Just starting out..

[Dselfridge]

Hi all..so ive decided its time to get my fat bum off the couch and try get some confidence back! im a size 18 and my confidence is down in the basement hiding in the corner with a wee spider with 7 legs..... ive printed out my weekly forms through nhs and hopefully i can stick to it! you can all help me by giving my posts some attention as it will put pressure on me not to let yous down haha heeeeeelp!

[Arthrath 7lbs]

Hi D,

I also started just 3 days ago, I am a size 16 and have just started to go horse riding again.

I am 5'2" and have in the past been given the small ponies to ride. Not this time. Imagine my horror when they lead in a big Suffolk Punch! I needed steps to get onto her.

It was like sitting on mount everest and so wide I thought I was doing the splits

So humiliating.

Sweaty groups do nothing for me and gyms remind me of hamster wheels although handy on rainy days.

My other activity, which I started almost a year ago, is Tai Chi. Doesn't burn many calories but it does exercise the brain, helps me be more supple and the people are nice.

The one place where I do work up a sweat is volunteering in the back shop of my local charity shop.

Lifting and sorting boxes and bags at break-neck speed. Good company and always lifts the spirits.

The down side is the biscuit tin. But I have put it out of sight in a cupboard and the others (bless them) didn't nibble in front of me when we had a tea break.

I am not sure what I would do if they munched biscuits in front of me, I hope I wouldn't disgrace myself by hoovering the crumbs of their chins

I have been keeping a food diary and I posted the first day. I had overshot by a ... bit.

Someone pointed out that I had a sweet tooth. Not true I thought!

I had never noticed. But there it was in black and white.

Day one I had fresh trout with veg and yesterday we had a pork steak, tonight its muscles in white wine with a salad and a small piece of crusty bread to mop up (big piece for him).

Keep posting. People are really nice.

I have been playing with the idea of 'couch to 5K' but I'm not sure how to download the app onto my phone.

I could risk the derision from my other half and ask him.

I have been told that its best to set short achievable goals.

My first goal is to be below 11 stone. Which will be a stone heavier than my husband! But I'm not telling him that.

My ultimate goal is to light enough to be able to ride my pony who suffered from laminitis 3 years ago which has left her with foot problems. I am too heavy at the moment, her feet couldn't bear the weight.

See... full of enthusiasm...

ps. dont like the sound of your spider. I would be out of that cellar faster than Usain Bolt. I suffer from arachnophobia.

Keep posting and good luck.