Hi! My name is Laura and I'm from Massachusetts. I've always been a fan of bodybuilders not only for their strong physical appearance, but for the drive and dedication that it takes to maintain their figures.
I'm 24 years old and I'm fat. I am 5'3" and weigh 240 lbs. I can't afford to go to the gym but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to one day compete in these competitions or at else look good in a bikini. My goal weight is 130 lbs. Do you think I can do it? I need support!
My whole family is fat and I get NO moral support. The food is just shoved in my general direction and, like a pig, I eat it. I can't stop! I need something to help me.
If I had to pick someone that I admire, I would pick "Trish Stratus." She's got the kind of body I want. We are around the same height and she's very muscular, but not masculine. That's what I'm hoping to achieve. I'll just be happy to see my weight start with a 1 instead of a 2!
If you have any ideas or tips or exercises I can do, let me know. I'm willing to post pictures of myself, but I gotta figure out how my scanner works first (blonde moment).
I'll keep posting and let you all know how I'm doing! Maybe I'll be a success story someday! Wish me luck!
Love you all!
Laura )
PS -- Attached is a picture of what I look like (my face, anyway).
Well from your great pic not sure where all that weight is. (??)
Start walking first as you can then add more activities when you are physically able and clean up the diet.
Ms. Fit is a great person to help you so pm her!
-JEFF
Laura....you are a beautiful woman. And it is great that you want to start to lose weight and improve your body.
The first thing you have to do is to write down your goals....do them for one month at a time. It is easy to say you want to be 130lbs. But it will take time to get there. So start one step at a time. Decide realistically where you want to be one month from now.
Do measurements, weight, clothes size...write it all down as your starting stats. If you can get a body fat measurement done, do that too.
Now you will have to develop a plan on how to achieve your goals. This will be done thru diet, cardio, and weights. You need to be completely focused on all three...all the cardio and weightlifting will be for nothing, if your diet is disasterous.
So always plan ahead!
We can give you plenty of ideas on what to do for workouts and how to figure your diet.
You can achieve your goals if you want to...but it is not easy. All of us have to work really hard to keep our bodies in good shape.
So stay commited and you will get what you want.
Good luck!!
Like the others said, start a journel, take some measurements and set some goals. Lower your carbyhydrates and up your protein abit. Basically eat moderately.
Lifting weights will burn more fat than taking just aerobics by itself (a good idea to include some anyway). I quickly found this out when taking a Fall Women's Strength class for three months at three evenings a week. I started out at 235 pounds and by the end of the class, I had lost two pant sizes and weighed 215. I look thinner where it counted and firmer/stronger where I should be. I am still doing this, on my own for right now until Spring semester starts in a month. I am still losing fat slowly (but that is as it should be) while building muscle and defining more where it counted. I am more flexible, feel "lighter" and know I am stronger. My back and shoulders no longer hurt and feel more energy overall.
(To give you a clue what I have lost...I started from a size 48 to a loose 42 jeans right now.....my ceasarean "sag" and cut muscles is what will take longer to firm up)
Get a used set (or buy new) of barbell/weights and some dumbbells. Follow the schedule of reps and sets, you would find here using 5 pound dumbbell weights at first. Increase to 10 pounds when you feel you can and after you mastered the proper exercise FORMs. As you feel stronger, maybe higher to 15....this is up to you but do not rush into it.
Have patience as the purpose is to become strengthened while burning the calories. Ride a bike or walk to help increase your metabolism. Be sure to stretch before and after a workout. Come here often to read and dont be afraid to ask questions.
Muscle weighs more than fat, so you just may have more muscle density than you think. Most "Fat" people are stronger than they suppose because it does take more muscle strength to move around than a thin person. However, what you want to do is start losing the fat and inches and exchange some of that into muscle. You can look "130" and still weigh abit more because of this exchange. But, hey......there is nothing wrong with That!
Eventually, I hope to get to 175-185 pounds and stay there. Being largeboned, I can get away with this. This is what I was when I was first married and used to ride a 10 speed all over San Diego. Then after marriage, moving away and stopped riding a bike... living in a rural area, raising animals and raising two children (both ceasareans)....I gained weight. I had gone too long being anywhere from 225 to 260 in the past 30 years and started to feel it. I am 51, stand 5' 6" and wish I had started lifting 25 years ago knowing what I know now.
