To have gone over to the fitness threads and be now totally demotivated

[notaplasticgnome]

Like a lot of the OPs over there I just want to lose a few pounds, tone up a bit etc.

But so many of the threads start off with good practical advice about walking or exercises, cutting down on processed foods etc. but half way through have been taken over by the huge enthusiasts who come on clapping their hands and going 'no no. A few walks a week or sissy swimming won't cut it. You should be weight training for an hour every morning, followed by a good hour's run and at least four sessions in the gym every week. And of course no carbs after 3pm and sugar on your birthday only....'

AIBU to think some enthusiasts can actually put the less enthusiastic off making small, healthy and ultimately beneficial changes to their lifestyle?

[Alisvolatpropiis]

I think it can seem a bit overwhelming for people who are just getting started with getting fit.

Walking/swimming a few times a week is a good starting point, the other stuff comes later when your fitness levels have increased.

[ShakesBootyFlabWobbles]

Put down that bloody cream cake!!!!

[EponasWildDaughter]

YANBU OP

DONT be disheartened! It's awful when you're all full of good intention and then someone or something zaps it.

In my (extensive) experience you are way more likely to succeed in losing weight and getting a bit fitter if you aim at very small changes. You can stick to a small change and as the days tick past you'll find those changes in your body happening. You may even feel motivated to take more steps; keeping those first core changes as the basic minimum.

Massive great life changing plans never work - because they are so hard to stick to. Take no notice of the ''that's not enough'ers''.

[RightSideOfWrong]

It's a mentality thing.

Some people will find it easier to know upfront that to see big changes, they'll need to put in a lot of effort, and going for a few walks a week probably won't cut it. You probably are going to need a proper training regime for that.

Others would prefer lots of support and encouragement to get started and then find it easier to step it up once they get going.

It's impossible to know which camp each person falls into, so you just have to pick and choose which posts to listen to on fitness threads. Read them all and go with the ones that resonate with you.

[ShakesBootyFlabWobbles]

[KittyandTeal]

Enthusiasts are just that really, their lives revolve around the gym or runs or training. That's great for them.

Most of us have a more moderate approach.

I started with a Zumba class and enjoyed exercise so much I now run 10k.

I imagine lots of the advice is for competitive elements of the sport they are involved in. All in moderation and up the fresh fruit and veg is the way forward I reckon. I did just run 5k specifically to have a salted caramel cupcake!

A brisk walk or a swim is better for you than nothing. Don't be demotivated, just do something you think you'll enjoy

[ShakesBootyFlabWobbles]

If you are on FB, 'like' a few fitness apps pages, C25K and MFA for example; they post motivational messages and links to blogs that have some good advice written by trainers and health professionals.

Best of luck on your fitness journey.

[DamsonInDistress]

The thing is, they're generally right in the long term. People vastly overestimate the calories burned through cardio exercise and the ability of light weight bearing resistance training to change their body shape. You cannot out train a bad diet and whilst small amounts of cardio will improve ones general fitness levels quite rapidly in the short term, we all need to aim for a hell of a lot more, and more productive, exercise than most of us really imagine.

[feckitall]

Go for it OP..small steps...even a pedometer in your pocket can help. I got a new phone with built in app and now compete with a couple of colleagues in a bantering way.
The full on exercise posters nuts can be intimidating but only if you let them.
I started running a few weeks ago and and am building it up slowly, started out walk/jogs...now jog/run/sprint/walks....it soon gets easier.

[TalkinPeace]

Surf the support they are offering even if you are sitting on the board rather than standing up.

[balletnotlacrosse]

YANBU. I lost weight by just going for a half hour walk several nights a week and cutting down on fatty foods. Like you I didn't want to lose stones or go down 3 dress sizes or anything like that. I just wanted to tone up a bit and slim down a bit.
But I did find some of the fitness fanatics off putting and dispiriting. Oh you need to join a gym, oh you should be doing at least an hour every day to make a difference etc. If I'd listened to them I'd have just given up.

[Feminine]

I still believe, even though l was enlightened on one if those threads... That... If you move more, eat more vegetables.... You. will. drop . pounds!
It won't be sudden, it will be a stable and doable weight loss.
I don't look any older, or less toned than women (I know) that spend hours in the gym and live off low fat yoghurt!
I do some gentle pilates a few times a week.
Good luck.
Just try something easy to start.

