I found this site because I really want to lose weight but don't want to do it alone without some type of support. I'm trying to take this day by day to slowly change my bad habits. I am trying to stop drinking soda and drink more water. I've been trying to exercise more but I can't seem to find the motivation. I hope to get to know some of you and exchange advice.

Hi, I'm in the same place as you are right now. I need motivation . As bad as i want to lose the weight I can't get motivated to do it.. I need to lose 120 pounds and since its so much is so discouraging. I wish you luck . Im trying to figure out this site so hopefully i will be able to chat with you sometimes to see how everything is going. Good luck

Hi! Welcome to the site! My advice to get started here is to look at some of the stickies at the top of the boards, they often have links to some really inspiring threads.
The goal board is so inspirational too, so many people who have actually done what we all want to do, got to goal!!

Best of luck on both of your journeys!

Congratulations on starting the journey!

I was on and off "diets" for many years and always struggled with getting, and remaining, active. I was an athlete in high school, and was pretty active until knee injuries knocked me out.

I can tell you, for me, the key to getting and staying active was to find activities I loved doing AND to make friends who would help motivate me. I started doing Zumba (at home) and really liked it - I eventually joined the YMCA and tried every Zumba class I could find until I found 1-2 instructors I loved and I went to all of their classes. Within a couple of months, I started getting to know my neighbors and now, 4.5 years later, I've made some really great friends.

I had knee replacement surgery this past December and I am not able to go to Zumba (YET) - so I've taken up spin classes and cycling. Bought a touring bike and really enjoy it, and my husband goes with me. We found a lovely greenway (nice and shaded) and we can do an 8-mile path, or 12-mile path.

I also found that I love walking. Normally I pop my ear-buds in and just listen to music, but I've also done Italian lessons (before we vacationed in Italy) - relaxation/guided imagery (before my surgery) and sometimes, I just go without anything and listen to the sounds of my neighborhood. This time is just for me - no one else goes with me, no dogs, no husband, etc. Eventually going to take up hiking, once the knee is more stable!

I also liked the water, but didn't love swimming laps...so I bought my husband and myself scuba certification classes & gear for a wedding anniversary, and now we have an active hobby we both love (and we always lose weight on dive trips).

I found that I do not like just "going to the gym" and getting on machines, I like classes. I like a start time and end time, and I enjoy the social aspect of it. I also like dancing, and I found a Zumba instructor (I've also become friends with her) who uses current music - a lot of hip hop and fun stuff - rather than just Latin-style music. She makes it fun.

So, find something you like and just begin. Start at home if you need to, rent DVDs, record stuff on your DVR, ride a bike, take a walk, get in a pool, etc. And do it - even when you don't want to. Seriously, I cannot tell you how many times I didn't want to go to the gym because I was tired, in a bad mood, not motivated, etc. - but 90% of the time I felt great after the workout was done.

Good luck!

Thank you all for the replies. I guess my lack of motivation is really based on my mood. I know that if I lose weight I will feel better about myself. My self-esteem is really lacking which is what holds me back. I'm so down on myself that I don't think I could do it. I should exercise but I'd rather just say in bed all day.

Hi and welcome. 3FC is amazing. If I didn't visit this site daily, I don't know what I'd do. This is a long journey and sometimes not such a nice one, but coming here really helps. I find that when I lose motivation I tend to find myself at the goals and mini goals section. Each of those also has a photo album and I am sucker for before and after photos.