Hello, newcomer here.

[Insatiable]

I just was looking for a site that offered inspiration for a junk food junkie to get fit. I use to be very fit a few years back, but have since gained a lot of weight. I am too shy and concerned about my weight gain to join a gym. I was wondering if the girls here have and training suggestions and or tips. I am 5'10, 180lbs and in my estimation, I could stand to lose 15 lbs of fat. I love the idea of a more muscular me!

[VanillaSie]

I realize I am a bit biased, but I think you are at one of the best sites to get started! Take the time and really peruse the article listings and don't forget about using the search function for the forums. I not only find great tips and advice for training/nutrition/supplements/etc, but I get really motivated reading all these articles and posts too. The female section is particularly great! (No, no bias here. , but seriously, if it's really good why be modest! )

This lifestyle is not only about the continual physical training, but you must educate yourself along the way. And I tend to find that the more I learn the more motivated I am, which keeps the cycle going in a favorable direction.

As far as training tips go, I can relate to your not wanting to join the gym. I started out super skinny though (and still am for the most part, I need much more muscle). Here is what I do and suggest you consider:

Go buy some adjustable dumbbells and small weight plates for home training. Right now I only use dumbbells for my weight training and I either run or bike for my cardio. Free weights are a great way to build muscle mass. I will probably eventually join a gym, but for now I feel my dumbbells are working great for me.

And don't underestimate body weight exercises like push-ups or pull-ups!

Here are a few articles on dumbbells and home training to get you started.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rudy6.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/mraz4.htm

http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/ben1.htm#2

And the junk food obviously needs to be tapered off. The nutritional section here is wonderful, so take advantage of it! If you have an idea of a diet, you can post it and the women here are great with critiques.

[FitMeg08]

Welcome!! This site is great for encouragement, motivation, and education! If you want to know something you will find it an article or by asking around!! You've done a great thing by just get started towards a healthier lifestyle! Good luck with your goals!

[Komadori]

I just was looking for a site that offered inspiration for a junk food junkie to get fit. I use to be very fit a few years back, but have since gained a lot of weight. I am too shy and concerned about my weight gain to join a gym. I was wondering if the girls here have and training suggestions and or tips. I am 5'10, 180lbs and in my estimation, I could stand to lose 15 lbs of fat. I love the idea of a more muscular me!

Take it from a very obese lady (myself, duh) who went swimming despite her weight (as I talk in the 3rd person. c.c; ) that you deserve the benefits of exercise and good health, and letting your ego trip you up is not good enough to stop you from getting what you need to get done. You are where you are in your level of fitness. So be it. Take the bull by the horns and show him who's boss. I know you can do it. If you can put your shyness to the side, and try the gym out, just once, then I think you will see that it can do a lot for you. It'll be worth the initial embarrassment.