Take my advice, Start now and dont give up. Nor let anyone stop you. YOU are stronger than you think in both mind and body!
If you want to loose weight trust me and Go on the Dr. Atkins Diet. It may seem hard at first. Im 17 years old and i weighed 270 pounds now I weight 216 I lost that weight in 4 months. I continue to eat Low Carbohydrate. Dont listen to the people who respond to this message saying atkins is lies and unhealthy and this and that. Trust me.
-Omar T.
I won't dispute Dr. Atkins theory....but for a bodybuilder, carbs are a necessary evil. You should check out keto in the nutrition section if you currently working out and want to continue with a lowcarb diet.
remember to keep your cardio short and intense. say 20 mins. when your done it should feel like your lungs are on fire. 20 mins doesnt sound like a lot but doing this will put your metabolism into a fat burning process for 24 hours. If you did the 1 or 2 hour cardio that a lot of people do you will put your metabolism into a 3 hour fat burning process. which way sounds better? less time and better results? or more time and lesser results?
Last edited by Slim_DaDDy; 01-18-2003 at 11:03 PM.
A few bodybuilding stats
Height 5'10
Weight Somewhere between 195-200lbs(cutting down from 218lbs)
(Measurements cold)
Arms 16.5
Calves 16.5
Quads 27
Penis 19.8(pumped,hard and vascular!)
Some times small things are a big help as well, if you spend quite alot of time sitting either at the computer or maybe at your job, look into a large exercise ball to sit on to replace your chair, my abs and back are tighter from making this change and it's EASY! Also if you have to time at lunch or after dinner take a walk, start out small and build up maybe drag a friend or family member with you.
You are a very beautiful girl judging from your pics and the personality flowing through your message. I come form a large family as well. We all have to struggle with our weight. I myself have tried many diets. I have found that any diet that I do works great. I believe that you choose a diet that fit you. They all work it is really just a matter of being truthful with yourself. If a diet says you should only have a portion of chicken. Then you only hhvae a portion. not a portion and another bite or two. Or if you should only have 1500 calories a day, this means only 1500 calories a day... Not 1530. It all makes a difference. But I will say after trying the calorie counting, the atkins, and weight watchers. The best one I have come to really enjoy and find really simple. Is by doing the high protein low carb idea. This is awesome and unbeliably easy.... Basically you eat a high protein and a carb every 2and a half hours. The carb can be the same as the protein or less, but never the carb more than the protein. This will only make you more hungry. Make sure your "portions" are no more than the size of your fist. Something I like is maybe having a boneless chicken breast with a "serving" of whole wheat ritz crackers. That is about 5 crackers. MInd you, you must eat the wheat instead of white with everything. And one big plus is to stay away from the sugar. This is a huge key with any diet. Of course I have to say that all this is great when it is mixed with a good workout. Cardio and weight training of any mixture. And of course, no matter what the diet may be. Reward your self. This is another part of making it all worth while. Take one day and say this is a " all about me day" Eat what you like. to include the candybar, cake or ice cream. Or my favorite... pizza. It is ok. So long as you have been being true to yourself thoughout the week before. I can send you a list of what is considered really heathy stuff. Proteins and carbs. It would not be all you can have... but it would give you an idea and a really good start.
We are all here for you ... you just have to let you family and friends know that this is not what you "have" to do. This is what you "choose" to do. I bet after you loose a few inches, and start wearing those cute clothes and becoming more active, your family will start begging you for help to lose as well. They will envy you so much. Just remember you can do this... :-) It is your choice.
Love yourself and you can love others
Patience is a virtue
I agree with everyone here. You are a beautiful woman and it seems like you want this enough to make it work.
You say you can't afford to join a gym. Buy some cheap weights at WalMart or focus on body weight exercises to start with, like pushups, crunches, dips, etc. You might be surprised at the difference those simple exercises make. And get plenty of cardio, like walking, as suggested before. Then you can work up to more demanding exercises. I know what it's like to try something like this and get no support. It really puts a damper on things. But you just have to be determined and try to make friends that will support you through the whole thing. I think you can find plenty of supporters right here.
