Hi Everyone,
I am new to this site and am hoping to find some much needed motivation to lose some weight and become overall healthier person. I am a type two diabetic, so what I eat and how I exercise can effect me greatly. I am trying new healthier recipes (I have recently taken on cooking as a new hobby), but lack any motivation to exercise. I live with family members that rather watch TV and eat fast food, so that makes the temptation a lot harder to overcome and support is lacking. I am 5'2" and weigh 160. To get off of some medications and better control my diabetes, I should weigh 125 to 130. So any advice for a non-morning person to get out of bed and exercise, lose some belly fat too, would be much appreciated!!
Thanks, Anna

What is your schedule like? I know I find it hard to make time to exercise sometimes due to work and a hectic schedule. I treated myself to a treadmill for an early xmas gift and it has been helping some so I can't use the weather or its dark already as an excuse. Before that though, I used to take my dogs on a walk and I would walk and jog intermittently, but I found it hard to work that in sometimes. So another thing I did was do a workout using my exercise ball or lift weights instead. Or workout using the Wii. Today I went on a cleaning binge and swept, dusted, mopped, cleaned my bathrooms, and did laundry. You can burn a lot of calories if you have to do some heavy housework I've started to love cooking too and make it a point to try lots of new healthy recipes and some vegetarian ones too for variety. Hopefully your other family members will start to appreciate a good homecooked meal, I used to rather eat fast food too but now I'd rather have something healthy cooked at home any day. It tastes better and better for you. Maybe you could try making some good high fiber breakfast smoothies to energize you in the morning to help you get moving. Hope that helps and good luck with it, I know getting the motivation is hard for me too sometimes! Once I get moving I'm alright but its just the actual starting thats hard sometimes.

I can't answer for anyone else, but I've been trying to alternate what I'm doing because I find it hard to exercise for exercising's sake. I've been enjoying my Wii Fit and Outdoor Challenge with my children because it something we can laugh at together. Also, I've purchased the DVD set of the Richard Simmons workouts that I do with my oldest at times...also good for a laugh. I'm getting together with a friend to walk during the week, too. Basically, I'm just trying to do things that I know I can get some laughs and compansionship out of too because I look forward to that so I'm more likely to do it.

Welcome! You're going to love it here! This is a great place to get support and motivation...and to also pay it forward.

You can probably find a good workout dvd at your local library. Or, there are some good ones on amazon.com that aren't too expensive, since you can usually buy them used. I've heard good things about Turbo Jam, but there are so many others. Maybe you can get some of your family members to join you?

If you have a local YMCA or Rec Center, they usually have great classes like yoga and Zumba or Pilates. If not, you can do a lot of things with some free weights and an exercise ball. Or, check your local craigslist for some used exercise equipment. As someone else posted, a treadmill is a great investment, but you can also get a stationary bike. A lot of people sell their used exercise equipment, so take a look.

Finally, you can always go on youtube and put on your favorite music (maybe make a list ahead of time so you don't have to wonder what to put on) and do free dancing, squats, push ups, crunches, planks, etc....get moving and if you do it every day, you'll realize you can't feel that good without it!

I'm sure you'll figure something out. Where there's a will, there's a way!

Heather and K8t,
Thank you for your advice! I do have a hectic schedule and after work, the last thing I want to do is exercise! It is the part of just getting out of bed and going on my stationary bike and Ab lounge and using them!! Sounds so simple, but I am not a morning person, so that is the hard part. I think trying to find something that I enjoy and makes me laugh is key!! Even if it is just walking a bit. I used to walk every morning with a friend, but he moved to CO a month ago. So I have to find a replacement walker I guess!! My goal is to start next week, every morning with exercising at least 15 to 30 minutes!! Thanks again for the advice!!
-Anna

luckymommy, Thank you for the video advice! I will have to check some of them out! I need to mix up my exercise choices I think!
-Anna

I dont have any advice for you cause this is a new start for me too and I am starting my journey. I'm hoping this site can help me. It is a very inspirational and encouraging site. I'm gonna take baby steps and start walking 15 minutes daily. I mean...it doesn't hurt to miss 15 minutes of TV daily does it? That is what I'm telling myself anyway! Best of luck to you!

LeslieLou, I know! TV is my downfall, especially during the winter. I live in MN and I am not a fan of the cold! So it is hard for me to get outside and exercise! But baby steps is good. I tend to fail when I try to get straight for the main goal and not count all the small successes along the way. If I can lend any support, let me know! Thank you for yours!!
-Anna

Has anyone heard of or tried Easytone shoes from Reebok? They are supposed to help you use your muscles more, I think. I was thinking about getting them, but wanted some opinions on them.

Hi Anna!
Sounds like you're ready to go and off to a great start - no looking back, just moving forward -the support you need is here - you can do this - and we'll all be here to cheer you on!

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated, inspired and entertained! There's also info and first hand advice on different eating plans and exercise to help you choose the right ones for you and get through the ups and downs.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a few months myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of cheating or giving up.

So welcome - you 've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

Leeway, Thank you for the encouragement! I am going to try to concentrate on just one day at a time. My goal is to lose enough weight to help improve my diabetes! I hope the support continues!! thank you again!!!
-Anna

For me, right now, today...exercise is MOVING MORE. I haven't exercised in a long time. Moving more means 2 me...parking farther away, going up and down my stairs more, taking a walk, going up and down the isles at the store just to go up and down the isles...anything I can think of. Good luck and keep coming back.

Cathy

Hi Anna and welcome to 3FC. Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Yeah, recently for the past year..I've starting gradually choosing healthy foods and my mother has been most supportive and helping. My dad on the other hand is not.. all he drinks is pop, if my mother didn't make a homecooked meal EVERYDAY..he would be eating McDonalds everyday of is ^%$&% life.

Since he makes the money, he thinks he decides how to spend it. He always complains when i ask him for my, "Diet Food" (Whole grains, veggies, tea) and he complains when he has to eat it. He complains when i ask him for dumbbells or a diet scale. I mean, everything is delicious and good for you and my dad can't come to apprciate the hard work and love me and my mom put into the food to make ourselves live better lives.. for him too!

Anna, all you can do is slowly bring your family into your lifestyle, and if not at least ask for their support and understading.That's all i can ask for too. hehe I hope you do well on your weight loss trip and healthy lifestyle journey and have a few laughs and good memories on the way! <3

~Hannah