And so here I am... All 5'8" and 185 pounds of me.

I have one DH, no kids, two cats and one parrot.

I'm a Canadian fat chick, 39 years old and I've finally reached the point where I not only want to lose the extra weight, but I want to do what is necessary to lose the weight (big difference - I know). I've been cutting back on the extra calories and doing light free weights for a couple of months and have lost a few pounds, but I finally decided to get serious a couple of weeks ago when I accompanied DH to a doctor's visit. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure (he's actually a bit thinner than me so it was a surprise), and since that scared the socks off him, he decided to get serious about getting into shape too.

So we embark on this journey together. I'm getting an elliptical machine in a couple of days and I'm going to teach him how to use my weights. I already eat a fairly healthy diet - just too much of it - so that part is easy. I'm not a junk food junky - but I do love cooking Getting in shape and staying there are my/our goals for now.

BP

you wont regret your purchase with the elliptical i have one and its the best thing i have.. i just love it. You will do great with a diet buddy in your house.. team work is always better then going it alone.. a bit of healthy competition is usually a good thing.. but you have to remember men loose wight quicker as they have more muscle then us and muscle burns more calories.. welcome to the forum and i hope you enjoy your time here

Hello amouse

The buddy system usually works so much better than going it alone, so hopefully it'll work here. DH is really sedentary and has never really exercised before (he does walk in the summer) so I'm figuring the pounds will melt off him quickly - at least until he starts to build up some muscles! I love him as he is, but I'm terrified of his high blood pressure and in no way want to risk losing him. This past year has been somewhat tough on him as he's had two other long ignored health problems come home to roost. He has now learned the wisdom behind the old adage 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'

I've been an on again off again exerciser and dieter that hated to go out to gyms and the like. I never minded exercising, I just hated going out in the rain or snow of muggy heat (or whatever excuse I'd make up to stay home). I've always wanted an exercise machine at home, but we live in a flat and space is in short supply. Right now, we don't care what we have to get rid of, the space for the new elliptical will be found! I'm really excited about it - I'm getting a really good deal on it so it appeals to the pocketbook as well as the waist!

BP