Advice needed *Halp*

[Chaddylivvy]

Hi guys, I'm hoping to shred of the weight on my body. I have a few weddings to attend soon and need to look good. I am 16 and have just recently bought a treadmill.. but it can be a bit boring or I don't have enough willpower.. 😕 does anyone have any tips on how I can shred the weight and make it fun/interesting? Thanks X ☺

[JiminyCricket 7lbs]

Welcome to the forum! Are you going to follow the 12 week plan? It's really working for me, though there's lots of people following other diets on the forum too. If you do the 12 week plan use the bmi calculator to find out what calorie range you should eat in order to lose weight.

There's also a pinned post called 'welcome newbies' for advice getting started.

And today is a Monday weigh in if you want to share your starting weight and your goals - find the thread called 'Monday group weigh in 2nd jan' and reply to it.

I think I'd find a treadmill a bit boring too - what about listening to a radio programme or watching a TV show that the same length as your workout?

Well done for making a start and all the best for 2017

[Hidden]

If you're new to running you can follow the couch to 5k NHS programme. This makes it a bit more gradual and manageable

I'd say don't just do the treadmill. Get an exercise dvd, a few dumbbells (1/2/3kg) but you're still young so I don't know what sort of strength exercising they recommend for younglings so don't overdo it. Try a mini indoor trampoline that you can use while watching the TV? The more varied your workouts can be the better it is for you and the more effective it'll be. I'm not an expert but I try to do at least two days a week of weights with floor exercises (abcrunches, planks and squats etc). I also bought an exercise hula hoop which is loads of fun and great for toning.

There's loads of information online, just make sure you do it all properly to avoid risk of injury

Obviously keeping an eye on what you eat is important. Make sure you eat enough fruit, veg, fibre, proteins and carbs etc to give you enough energy to exercise or you won't get very far!

This forum is a good way to help motivate yourself, reading other people's successes or struggles can help. Also setting workouts to music is really good. I read my kindle while I'm on my bike or watch the TV, going extra fast during the adverts or saying I have to do it to the end of the programme etc.

Also finding a way to reward yourself is good I recently bought myself some make up with Christmas money to congratulate myself so far. And ive got a pair of jeans one size too small ready for me to fit into when the time comes!

Good luck with getting ready for your weddings to attend this year

[kantara71]

Forget the treadmill and start walking each day and become an expert on what you eat. Follow the 12 week plan and you will lose a consistent 1-3lbs a week, As for "shredding" weight, this gives the impression you want a fast weight loss, which is not recommended, this is a change in lifestyle approach that gives a gradual weight loss that helps you to keep it off. If you are 16 and overweight then you have to seriously look at what you are eating/snacking on and do something about it now, it gets harder as you get older, trust me I know! Get into good eating habits now and dump the rubbish foods from your cupboard. Good luck

[ceejayblue]

As you're only 16 and haven't said how much you currently weigh or how tall you are, I would firstly go and see your GP and ask to be weighed and measured and discuss whether or not you actually do need to lose weight.

At 16 I assume you are still living at home and you really do need to speak to your parents as no doubt it will be one of them doing the cooking and they need to be on board with it all and can make sure that you are eating correctly.

I am always concerned on the forums when people start giving out advice (albeit to follow the 12 week plan in most cases) without knowing the history of the person asking the questions and in the case of those under 18, without even suggesting that they speak to their parents!

Please make sure that you are sensible, no quick fixes, they don't produce lasting results and can make you ill. Speak to your parents and your GP before you start on anything.