The diet... I've been on the Atkins diet and it works. But as TrishB stated, carbs are a necessary evil for bodybuilders. However, in my opinion, you probably want to focus on the weight loss part of it for now. Just take it slow. Don't try to rush the results. It will actually happen before you know it. Try different things and find what works for you.
I know I haven't said anything that hasn't already been said. I just want you to know you have another supporter here. If you want to chat or swap thoughts and ideas, feel free to drop me a line. Don't worry, I won't hit on you. I'm married with 2 beautiful kids that I'm completely crazy about.
Take care, good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
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If you always do what you always did
you will always get what you always got.
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Don't sweat petty things. And don't pet sweaty things.
I myself have been in your shoes even though I did not weigh as much. I started at 180 pounds in sept and now I am at 145 pounds and 13 inches smaller. The way I did it and suggest you do to is to change your lifestyle. If you eat because the food is easy access change that, you need to fill your cupboards with food that is healthy. The next thing is to be active even after your workout, It happened to me I thought well I worked out good enough but it isn't you need to stay in an active lifestyle and the next is great support and to stay positive some weeks can be harder than other and that is why both support and positivity is important. Keep in mind that you can do it and you will. If you need to speak with someone on those hard days contact me at nannouface@hotmail.com I promise to give you the support you need cause I know what you are going through. Take care and good luck
The fear I see when I look in your eyes, makes you believe I'm one of a kind
The fear I leave in the back of your mind, makes you believe that I'm one of a kind
You go,Laura!!I was there at one time,too.I agree with everyone else...and let me add-just go for yourself.Set a long-term goal,and train for it in your mind.Wear your walkman,some good motivating tunes,block out any distractions and focus on that goal.I was self-conscious when I first started training,so I did this for myself.It helped me not focus on everyone else(most of whom<I now know> were too busy dealing with their own issues to worry about me)-come in and turn out 110%.I am now the strongest woman in my gym,a regional powerlifting record holder,quite the buff middle-aged woman-I started out as a 269 lb woman who's workout began by walking from my car to the gym,resting,and doing 10 minutes on the treadmill before I collapsed.Stick with it ,girl
P.S.-by the way-you need to forget the scale,if you are going to start weight training heavily(I would recommend).Maybe weigh yourself once or twice a month,just to make sure you are headed in the right direction.I weigh 175lb,have a 14% body fat percentage,and wear a size 7/8-so just realize that you may not have a weight to match your size as you build muscle.Even fitness athletes like kelly ryan and Trish Stratus outweigh their non-fitness counterparts by about 20 pounds( because of the muscle).Muscle is your FRIEND
Last edited by muscled_up_mom; 02-05-2003 at 01:46 AM.
Well, first of all. Fat or thin, you look like a very sexy lady. Ya know, you dont have to be annorexic to be sexy. Thats just what society make you believe! Some of us guys like our women with CURVES, ya know? Otherwise, I would smash them hahaha.
To lose weight, ALL you gotta do is eat right/cardio. I know it sounds too simple, but it really is. Once you get the knowledge, the actual action is so much easier. Some people workout for years or diet for years and never see any results because they lack the knowledge.
Some quick tips I think might help::
-Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones.
-Never miss breakfast.
-Eat something light before bed to keep the body burning through the night. (BURNING yes, ya know my metabolism is so high I am 1 degree hotter than the average human. )
-low carbs, moderate fat, high protein diet
-as much cardio as you can possibly fit in the day. Doesnt have to be at the gym. You can start off by walking, swimming, jumprope, aerobics in front of the TV, whatever. Just do it religiously and you will be fine.
You made the right choice coming to this site. Good first step. Now try to soak up as much info as possible, and go at it girl!
Oh btw, I know how it is being the only health conscience person in a family. My family all eat really bad and are overweight, and they tell me, "I dunno where you got that discipline from".
hahaha.
I say, "from myself!". But I give them credit, they are starting to try. Especially since my dad had a minor heart attack. I have been really getting on their backs about eating healthy and they finally starting to listen after years of me telling them... I guess better late than never!
