Hello,
My name is Patrice. I am a 21 yr-old who lives in Tavares, FL. I have been heavy all my life and just recently have gotten engaged. I want to look great for my wedding, and I believe that this is the turning point in my life. I am ready to do it. I have joined weight watchers as i have had many friends who have had sucess with it. My problem is the exercise. I work 7p-7a four days a week as a nursing aide. So it really is heard for me to find the time. Right when I get off work I come home and shower and such and get into bed to sleep maybe 4-5 hours so i can get up and cook dinner for my fiance. I was wondering if anyone had a suggestions for me as to exercise. I wouldn't mind and exercise buddy either =). I went to the gym before but, I was always ashamed to go by myself. There was always the skinny people there. I just wanted to tell my story. I would love any support. Thank you all in advance

Welcome to the site!

Hi there and !

First and foremost, don't ever be ashamed to go to they gym!!! Believe it or not, most people are just too into what they're doing to notice anyone else. I just got back from the gym and I couldn't tell you if there was someone there who was purple with green polka dots.

If you are intimidated or lost as to what exercises to do, maybe you should sign up for a session with a trainer to show you the ropes? I go to the YMCA and upon signing up you get a free session with a trainer. Perhaps your gym has something similar?

As for your time limit, those are some pretty rough shifts, but if you want this you can make the time. You say you have a 4 on 3 off schedule? Can you commit to working out on your off days? Or maybe, if you need a day off 2 of your off days and 1-2 of your work days? Also, as it sounds like you're pretty serious about getting healthy, maybe you can get your DF on board... maybe he can cook his own dinner a night or two a week so that you can focus on you (that is what's important, here)

And congrats on your engagement!

Don't be ashamed to go to the gym, atleast your doing something! I was that way too though, but my brother who lives at the gym told me " megan no guys are looking at you they are too focused on themselves" which is so true! same thing with the girls. if you still dont want to go get a treadmill at walmart for under 300 dollars. i have one in my house as well as my gym membership and they both are great

Patrice - welcome. and Congratulations.

Have joined the thread for 20 somethings on WW? It really is good support also for the diet side.

For exercise for me the easiest thing is to go straight to the gym after work ( i know you work 12 hrs) because once I get showered and in bed I am not coming back especially for the gym. Even if you only go for a 45 min walk on the treadmill.... it is a start. Also I have turbo jam and that is good for when you don't have time to pack up go to the gym plus variety is a good way not to quit. Just some suggestions...

I'm right there with ya. I went yesterday and felt like I was being watched. I'm hoping that that feeling will go away but only time will tell. Good luck on your weight loss journey.

The gym is always scary the first few times, because you feel like everyone there is watching 'the fat one', but once you get into the flow you'll like going. Like junebug said, most people are too into their workout to really notice anyone else in the gym. It's almost like going to the bathroom, you don't know who the lady in the next stall is, and she's not critiquing your bathroom skills. And if you can't make it to the gym, just a little exercise (5 minutes daily) will help you out.

As for your lucky fella, I suggest you ask him to pick a 'TV dinner night' or something, where he's in charge of getting his own meals. Tell him about your goals, I'm sure he'd love to be of assistance