Where to get started?

[NewMan11]

Hello everyone, Sorry if this post is out of place, but I need some motivation here.

Let me introduce myself.

I live in Chicago, I am 21 years old. I am about 6'1'' and 270 pounds. I dont look extremely overweight, but its getting to the point that it is taking over life. I am extremly out of shape on top of that.. It doesnt take barely anythign to make me tired out. What I want to know is..What can a guy like me do? What is the best way to start? I know excercise is a given, but what? How many calories should I limit self to a day? I am not only looking to lose weight, I want to get healthy and live a real lifestyle, but I am so lost on where to start and how to keep motivated.

I am not looking for the answeres here, just mabye some guidance and where to start and make some quick tips for a person like me.

[smidey]

Like you, I'm only beginning. I've got your problem, but opposite, as in, I'm trying to put on muscle mass and weight gains. I think the main thing for me (I'm in 3rd week of intense training) is motivation. You need to really be honest with yourself and let yourself know what bothers you most. By joining this site, you've pretty much already taken a HUGE first step to getting there. Even if you don't start today, or tomorrow, the main thing is that your mind right now is where it really needs to be.

I think you should do something sacrificial, where you feel obligated to get healthy. Like, not eating something you really like until you've completed 2-3 workouts. Or put some significant amount of money into equipment. Feel OBLIGATED to work out. Feel like you REALLY have to do it. The same way you get up to work every morning and know you HAVE to go get that dollar bill, do the same thing with working out.

Good luck man

[MsMiranda]

Hi there!

I struggle with workout motivation too, and the best thing for me has been joining a group of people to workout with. I'm part of a local running club and if it wasn't for the members of the group (and fiance who's also in the club) then I wouldn't get off the couch ... ever. Hehehe

If you're not into running, see if one of your buddies wants to sign up at a gym with your, or see if your girlfriend/friend wants to start running etc.

I don't know Chicago, but I'm sure there are plenty of clubs for all sorts of exercise in the area. Check online or at local gyms for phone numbers etc. to see what's out there.

Good luck!!!

[swanso5]

let's be honest here..at 270 your over weight

what do you have access to equipment wise?

for food don't limit cal's, limit all the shit food

[NewMan11]

lets see..As far as equipment goes, apartment complex only has tredmils and excercise bikes. not to mention the huge lot it has to run/jog in. What I have been doing (although not as much as I would like) is Jogging around the complex 2 times (maybe a half mile?) and coming back in and doing 100 sit ups and 30 push ups. Obvisouly, since I am so out of shape, I walk some of the run. Honestly, I REALLY hate running, it makes me so mad. Part of goal is to acually be able to someday enjoy it. I am going to the grocery store tomorrow, as healthy people, what type of main things do you recomend I get? I generally eat a lot of frozen vegitables and drink diet coke. But, what are some good recs on some good filling, not bad for you food?

Thanks

[ScottLeddy27]

I would highly reccommend looking into a gym membership if you have one nearby. If you are in college of anykind and are near a 24hr Fitness, look into a student discount. Either way, I suggest starting with an elliptical. main reason for saying that is because it gives you a chance to work many different muscle groups and you wont be killing yourself right away. Start with whatever resistance is comfortable and see if you can do 20 minutes. After you have built yourself up to being able to do about an hour without feeling like you are going to throw up, which by the way is a bad sign right after working out, means you did TOO MUCH, I reccommend you start hitting the weights. Ease into your routine. Don't do too much weight but dont be a sissy about it either. Whatever way you decide to go about it just dont give up. It s a long hard journey. It has to be a complete lifestyle change. You cannot have the mindset that once you get there its over and you can stop. You have to work at it everyday. Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE FAT BURNER PILLS. WASTE OF FRIGGEN MONEY!!! Eat right, exercise right and get good rest.

[swanso5]

we need resistance work...get fit to run, don't run to get fit

search ÿour body is a barbell"by alwyn cosgrove

for food go to diet section and read "read before posting...