Never been to a gym, want to lose 60 lbs... suggestions for motivation & fitness workouts?

Question

I am about 220 now and would like to be down around 160, but not just lose fat, also gain muscle and be nicely toned. Anyone tell me how long to expect results, steer me where I can find more info on creating an INTERESTING & varried workout? I don't know anything about working out, having a balanced diet...what should I do?

Answer 1

If you want look like a whale do nothing.........

Answer 2

The quickest path to reduce your weight is to cut back on the size of the portions you are eating and frequency of snacks throughout the day. Reach for an apple or a banana when you're hungry between main meals rather than anything else. This will reduce your weight very quickly and in a much healthier way than any other diet imaginable - look at the portions that you are eating now and cut them in half immediately. If you want to tone up as you are losing weight, start walking more as an immediate type of exercise that does not require specialized equipment or expenses. Increasing the amount of walking you do each day by 30%-100% will help you tone your lower body in the least complicated way during your initial attempts to lose weight. Keep it simple - people who take on complicated diets or exercise routines at the onset of any such programs are 88% more likely to stop the programs altogether and go back to their old ways of eating and not exercising. Good luck!

Answer 3

Best thing to do for information and guidelines for balanced diet is to join Weight Watchers.

Start off excersing by moving more. Take the stairs more often, park further away, etc. Start walking. Simple 20 minutes to start, and then work your way up to more vigorous activites. Some weight strengthening is encouraged to tone muscles as you lose weight. Going slow with a pound a week goal makes the most sense so that your skin doesn't get too loose as you lose the weight. A year is a sensilbe goal to lose the 60 pounds. Just think, you didn't put in on all at one time, so you can't take it off all at one time. It wouldn't be healthy. Good luck!

Answer 4

Rave Diet

No Refined foods
No Animal products of any kind
No Vegetable oils
Exercise every day - even a 1/2 hour walk is good.

You will see very noticeable results within the first two weeks. Plus this way of eating is less expensive than traditional diets. The idea is an all plant based diet which is very healthy for you. Eat whatever you want within the guidelines above and you will be slim, strong and healthy. You don't need to spend hours in he gym with an extensive exercise routine either.

Answer 5

First, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor. Get a physical and discuss that you are trying to lose weight. He or she should be able to help you and even get you a nutritionist to start the right eating program for you. If your doctor isn't helpful, you need to find someone who is understanding and makes you feel comfortable enough to discuss this and will work with you.

Other than that, my suggestion would be to start slowly with exercise... something you like to do and can keep going with. Walking regularly is often the best start. You can do it outside or on a treadmill, but start with a 15 minute walk every day. GET GOOD SHOES FOR WALKING FIRST! It's important so you don't injure yourself. And really WALK...it should get your heart rate up a little bit (don't just saunder). If you can do this easily, work up to 45 minutes per day (you can break it up into smaller walks, like 20 minutes in the morning and 25 minutes at night. You may find, as you lose weight, you can start jogging and should definitely add some weight training. If you can afford a trainer at a gym for a little while, it can help you get started with proper form.

Remember, you can take dance lessons, play basketball or swim or do all sorts of things that are FUN ways to exercise. You don't have to do the regular gym stuff if you hate it.

Eating a balanced diet is easier said than done for some. But the idea is that if you look at your standard plate, half of it should be vegetables/fruit, 1/4 of it protein and 1/4 of it starch/carbohydrate. Something like that. I found an article from Men's Health that recommended this too...the link is http://health.yahoo.com/topic/weightloss/overview/article/mens-health/24360.

I think Weight Watchers is a low cost, sensible start if you aren't sure how to diet properly....or get the advice of a nutritionist.

Good luck! You can do it!

Answer 6

Try the Body For lIfe program. It addresses all areas as far as weight loss, and toning. It is a GREAT program. I'm on week 6 and I am amazed at the results. I've lost inches and pounds, but they do stress that the program should be a lifetime commitment and not just a quick fix. It's definitely not a fad diet or gimmick. Real people, real results. You can buy the book in any book store or on loan at the library or just use the website. I'd recommend reading the book first. The support system is phenomenal!!!

Answer 7

First, don't over do it. If you try to do too much you will more than likey get very sore and will stop exercising for a few days. The key is to be consistent with both diet and exercise. Be sure to do some exercise every day. Even if it just means going for a walk. The same is true for your diet. Eat low fat and try to reduce the amount you eat. Do not give up certain types of foods. Find ways to eat similiar kinds of foods you enjoy - but low fat versions. The key is to do it every day.

Answer 8

Get into a "lose weight" frame of mind, Watch calories (1500 perday) and walk 30 minutes a day. Eat smaller portions of the food you like, don't starve yourself. Don't expect to lose that weight overnite. I lost 10 pounds in 1 1/2 months. Patience is the key. You do not need to spend a bunch of money to lose wieght.

Answer 9

Great!!! That is awesome.
I would check out Denise Austin, she is inspiring and motivational!!!!!
She has an online guide to exercise and eating healthy program that is awesome.
She has a show every morning at 7:00 on Lifetime.
She has many dvd's also.
They can all be done at home, and she varies her workouts every morning.
Good Luck! Great move!

Answer 10

find calorie/fitness calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
dont try to lose more than 1-2lbs a week - its not healthy to lose more.
eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours)
5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water
have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
have lean meat (protein) for dinner - repairs muscle
cardio exercise 4-6 times a week for 30-50min, light weight training
dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, past etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried - no junk food.

Answer 11

I had a trainer at 24 hour fitness and it helped me a lot! I have a problem keeping on track without someone telling me what I should do. They help you with your diet too. I'm sure other gyms also offer the same kind of trainers. Such as bally's.
Good luck!! :)