85ea1b2c60Post:3f899341-e6d6-4490-85ce-f6cf017a95fb">Re: Suggestions for how to get STARTED?!</a>:
  [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Suggestions for how to get STARTED?! : .........Energy pills? 
  Posted by firsttimersluck[/QUOTE]
  
  I had the same thought exactly.  Scary.

  

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• mbody

  

  March 2012

  Yeah, energy pills make me weary. You might want to read up on those, reggie.
  
  OP, take your friend up on her offer and try the spin class. It might give you the little kick in the butt that you need to get started.
  
  I also like Jillian Michaels DVDs. I use her 30 day shred workouts and think they are a nice lil workout. Not too time consuming. You'll need a set or two of dumbells.
  
  Is there a park district near by? Most will offer little health club memberships- like a track or a free weight room. Or they have group fitness classes. You can always look into that for an alternative gym membership option.
  
  And lastly, track your food. Use myfitnesspal.com. It's really easy to use and it will definitely help you keep track of your food/calorie intake.
  

  

  Anxiously awaiting baby #1! Baby BOY Due: May 30, 2013!

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• reggiesmommy member

  

  March 2012

  That wasn't me who suggested energy pills - I wouldn't touch those with a 10 foot pole!!!    

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• acaponi87 member

  

  March 2012

  If you are comfortable at a gym, I actually like Snap.
  
  It's nice because it's 24/7, which is great if you're busy. And it's not too bad pricewise--$30/month.
  
  There's nothing toooo fancy there but it might be a good starting place for you. Good luck!

  June 16, 2012

  

  Pro Pics!

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• eviliciouz

  

  March 2012

  I've been doing Just Dance 3 on the Wii console. They have the "just sweat" section and trust me, you will sweat and that game will work you out. I also put exercises titles on my Netflix instant viewing queue. They have good selections from turbo kickboxing, zumba, pilates, yoga, crunch and abs. I do those and go to the gym twice a week. It's a good way to start to get in shape.

  

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• HeathenSwan member

  

  March 2012

  I just started the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, level one dvd a little less than a week ago. I like it a lot because it's quick and not unreasonably difficult, though I'm feeling it. I've never done an exercise video/dvd more than once before this one. I've been pushing myself to do it almost daily. I've actually managed 4 of the last 6 days so far (trying to make sure I don't completely kill my knees, I wasn't particularly active before, other than walking). I haven't gotten weights yet. The first time, I just did the arm motions without weight (I still felt it). After that, I have been using 16 oz cans of veggies.

  
  

  I'm very much like you, eliz. I'm currently still overweight (though I'm less than I used to be). I can walk for miles with no issue. I just got to a point where I needed to do more to get results. Check out the class with your friend (as a PP said, workout buddies help you with motivation).

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• mercy4

  

  March 2012

  OMG I hope you're kidding about loose dog attacks...

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