ChasingAmy

I was going to write out a long and ridiculous story about how I have had so much success in getting into shape. But I will short form it for you and if anyone has any questions feel free.

Number 1. You have to realize that any major change is going to take PLENTY of time. (In reality it has been 5 years of training for me) You can't expect drastic results in any short period of time.

Number 2. Look at your lifestyle and see what unessecary things you are taking part in. Binge drinking, unhealthy eating, eating too much, eating to little. This too takes time to change... trying to change everything in your nutrition (I call it nutrition b/c I never have and never will "diet") at once will only backfire on you in the end. Like number one give yourself time.

Number 3. Figure out the right reason you are wanting to lose weight and be healthy. My first 3 years failed (I made progress just not like I did in my last 2 years) because I was wanting to do it to be "hot" and "sexy" haha. What a mistake. I look at that as doing it for other people... and not myself. Ultimately it was for myself... but it was the wrong motivation. For me at least. It wasn't until 2 years ago I stepped back and said "I want to do this for Me. To be healthier. So I can enjoy life more."

Number 4. Finding the activities that will help you enjoy being active and thus keep you interested in being active. The Gym was an easy choice for me being naturally stronger/bigger than most. And once I started seeing results it was a landslide of progress!

Number 5. Number 5? Maybe just finding the right balance between the prior 3 steps. Its a MAJOR process that you have to set yourself on and it takes dedication. Small steps though. Thats the main thing. Maybe thats what I will say is Number 5. B/c it applies to most everything I had said so far.

I may have missed some stuff. And didn't go into detail enough in some areas. I just didn't want this to be such a bore for everyone. Hopefully this is somewhat short and readable for everyone. And like I said any questions please feel free to ask.

Kris.

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Siege

I think part of part 3 should be that if you want something to happen, you really have to want it to happen.

This applies to most things in life. If you really want to lose weight, get huge or make a million dollars a year you have to really want it. Really wanting it involves hard work and dedication.

One of my friends is the perfect example. He says that he wants to get fit and strong. But his work out schedules, nutrition and general activities tell me otherwise. As such, his gains are way smaller and slower than they should be.

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This part just makes my posts easier to find

Daniel_

Having just joined a gym and tried to sort out my poor food habits I amn agree with this.

One has to realise that it is a journey, not a step, and will take ages.

In fact ChAm, I was partially convinced it was a wise thing to do having seen your before and after pics.

In a month since I started, I have dropped 4 kilos and already stated to see my heart rate be more reasonable after 45 minutes running, biking etc.

The key thing is to have small goals - I want to lose a few trouser sizes (from a 42/44" waist at present to maybe a 38" in several months, and not have my heart-rate hit 200 if I have to unload a lorryload of boxes by hand (as I ave had to in the past).

Thanks for the good advice.

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soccerchamp76

Losing weight/getting fit/dieting is not just something you do, it is a lifestyle change. That is why nearly everyone gains the weight back after the "fad" diets such as Atkins, etc. WeightWatchers is a good plan b/c it essentially simplifies the process of counting fat/calories/carbs into a nice, convenient "points" system.

There are several lifestyle changes you have to think about and change.
How often you eat (6 small meals/day are ideal), why you eat, knowing when you are full, getting exercise into a busy schedule, etc.

But it is a lifestyle change that will transform you.

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aberkok

Agreed. I am learning that unlike other things in life (you decide to achieve a goal, then you take a few steps towards it, then - yay! - it's done), getting in truly good shape is an incorporation of new routines into your life. Like a new job or your daily dish washing duties, exercise has to just be a regular part of what you do.

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