I've recently joined because I am determined to change my lifestyle.
I'm 17 (18 in 3 weeks) and I weigh 187.3 lbs. My weight has been up and down for the past 3 years and I used bullying as an excuse to hide myself away with comfort foods and slowly the weight started to pile on. I have been to a gym but no one was willing to go with me so after 3 months I stopped trying and now I am at my current weight.
I would absolutely LOVE to start eating healthily and losing weight but I don't know where to start! I would like to do the Couch to 5k programme but I am too embarrased to go out running because of how I look and I don't think there are any running groups in my area.
Do any of you have any tips for a newbie like me? Any help and advice is gratefully received!
Written by
Megan_L
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Re couch 25K: it's a great programme, really good for new runners as it starts with short runs mixed with walking but moves on quite quickly so you make amazing progress. When you do the first run you never believe you will ever manage the 30 mins at the end but it really works.
The most difficult part is getting the confidence to get out there and try it for the first time. First time I went out I wanted to explain to people that I was new to running and that's why I kept stopping and was so sweaty and rubbish but actually most people didn't take any notice and wouldn't have known how far/fast i was going anyway. These days I still get very sweaty (and look a bit of a state at the end!) but I'm much faster.
Please don't feel embarrassed about running outside, there will be lots of different abilities and sizes out there already. Some of them will be thinner than you and faster than you but so what? You will still be doing better than all of those people sitting at home doing nothing. Other runners will probably see you and think well done for having a go, people will admire you for having the confidence to do it and if anyone else thinks anything unkind that says much more about them than you. Don't worry about how you look, you will only be out for 30 minutes then you can go home again. It will help your self esteem (probably a bit low thanks to the bullies?) and make you feel more confident, this should then help with the healthy eating and weight loss . Go for it!!
Thank you so much, Kate! I completely agree with you but I am very self concious and I would probably start running if I had someone else doing it with me but unfortunately my family and friends don't see much point in running and try to talk me out of it but I am willing it's just I have very little confidence! Yes my self esteem and self confidence did take a knock thanks to the bullies and I had to leave school when I was 15 and nothing has improved since but thank you so much for replying back and I will certainly take your advice!!
totally agree with kate - no matter how you look it doesnt matter, remember youre losing weight for you, not anyone else but yourself. remember: no matter how slow you go youre still lapping those sat on the couch! all the best, freya x
Thanks freyuhh! I completely agree with both of you! As I said to Kate, I am very selfconcious and would like to start running but only if someone was willing to do it with me!
I started the couch to 5k running and im now on week 5. I was embarrassed to go outside running, but joined a gym and do it on the treadmill, as other people are running to it sort of motivates me to keep going. Maybe you should try this... I always think if I work out around other people then I work better as im not the only one doing it.
Also try 'myfitnesspal' app it helps you to keep track of what your eating. And with me it showed me that I was eating foods out of boredom. This has really helped me it gives weekly goals of what to lose and a daily calorie goal. This has really helped me and in using these two apps I have so far lost 12lbs in just 5 weeks!
Keep thinking about how youll feel after and itll motivate you to work.. youll honestly be so proud of yourself!
I know I should start going to the gym again but my self esteem is at rock bottom. Thank you for suggesting my fitness pal. I've just joined and I'm wondering why I've never come across the site before as it's amazing! Well done for losing that amount of weight!! I am definitely inspired!
I was the same when joining the gym... at first I was so scared and used every excuse not to go but then I made myself. I o ly use the ladies gym, but I realised everyone there was pretty much in the same place.... juat keep thinking its for yourself, it doesnt matter what others hink about you, it matters what you think.
Thank you, glad its given you some inspiration! its a shame I cant be your running buddy to help more! Good luck though!!
I now realise that I have been making excuses and should force myself and everyone in the gym, no matter how fit, are doing it for themselves and no one else. When I'm feeling more confident I might join JogScotland if I can find any local groups! Thank you!!
I found that giving myself little tasks to do at the gym helped me focus more and concentrate on what I was doing... which kept my mind busy so I didnt think about other people around me.
Ive also given myself a bigger target with couch to 5k. There is a half marathon in a few months in my area so I want to do that. I also want to run race for life, as its something ive always wanted to do and now I feel like I could actually do it! Which motivates me even more...
Finding good motivators is always great cause it keeps you going!
Good luck with the half marathon!! I'll be cheering you on in spirit! I really want to run the Loch Ness marathon or the Inverness half marathon in 2 or 3 years time! I can't wait to get started even though I'm super nervous haha!
Thank you!! and no worries, im happy to help... motivation is key! good luck, hope you ahieve what you want to achieve!
