Newbie here

[Danaleexxo]

Hey everyone, I'm Danalee. I'm twenty years old, 5'1, around 120 lbs. I came here because I'm going to start working out again, and I'm afraid I'll lack motivation (and/or support) in the near future. My foster mom made me work out when I lived with her (I was around 16, and around 130 lbs) and although it was hard work, It energized me and made me feel great about my body. I'm trying to work out again, although there's one big problem. I'm a smoker. And not just any kind of smoker. I go through 1-2 packs a day, and if I walk up a simple flight of stairs I'm winded. Hopefully once I start my routine, I will be able to quit with the help of an aide. I can't afford the gym right now, so I'm trying to find a good cardio DVD I can use (I've been looking at Billy Bank's Bootcamp and it looks fun). I want to do an all over body workout, paying close attention to overall weight loss and my abs.

Sorry for the long entry. Hi!!!


P.S. In the pictures I added, believe me, I do not look that thin IRL. I took those pix with a webcam, and if I had taken them with my digital camera, all the fattyness would show.

 

[core_elements]

Hey everyone, I'm Danalee. I'm twenty years old, 5'1, around 120 lbs. I came here because I'm going to start working out again, and I'm afraid I'll lack motivation (and/or support) in the near future. My foster mom made me work out when I lived with her (I was around 16, and around 130 lbs) and although it was hard work, It energized me and made me feel great about my body. I'm trying to work out again, although there's one big problem. I'm a smoker. And not just any kind of smoker. I go through 1-2 packs a day, and if I walk up a simple flight of stairs I'm winded. Hopefully once I start my routine, I will be able to quit with the help of an aide. I can't afford the gym right now, so I'm trying to find a good cardio DVD I can use (I've been looking at Billy Bank's Bootcamp and it looks fun). I want to do an all over body workout, paying close attention to overall weight loss and my abs.

Sorry for the long entry. Hi!!!


P.S. In the pictures I added, believe me, I do not look that thin IRL. I took those pix with a webcam, and if I had taken them with my digital camera, all the fattyness would show.

Hey Dana you've got a really good base to start with!

Changes in exercise and nutrition tend to breed good lifestyle habits in other area's of our life. Just remember to start off with baby steps and not try to overwhelm yourself with a million and one goals.

There are 3 elements to successful body composition changes: nutrition, cardio and resistance training (which does not have to be done in a gym).

Cardio will definitely help bring up both your cardiovascular endurance and stamina - which will counteract some of the issues with the smoking. And eventually it'll just make sense to quit the smokes since you're investing so much into bettering your overall health. Go for walks, jogs, hikes. If you've got a bike or roller blades - use em. Variety is key to keep you from plateau'ing and getting bored.

No need to join a gym to do some more intense stuff. There are alot of bodyweight routines you can follow in the privacy of your bedroom! Resistance training will also help with your overall health and muscular endurance. If you need some suggestions on exercises, just say so

Good luck

 

[Danaleexxo]

Hey Dana you've got a really good base to start with!

Changes in exercise and nutrition tend to breed good lifestyle habits in other area's of our life. Just remember to start off with baby steps and not try to overwhelm yourself with a million and one goals.

There are 3 elements to successful body composition changes: nutrition, cardio and resistance training (which does not have to be done in a gym).

Cardio will definitely help bring up both your cardiovascular endurance and stamina - which will counteract some of the issues with the smoking. And eventually it'll just make sense to quit the smokes since you're investing so much into bettering your overall health. Go for walks, jogs, hikes. If you've got a bike or roller blades - use em. Variety is key to keep you from plateau'ing and getting bored.

No need to join a gym to do some more intense stuff. There are alot of bodyweight routines you can follow in the privacy of your bedroom! Resistance training will also help with your overall health and muscular endurance. If you need some suggestions on exercises, just say so

Good luck

Thanks! & yeah It's not just about me losing weight, that's not the main issue. Although I'd like to happen as well, I just want to be in good shape again. I definitely noticed the difference when I was in good shape. Now I just feel like crap - tired, out of breath, sleeping ALL the time! It's horrible.

The thing about the dieting part is, I don't eat that much anymore due to a health problem I have. It causes me to take 2-3 bites of something and then I'm full. I know people trying to get in shape HAVE to eat something, so I plan on eating tiny little meals that won't make me feel sick, and drinking whey shakes and having small snacks (like fruits, nuts, etc.) to keep my metabolism going. Right now, I probably take in 1000 calories or less.

I do like the idea of being able to work out while I watch tv or something, so I plan on investing in a jump rope, or doing jumping jacks, kickbox cardio, or just running in place in my bedroom.

I have pills that I got from GNC - an energy enhancer and CLA that I plan on taking so I hope that works as well.

If you have any more tips, please throw them my way!!