[Dont-Dream-It]

Hey there.

I'm 5'4 and weigh about 160lbs. Overweight. I know. But I am going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week to rectify this, not to mention eating healthily.

I've only been doing this lifestyle change for five days now and I know that's really not enough to tell anything but I'm fretting it won't work. I want to lose 50 lbs by June/July sort of time and am really worried I won't.

I'm also anxious about shifting the weight off of my arms and legs in particular - I really want quite slim legs and arms, these I find my problem areas as my stomach tone and loses fat quite easily.

Any advice?

[Lonestar]

Originally Posted by Dont-Dream-It

Hey there.

I'm 5'4 and weigh about 160lbs. Overweight. I know. But I am going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week to rectify this, not to mention eating healthily.

I've only been doing this lifestyle change for five days now and I know that's really not enough to tell anything but I'm fretting it won't work. I want to lose 50 lbs bt June/July sort of time and am really worried I won't.

I'm also anxious about shifting the weight off of my arms and legs in particular - I really want quite slim legs and arms, these I find my problem areas as my stomach tone and loses fat quite easily.

Any advice?

Lots of cardio 5 times a week at least and weight training 3-4 times per week. The cardio is what will take off that extra weight the fastest, but muscle mass also burns extra calories. Good luck.

[slubberdegullion]

Originally Posted by Lonestar

Lots of cardio 5 times a week at least and weight training 3-4 times per week. The cardio is what will take off that extra weight the fastest, but muscle mass also burns extra calories. Good luck.

Lonestar is right, but there are a couple of caveats that may be worth considering:

• If your workouts hurt, then stop, or at least slow down. You muscles need time to regenerate after a hard workout, and straining them while they're hurting isn't going to do you any good;
• Muscle mass weighs more than fat, so you may find that you look and feel thinner but your weight hasnt' changed, or maybe it's even increased. Don't be discouraged, because that's normal;
• Good idea to make a whole "lifestyle change" rather than just one or two components. But make no mistake, it's a tough slog.

Good luck!

[Dont-Dream-It]

I can only get there at the most four times a week and also I was advised to stay away from weights as I don't want muscle-y legs, so I do and hour of cardio instead.

Thanks for the luck...I probably need it!

[Giselle]

Try stretching your muscles out after you work them--usually this results in a leaner, less "muscle-y" look. Also, avoid constantly tracking your progress (like stepping on the scale every day). At first, it's going to feel like you aren't making any progress at all--just keep working at it and don't get discouraged. You need to give your body time to adjust to your lifestyle change. Good luck with your goal :-)

[sophia34]

Another bit of advice: Try not to use weight loss as your motivation to exercise and eat right. I know that seems impossible, but if you focus too much on weight loss, you'll abandon your program if you don't see the results you want right away.

Instead, use your health and long-term quality of life as your motivation. Tell yourself that when you exercise and eat right now, you're doing it for increased energy, lower blood pressure, a healthy heart, and an active, vibrant old age. You're doing it to make your quality of life better.

By using that motivation, you won't be derailed the first or second time the scale doesn't show what you want it to. And, if you stick to it, the weight loss will come on its own.

You need to lose only 20 lb, if you lose 50 lb, you will look too skinny.

[Dont-Dream-It]

Thank you, lots for your words of support.

Oh, and I'm not weighing myself everyday - once every month to make sure I've hit my goal for those four weeks.

And I am also doing callanetics the three days a week which I am not at the gym...

You need to lose only 20 lb, if you lose 50 lb, you will look too skinny.

I think I want to lose more than 20lb, definitely more 40-50, but thank you.

Xx

[orangeterran]

I was quite overweight for most of my life and I started regularly exercising last year. I focused more on the aspect of physical fitness and the way I personally felt rather than appearance alone. It took nearly half a year before I noticed anything physically different.

I am still a little overweight but feel and look much better. I made goals concerning endurance and distance for jogging. Just remind yourself that if you keep up a regimen there will be results. You'll just have to be patient. It isn't easy, but all the worthwhile things in life never are.

Also, know your limitations. Do not push yourself too hard or it becomes very tempting to pull back or quit altogether. Gradually increase your tolerances and you'll accomplish much in time.