For the past few weeks I haven't been very serious about loosing my extra weight. But I've just had a kick in the pants and relize that this is for me.No one else. I'm not loosing the weight to reach the "perfect, ideal", to fit someone elses type, to fit into a sports level. This is for me. So I feel better. I know I'm going to have to be my key motivater but I'd really appreciate if I could have a few people "pushing" me along. =)

I've cut out soda drinks, chips, cut down on the bread I've been eating and trying to just eat better in general. I've been doing that for the past couple of days and I already feel a ton better! and a ton lighter too! lol hehe. I had to make that awful joke. My legs are so sore from running though that I've been riding my bike (mostly for fun). Anyways Does anyone have any ideas on how I can work out because it's become very cold here and while going outside is nice, I have to wear about a million tops just to keep warm!

Ta! And thanks!

Shannie

go too a gym? your 17 im sure your school has a gym that you can attend after schools hours. that is how it used to be at mine...

also if its cold outside just strech indoor...

Hey Shannon

By the sounds of it, you already seem to have the right mindset and making the right changes to lose weight. Diet is such a key element and having the discipline to cut out unhealthy food is great

If you can't face the cold weather, sticking to the gym as Chris says is the best option (you won't get cold in there!). Although having said that, training during the colder weather isn't that bad - sure it's cold at first but usually within the first 5-10mins you begin to warm up pretty quickly. I always make the mistake of putting too many layers on despite thinking it's too cold and regret it later on

Hope that helps!

Chris M

Shannon, you are here, and that is a good step! ;)

Seriously, just the fact you are here asking for assistance is a good thing. We all need motivation, and I think you are learning that the most effective motivation comes from within, YOU have to want it.

I think, for someone like yourself, balance is the key. You don't need to cut out soda, sweets or that burger, you just need to employ moderation. You also don't need to run 30 miles that first week or climb your local mountain with only 1 liter of water.

Train smarter, not harder. Too often I see people, with the best of intentions, train too hard at the beginning. And what happens? They quit. This is obvious because who wants to suffer? Maybe masochists, but most of us don't fall into that category.

This is where training smarter comes in. Have an OCCASIONAL soda, or treat, but not as a regular part of your diet, more as a reward. Start making healthy treats and food a regular part of your diet. With regards to exercise, start of slowly. You don't want to fall into the old trap of making yourself miserable from over-exercising.

Also, have a realistic view of what a healthy body and lifestyle is. I don't know much about you, but I do know that at 17, many of us are filled with doubt and unrealistic views of what a beautiful and healthy body is. By this I mean, read less Glamour and Seventeen, and more Women's Health and Shape.

And most of all, remember this, consistent actions, yield consistent results. There is no magic to being in or out of shape. Eat and train healthily and you will get the results you desire.

Good luck and do your best Shannon!

Hi Shannon

I know exactly how you feel - getting it into my head that 'cheating' by tucking into a big fat brownie is actually only cheating myself has taken a while, but I'm taking a day at a time and - so far - today has been better. It sounds as though your approach of cutting out the bad stuff is a good one, its amazing how good that makes you feel isn't it?!

As for exercise - have you tried sites like iTrain.com? They have downloadable workouts MP3s, including a whole range of 'iTeenTrain' workouts including dance workouts as well as yoga, boxercise, weights, track or treadmill etc... they start at about $0.99 but I'm sure there are other sites where they have other workouts and probably free podcast versions. I've tried a few and had a great time going for it in the privacy - and warmth! - of my sitting room

Hello Shannon,

you could also try excercises like the ones that are described in Mark Verstegens Books "Core Performance" and "Core Performance essentials". I am sure that there are a lot of other good excercise books, but I don't know them. The big advantage of those excercises is that you can do them at home.

I wish you a lot of motivation .

Indoor exercise in cold weather on a tight budget: turn on your favorite fast-paced music, and do step exercises using the first step of your stairs. You can make this as easy or hard as you like by your choice of music. No stairs? Then dance

Hi Shannon,

Congratulations on making this choice to do this for you!!! That is certainly the first step!!! I would just like to encourage you by saying that I have lost 65 pounds in the last 6 months without barely stepping outside. I must tell you that Leslie Sansone is my best friend in the world!!!! She is a fitness guru who does "Walk Away the Pounds" walking tapes. The steps are easy to follow and it doesn't become too boring. There are tapes ranging from 1 mile to 4 miles. She's fantastic in my opinion. Try Amazon.com and do a search for her. You'll be sure to find something from her. The tapes are reasonable and definately cheaper than buying any equiptment ( I also have an Elliptical Trainer however) Good luck with everything and if you need any more motivators I would love to be one. We started a weight loss club at work and they call me the drill sergeant. I can't help it. I just want everyone to feel as fantastic as I do about getting healthy. Best of luck to you. And just remember, no matter how you feel at any particular moment, YOU CAN DO IT!!