Hi everyone I am Alice. I joined today because I can't take it anymore. I began Massage School in October 2011 and have realized that, for the first time, my weight is an issue and is causing me problems. I am having stamina issues as well as being able to support my own weight throughout a 50 minute treatment.

My teachers are very happy with my progress in massage, but again my weight gets in the way, literally. I had a client, in practice clinic, that told me she could feel my body leaning on her throughout the massage and it made her uncomfortable. Her other feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I felt terrible and understand how this can't go on anymore.

My biggest problem is that I don't exercise and have never given it a true effort. I have done lots of diets in the past, I just hate exercise.

I am hoping that being part of a support group and this forum that it will help motivate me to workout.

Good luck on your journey, Alice. Maybe you could start off walking a little time each day, anything that gets you moving counts.

Exercise doesn't have to be boring or painful. I love swimming, so I swim laps every couple days after work. I also like dancing, so I do Zumba tapes on the weekends. If I'm feeling really stressed after work, I put on my iPod and go for a walk, or I walk on the treadmill at the Y (where I go swimming).

Ecxercise doesn't cause weight loss, a calorie deficiency does. I suggest keeping track of everything you eat and try to stay around 1500-1600 calories per day to start. That will cause weight loss. Exercise helps by allowing us to eat more, and its good for our health, but it is not the reason people lose weight.

Hi Alice, congrats on Massage School! This is a great group of supportive people who have done wonderful things for themselves. Welcome !

Welcome, from a fellow newbie. Maybe you could test some different sports/activities and see if there are any you like. You could get a dog, and go for walks. I like yoga. Itīs really relaxing but hard at the same time. Anyway, good luck!!

I hate exercise too.. BUT.. Walking can be calming.. swimming.. just try to be active doing something that helps your mind too. Thats my game plan. Even starting to SEW again i believe will help me lose weight.. why?.. because happy people can do anything.. right?