Hey if you need support or question, feel free to PM, k?
Hi Laura...If you have the determination to lose the weight..you will. I was 272 pounds..4ft.11...I got on Weight Watchers and lost 136 pounds. I now weigh 136...I feel wonderful!! You have to find the diet that works best for you...for me..it was weight watchers...it let me eat whatever I wanted as long as I stayed in my daily points range. I have started lifting weights about a year ago...I want to firm up and try to undo some of the damage I did to my body. The bad part is...I'm 46 years old...to my shame..I allowed myself to be overweight like that for 10 years. I have had 5 children...and my body will not go back the way it was. Lose it while your skin still has elasticity in it. I am working 5 days a week trying to get toned up as much as I can..and..I do look better...my legs are firming up nicely as my arms are too. You are a young and beautiful girl...losing weight and getting in shape will make you feel great...not only physically..but mentally as well.
Good luck to you....you can do it!!
this attachment is a BMR calculator. You can calculate the amount of calories you need to to eat to maintain your current bodyweight.
subtract accordingly. If you know you are eating way above what your bmr is, then shoot for the bmr without cutting cals. Once you can succesfully eat at your BMR, a simple solution to lose a pound of fat a week, from diet alone is to subtract 500 calories from your BMR. 500 calories less a day = 3500 a week. 1 pound of fat = 3500 cals.
Not saying you have to do this right away, but when you are ready its a real handy tool to have at your disposal.
I agree with the others, start with small reasonable goals. Do not, drastically reduce your calorie intake. This will cause you to lose weight, but a lot of it will be from muscle, which you do not want.
as for goals, I would personally make them in increments of 6 weeks. every 6 weeks shoot for a specific goal, a reasonable one. ANd if you acheive better, thats great.
DO NOT take any fat burners that contain ephedra right now. Possibly in the future, but the most important thing is to establish the ground work. Which means getting and STAYING motivated. Determination and hardwork is where it all begins. I was fat at one point myself. I am a guy though.
I am 5'7" The fattest i was recorded was 215 @ around 22% bf.
I had gotten down to 170 5.5% bf at one point. This took several years.
what you have to keep in mind, that working towards the new you is not going to happen overnight, or with a miracle "diet". It is going to require that you change your whole life style. Call it a "fitness lifestyle" if you will.
My suggestion, find a local park with a track maybe, or even a local highschool or something. Just start walking, a brisk walk. Listen to your body, and don't over do it.
start with a mile, if you can do more, go for 2..if you can do more go for 3...etc.
Personally I would start working on the diet first, then incorporate the exercise. If you can do both at once thats great, but 1 goal at a time would work as well.
Dont let anyone tell you it Can't be done.....IT CAN!!!
Hi Laura....let tell you...IT CAN BE DONE...I too am 5'3 I WAS 250 pounds...got down to 195....but I am back up to 210, thats ok...its my fault, I have not been eating healthy,EATING RIGHT IS EVERYTHING~~~ thats changing today, because my eating habbits are going back to the healhty way and I am going to sart running again like i was, (I RUN IN THE MORNINGS AND AT NIGHT)I also want to get down to 135.I can do it. I know I can.I use to be there long time ago...so nothing is impossible....take a look at the pic i attached, by the way, also...we can motivate eachother..Meko sent me a diet I am starting ittoday, I will let you know how its working. Stay in touch.CARDIO CARDIO CARDIO!!
Last edited by Sexy17Calves; 04-05-2003 at 04:59 PM.
If it ain't burning, it aint working! Make it burn!
A friend of mine went from a size 22 to a size 8, in about one year. She eats right, trains consistently, (parties too much, but ho am I to agrue with results like that ) ...her family is all overweight, badly overweight. They now call her the skinny b**ch..lol.....Do it for you...and you will
Youre making a great choice for the rest of your life! I too have been heavy all my life and recently started at a gym. Now I am learning that once you start to take an interest, your whole life will become healthy, not just your phisical apperance. Good luck to you! I did it so can you
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Dont let anyone tell you it Can't be done.....IT CAN!!!
sure you can
) ...her family is all overweight, badly overweight. They now call her the skinny b**ch..lol.....Do it for you...and you will
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