[firesafety]

I've not noticed it on here so much, but I know I've been put off elsewhere by this sort of thing, and actually - for me - it was wrong. Pushing myself too hard in the gym meant I was too knackered for anything else. Yes I burnt a lot of calories in a short burst then would go home and flake!

Being more active but at a lower level is much better for me. Walking as much as possible with more gentle gym sessions and swimming, along with eating as sensibly as possible, is what works for me.

[chutneypig]

I've noticed this on other forums I've been on in the past. I started my weight loss a few years back with eating a bit less and doing ten minutes fairly gentle exercise a day - a Wii fit at the time. I felt and still do that it was something people would start with and not find too off putting or procrastinate about. I was frequently shouted down that it had to be a minimum of thirty minutes a day etc. I do a lot more running etc now a few years on but I know I'd not have managed that starting with massive expectations of huge amounts of exercise early on.

[Eva50]

I will never be able to run and am limited in how far I can walk but have lost 3 stone and lots of inches doing some "sissy swimming". Don't be disheartened, it can be done.

[Chubbychopsmolly]

3500 calories burned or undereaten is one pound lost and that's the moral of the story. Whatever way you choose to lose those calories is up to you really is a no brainier.

[firesafety]

Yy chutney pig, the wii fit was a godsend at the time, and although I swim regularly these days (and still frequent the dreaded gym) it still gets used occasionally, if I can't get out for some reason.

[DirectorOfBetter]

It's almost an evangelism with some people.
For some of the recipients of their wisdom, it's great but for others it's as useful as a kick in the tit.
So YANBU

[Theycallmemellowjello]

Completely agree op! I eat v 'mixed' diet (ie some rubbish) but walk for an hour and a half each day. It's not what any of the fitness buffs would recommend but I feel fine and am happy with my weight (and save on buses). Find what works for you and your lifestyle and what you can stick to.

[PurpleDaisies]

I'm on the exercise board a lot and I don't recognise what you're describing at all. It's a real shame you've had a bad experience. Support and team spirit is great for keeping motivated.

Most people nowadays would say at least 80% of weight loss happens in the kitchen so for shedding pounds consider what you're eating. But any exercise you do will help with toning up. Yoga and Pilates are great for improving flexibility. I've recently discovered lifting and have toned arms for the first time ever so I'd recommend it but do whatever you enjoy. That's miles easier to keep going with. Good luck with your fitness journey.

[TwartFaceBeetj]

Don't be put off by them, feminine is right increased activity, less fatty food,
Will work. not over night and won't tone you up. But it will make you feel better and the weight will drop.

I'm over weight now, but when I do lose weight and drop dress sizes it just because I am being a lot more active. In turn as I feel better in myself for getting fitter just through long walks, cycling, staying on my feet doing something rather than letting myself sit down. My appetite naturally changes, I just don't seem to want to eat as much. I still eat all the same stuff, I just feel fuller quicker.
So it's win win.

Just need to motivate myself off my arse again

[bangbangprettypretty]

Sorry to sound dim but where are the fitness threads? I tend to hang around the weight loss ones but only because I don't know where to find non scary fitness threads that aren't about doing weights.

[PurpleDaisies]

I'm assuming the op means exercise which is under health.

[PurpleDaisies]

Loads of non scary threads there!

[Feminine]

This might sound totally silly.
Ive mentioned it before,but...
Prepare yourself exactly what everyone else is eating. Only you make the basis of your meal vegetables.
sprinkle the 'carb' on top.
Few shells of pasta.
Spoonfuls of rice etc...
You will feel like you've had a whole bowl full.
Also, buy bags of microwave kale/spinach. So quick, and it takes up the whole plate
Plus, it is cheap.
I find roasting cauliflower, cabbages, broccoli works well too.
Big chunk, bit of salt - so tasty.
For exercise, just walk at the fastest pace you are able... Take the stairs two at a time... Things like that.
Google some pilates exercises, concentrating in your core strength.
Find one easy arm exercise to tone the backs, do it a few times a week!
I am not overweight but l've lost about 6 pounds in four months.
I have to stress l'm not overweight, and that is why my loss is not vast.
I'm sure with more to come off, it'd work very effectively.
It is lifestyle really.
Good luck everyone. Don't be put off thinking you must do masses.