Forgiven -
Try reading the chapter in BFL about "crossing the abyss". After all these years, one thing I've learned is you have to take the MENTAL steps before you can take the physical steps to make lifestyle changes...
Rather than focusing on the things you 'can't' do, think of the Bing Crosby (or was it Perry Como?) song: "You've got to...Accentuate the Positive"
and think of the things you CAN do...or say "okay, I have a bad back...how can I work around this?" Most likely, when you start an exercise program and begin to lose bodyfat, you'll find that your bad back will become much better (of course, if you're under a doctors' care, you should consult with him/her before beginning).
Exercise is HIGHLY important...but IMO nutrition is more important as far as losing bodyfat. I'd say that nutrition counts for 60% or 70% of results - because I worked out for YEARS as a cardio bunny - I'd spend 2 hours doing cardio on the elliptical, Spinning, etc. but still the fat would barely budge.
Writing down your goals is important...make promises to yourself and then HONOR those self-promises!
That's the secret to success...
As far as not being able to afford a gym - have you checked around? I have belonged to 24 Hour Fitness for years and have only paid $24 a month all that time. If that's too expensive for you - check your local community college. Most of them (the ones around here anyway) have gym facilities that you can use at little or no cost. Do some research!
If you finally CAN'T find an affordable gym-type place...don't despair...don't give up...Mistress Krista comes to the rescue on her excellent website with an article "No Weights? No Problem!"
http://www.stumptuous.com/noweights.html
The article starts like this...
Quote:
So let's say you live in Upper Armpit, South Dakota, or on top of a mountain in the Himalayas, and there are no gyms for 500 miles around. Or, let's say you're a complete cheapskate and don't want to pay $50/month to the local chrome 'n' tone Fluffy Fitness. Or, let's say that you're agoraphobic and haven't left your house in 13 years. Whatever the case, it is important to remember that you don't need weights to get a good workout.
Now, I'm not talking about those idiotic "you don't need weights, you just need 12 oz. cans of tuna!" workouts that Cosmopolitan magazine advertises (I swear I am not making the part about the tuna up... it was actually suggested by Cosmo for biceps curls... maybe they were aiming that article at 2-year-old malnourished children or something). I'm talking about old-school, farm girl, Dinosaur-training-style pickin' up heavy stuff lying around the house and yard.
what every weightless girl needs to have in her wardrobe
I'll tell ya what to do with all of this stuff. Some are just cheap things you can pick up at the local discount store, while others are likewise cheap things you can pick up at the local hardware store. Army surplus stores are also good places to look for things like heavy-duty knapsacks. If you have other cool ideas, drop me a line.
old soccer ball, basketball, or volleyball
jump rope
an old durable knapsack, and/or duffel bag, maybe even an old suitcase
sand
an old pillowcase
duct tape
a little kids' plastic sled or the "tray" part of an old wheelbarrow
rope
gloves
a small towel, or some plain foam, or some pipe insulation foam
a bucket
a shovel
You'll have to check the link to read the rest of the article
(BTW the entire website is packed with info... check it out
http://www.stumptuous.com/weights.html )
When I was a girl, I was a devotee of Laura Ingalls Wilders' "Little House" books. I remember something that her Pa said that has resonated with me... "Rome wasn't built in a day, nor is anything else that is worth having."
So. Is losing bodyfat easy? Nope. But is it worth the effort? IMO, most emphatically YES! It has been a long journey for me - from 265 pounds and a size 26 to now - but I wouldn't go back for the world, and it has made me a better person inside and out.
Take care...feel free to PM me if you wish...or post at the BFL/BB thread! Have a great holiday!