Hi Megan
I have just joined and saw your post. I found the couch to 5k and completed it some time ago. It was great, although I did do it on a treadmill as I was too conscious to run outside. It gives you structure, times and intervals to your training and helps guide you. I will say don't be put off if you don't meet the same times as dictated on the program if you need another day to do a set session then do it, don't go too fast.
It put me off at the start when I was aiming for their times and I couldn't run that fast or that long. But as time went by I got there.
You know it feels great doing it, I thought I would never manage to run either on a treadmill or for 5 K and I have done both. I'm still running not as much as I'm doing a cycling event in the new year. Don't get me wrong I am still overweight by about 2 stone but I am hanging on in there.
I also joined a gym some time ago, I used to go as early as possible so that there were the fewest number of people in there. So that they didn't see the fat women trying to run or lift weights. Now I do the gym at the weekend and the classes during the week. The people I have met there have kept me going, challenged me and don't let me slack too much!
Stick with it don't let it go, keep searching for those things that will drive you to your goal and to succeed you can do it!!
Pam
Hi Megan
I have just joined and saw your post. I found the couch to 5k and completed it some time ago. It was great, although I did do it on a treadmill as I was too conscious to run outside. It gives you structure, times and intervals to your training and helps guide you. I will say don't be put off if you don't meet the same times as dictated on the program if you need another day to do a set session then do it, don't go too fast.
It put me off at the start when I was aiming for their times and I couldn't run that fast or that long. But as time went by I got there.
You know it feels great doing it, I thought I would never manage to run either on a treadmill or for 5 K and I have done both. I'm still running not as much as I'm doing a cycling event in the new year. Don't get me wrong I am still overweight by about 2 stone but I am hanging on in there.
I also joined a gym some time ago, I used to go as early as possible so that there were the fewest number of people in there. So that they didn't see the fat women trying to run or lift weights. Now I do the gym at the weekend and the classes during the week. The people I have met there have kept me going, challenged me and don't let me slack too much!
Stick with it don't let it go, keep searching for those things that will drive you to your goal and to succeed you can do it!!
I am hoping to go back but it's just the thought of going and getting back into it. I am interested in doing metafit as there are several classes in my area. When I was going I lost 2.5lbs in 2 months and I will admit it did feel amazing but after being diagnosed with psychotic depression, leaving the house is really difficult for me but I am battling through and determind to do this!! Thank you so much!!
Try not to think too much about the start it might be daunting. I am trying to get my head in to it and the thought of having, put on weight that I had lost last year defeats me before I have started. So I am trying to let that go and start from a new point, today now.
Have you asked your GP for help. I know that they do support people with a referral to a local gym/leisure cent giving you a short number of sessions and a trainer that can help.
I know it is difficult when you are not feeling at your most motivated to carry on and do something that takes you out of your comfort zone.
This seems like a good place to start talking on here. In fact you have given me a boost just by your reply and that I am not on my own in my struggle.
Maybe you could start with ten mins of exercise and build from there, they say ten mins is better than nothing.
It's very daunting as sometimes I get delusional and I think that has contributed to me not going to the gym anymore. I have asked my GP but she said that because I'm only 17 I should think about weight loss groups (and I have been to several but none of them have been helpful at all) and she thinks that I shouldn't be thinking about going to gyms but I did find going to the gym in the beginning very helpful so I don't have a clue what she's on about! I am very glad I can help give someone a boost and it has helped me knowing that there are like minded people here and I am happy that there people such as yourself who are helping me and motivating me!!
10 mins of excercise a day sounds like a great idea! I am thinking of buying fitness dvd's that I can do at home until I am confident enough to go outside again.
I know 2 people who have lost weight and toned up by hula hooping at home, short bursts a several times a day. I think amazon have DVDs to go with hula hoops.
With regards to confidence issues and leaving the house, could you try small steps first? Go for a short walk and maybe listen to the C25K podcast while walking so you know what to expect and it's not so scary, you could always walk faster instead of actually running first time. No one else will know what you're doing so you won't feel judged and a 30 min walk will do you good anyway.
I'm not sure why your GP put you off the gym, if you enjoyed it and it helped then it's a good thing, the social aspect can be really helpful too. I'm not a big fan of slimming groups as most people I know who go end up yo yo dieting but the Rosemary Connelly ones do exercise as well so maybe that would suit you as you would be exercising with people with the same goals (and they would also probably understand some of your self esteem issues and nervousness as well)
You sound as if you've had a horrible time and it's such a shame as you're so young, you should be having a great time not all these worries. Keep reading this site for advice and support, you can have a virtual hug from us when you feel bad! xx
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good luck, hope you ahieve what you want to achieve! 
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