How do I begin to get back in shape?

Question

I'm 26, male and overweight (not obese, just some extra poundage). I used to be overweight in high school, then I lost about 80 lbs and joined the US Army. I was in great shape for about 2 years and then my last 2 years in the Army I started going downhille. Now four years after that I'm back to where I was in high school. Where do I even begin to start? I'm so out of shape now that when I even think about working out it frustrates me on where to start. I'm still in decent shape ability wise to do stuff, so I guess my question is...where should I begin..running or jogging or walking to get used to it? I get played out pretty quick now. I'm working on my diet also, but as of right now just getting myself motivated and in the mindset to get a great workout is the top priority. Thanks for any ideas.

Answer 1

It's hard to get back into shape, but you made a good decision by thinking about it. I suggest joining a gym, and perhaps a group like weight watchers. That way you will get the extra support by being in a group with other people. Take it easy at the gym for the first few days (my legs are killing me because I overdid it and I joined 4 days ago).

If you don't like the idea of going to the gym, try walking, or even swimming. No pain no gain, unfortunately its not easy. Try not to keep chocolate or fizzy drinks at home, you have to increase your will power. Its hard for me too coz everyone drinks coke and eats chocolate all the time at my place, but i know if I want to lose the weight i gotta be careful.

Good luck. Read some success stories online - they will inspire you. Check out www.hydroxycut.com - am considering buying that.

Answer 2

Remember one principle:Cardio (30min)after a weight trng workout build up fat burn. Start with some light stuff. Do a variety of cardio like row machine,step climbers (elliptical),treadmill or running outdoors,etc. Make yourself a trng prm either on your own or through a trainer at a local gym. It wouldn't be a bad idea to establsih a personal goal for you to help you train your sights on a a particular goal. I registered for a marathon back in march. I started with running 4miles 3x weekly and one 6mile run once a week. I added one mile to both every week until I was covering between 18-22 miles on one run. I tapered off about two weeks before my run. I lost 37 lbs with the help and support of a local running club,my family, and some chicken S@# friends. My local gym featured me on their newsletter for the month of the marathon and I had other members recognizing my face and congratulated me after therun.Register on some forums or websites like myspace to rally personal support or maybe a partner. Start paying attention to your diet. Don't torture yourself though. Go easy. Your mind is being trained as well. Don't set yourself up for failure. Commit yourself to eating more and more healthy as time goes. This way it will be more likely to last and it will be easier as suppose to the torture that most dieters experience. It effects their will and causes them to break their diet goals.g'luck

Answer 3

walk walk and walk some more
start with 2 miles a day. 1 out and 1 back
do this for 3-4 weeks.
by that time you should be able to do it comfortably so double it for a couple of weeks then double it again.
when you can handle that in comfort you will be fit enough start any other exercise you feel like tackling.
now start jogging.
same procedure.
work up to it.

Answer 4

Try to join a sport that you like and will participate in regularly, and slowly cut the fat and a lot of the meat out of your diet. The trick is to find things you like that are not fattening (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and cut back on the portion sizes, but have more meals. Five small meals is better than three big ones.

Answer 5

Start walking every day and increase your distance slowly. Life some weights if possible. You must also eat healthy, high fiber foods.

Answer 6

Jogging.