[adaynparadise]

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading this forum for awhile now and I have finally decided to introduce myself. My name is Katie. I am 21 years old and a junior in college. I really want to better myself not only with my weight but with my comfort in who I am. I have lost 20 pounds in the last year but not in a healthy way. I got out of a emotionally abusive relationship and took it really hard and the weight fell off without me trying, but I really think it was that easy because I hardly ate. I have finally gotten to the point where I'm comfortable with who I am again-- but I want to be at the point where I'm totally comfortable walking into a room and not worrying about what others think of me.
I am amazed with the amount of support that is on this website. I'm ready to work at my weight loss but I'm stuck as to how to do this. I have been keeping a food journal for a couple of weeks and I have gone to the gym three times this week. But I don't know how to focus on exercising. I read some of everyones exercise plans but I still don't get it. Do I only do cardio one night? Or weights?
Thanks in advance,
Katie

[trnsfrmnreplace]

Welcome Katie!
I'm sorry that you had to go through that, nobody deserves to be in an abusive relationship. I hope you are eating better, more, and healthier now. May i ask how much you weigh now?

It really depends on you what you want to do. Me personally, i do BOTH, cardio AND strength training on the same day.

If you need to work towards a fitness goal, join in on the April Challenge.

If you need anything, we are all here for you.

[Marineswife85]

Welcome Katie! Im sorry to hear about your relationship.. I had a few of those in the past and its never good.. Good luck with your weightloss!

[britomart]

Hi Katie, welcome

[LockItUp]

Welcome. As Trns said, you can do it both in one night, depending on who you talk to, some do cardio first, some after. I tend to wait until after so I have the most energy to do weights (or sometimes I do them at completely different times of the day), but I have just started doing weights again and only am doing it 2 times a week. I try and do cardio 5-6 days a week. It's great you've been keeping a food journal, I don't think I could have lost weight without one. Exercise, I think, can tend to be harder to get into than good eating habits, but if you try to put a lot of effort the frist few weeks into making sure to do it, before you know it you will crave it! Good luck and I am glad you are here!!!

[frenchfrydiva]

hey there!
welcome..im 20 and a sophmore in college..this site will be great to you for advice and new ideas..my best advice if you like going to the gym is to try and find a gym buddy because i find working out with someone keeps me more motivated..i also like to try the classes my gym offers so that my workout is something new..not just doing one thing everytime i go..good luck with everything..you can do it!!!

[angeleyezx]

Hi!!

[adaynparadise]

Thanks everyone for the welcome!

I look forward to getting to know everyone!

[maegdaeien]

Hi Katie! I agree with the others; it's best to combine strength training and cardio. However, I've been in college for 2 years now and can't afford a gym membership, so what I do is just walk around between my classes and work (I have a couple blocks of time a week in which to do this). Then I cheat and consider lugging my backpack around to be the weights!