I can't get going

[Kalailahula185]

I am 21 years old and weigh 158.I am 5'7 and big boned, but I have always struggled with my middle area.my legs are pretty toned, but my stomach is not doing anything even though I do an abs workout at least 3 days a week.I can't run very far, and I feel like I can't get myself moving or disciplined, no matter how hard I try. What can I do to get started and see some results?

[teresand77]

Lots of questions for you

1) How is your diet? What are you eating? I know when I was 21 I was either starving myself during the week or bingeing on the weekends (neither are good!).

2) Do you do any weight training? When I started lifting weights (I was probably about 22 or 23) I saw the greatest positive changes in my body

3) As far as running, you can get yourself started with walking and throwing in some jogging intervals. Walk 3 minutes, jog 1, repeat...then the next week maybe you can walk 2 minutes, jog 2...you get the picture. Running isn't the only form of cardio out there though, you can ride a bike, dance, just do something you enjoy because that's the only thing that's going to motivate you to workout more.

Good luck!
~teresa

[Kalailahula185]

I try toeat right. My family is a health crazed one so we eat natural foods and stuff. I try to eat mostly fruits and veggies, but since I go to college it is hard to eat right there. I do a little with machines at least 2 a week. I also do dumbells, but I wish I could see more results. My time is limited, but I hope to change that so I can devote 1 hr. to health a day.

[teresand77]

I'm glad you're eating well...that's much better than I was doing at 21!

Trainer Lynn has some great tips for losing fat (which is ultimately the only way you're going to "shrink" your stomach). I cut and pasted this from one of her posts.

Hope this helps

Here are 5 tips for overall fat loss:

1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.


2) Drink lots of water


3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 24-48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.


4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.


5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method.

[Trainer Lynn]

In addition to the other posts above... you need to get started with a P.O.A. - Plan of Action.

And I am not talking about "I want to work out often and lose 10 pounds" either I am talking about a walking mission statement. You should be able to write two paragraphs about your plan. It should answer questions like:

- What is my definitive goal?
- When do I want to reach this goal?
- What hurdles may I come up against?
- What will I do when I reach Hurdle A? Hurdle B? etc
- When am I going to start this plan?
- How will I know when I have reached my goal?
- What is my detailed workout plan?
- What is my detailed nutrition plan?

etc... Sticking with anything in college is hard. Unless it's naps in the afternoon But you can do it. Once you start seeing results you will stay motivated. In your case it may help to have a trainer work with you. This makes some people stick with a program because they have someone to answer to

Talk with trainers at your school gym. Talk with budding fitness/nutrition students. Make friends that want to workout with you. Hire an online personal trainer. Grab a book that delivers a program for you. Decide that today is the day. If you don't get serious about it now... when will you? In a few years you will be SO busy with a rent, career, dating, gas bills, car insurance, meetings, walking the dog, etc.

Start now and make it your lifestyle. Do activities that you enjoy. Like to hike? Do it. Like to swim? Do it. Hate the elliptical. Don't do it