Ask the FBGs: I Need Weight-Loss Help!
If you’re ready to take things up a notch, swap a few minutes of your walking for jogging! Credit: mikebaird
Today we’re featuring an Ask the FBGs post. This feature allows readers like you to ask the FBGs for advice. Nothing is off limits, although we do prefer that it’s fitness or nutrition related, so send your undying health questions to AsktheFBGs@fitbottomedgirls.com. You just might see them posted on the site in the future!
Dear Fit Bottomed Girls,
Let me start off by saying that I love your site! However, I am in major need of help and, with some many wonderful suggestions, I am not really sure where to start that will meet my personal needs.
I guess this is the perfect opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Ashley, I am 24 years old and, you guessed it, overweight. Sadly, I don’t know exactly how much I weigh (will be getting a scale this weekend), but if I had to guess, it’s probably close to 200 pounds, which is definitely nowhere near a “healthy weight” for someone who is 5’2″. Unfortunately, I carry all of my extra weight mostly in my stomach and waist area.
I just started to get back into exercising, which I have not done since high school—terrible I know. However, I am six days in and have seen some interesting improvements. I find that my stress levels are a lot lower, and I am less tired throughout the day, which has been a great motivation. Plus, I have a super awesome boyfriend, who is in a lot better shape than I am and who is really supportive. Every day he asks me if I worked out, how I feel, etc. Super sweet!
Well, my dilemma is I am not really sure what the best exercise program is for me. I have read a lot of reviews for different DVDs, and I just have no idea which to do. I am on a major budget so a gym is out of the question, and seeing as I am in Texas, outside is a bit extreme with 100 degree days on a daily basis. Right now, I am working with one of the Walk Away the Pounds workout DVDs that has four different workouts on it. I really enjoy doing the Walk Strong, which has intervals of strength training, and the Walk and Kick, which has some kick-boxing style moves. However, I find the other two to not be very intense, which is fine for maybe a light day. I know that just those two alone will not get me to where I want to be.
If you could send me any personalized advice, tips and suggestions, I would appreciate it. I have an ultimate goal of losing at least 50 pounds by my 25th birthday in April.
Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
—Ashley
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for your email and reading FBG! You have good taste and sound awesome. First, let’s go over what’s rocking for you: you’re buying a scale, you have the desire to change, you’re already working out and you have a boyfriend who is encouraging and supportive. Dang, woman! So be really proud of yourself for all of that! In fact, go ahead and put your hand up in the air because we need to give you a virtual high-five.
Okay, now that that’s done, let’s move on to your question of finding the best workout program for you. First and foremost, you have to find a workout that you like. If that’s Walk Away the Pounds, then walk away the pounds, my friend! But also consider trying other workout DVDs that sound fun. To start, I’d recommend trying one of our fave beginner workout DVDs or, for more of a challenge, our fave intermediate workout DVDs. If you’re on a budget, don’t overlook the library! They often have tons of the latest and greatest workout DVDs, which means you can constantly mix it up for free. You may also want to check out our equipment-free circuit-training routine here.
Ideally, you’ll want to be doing two strength training workouts a week that hit every major muscle group, at least 20 minutes of cardio most days of the week and some stretching or flexibility work at least a few times a week. But in the beginning now, we recommend just making a habit out of working out. Once it’s a habit and working out is a way of life, you can tweak things.
On the flip side of weight-loss is nutrition. There is no workout on the planet that can make up for a poor eating plan. So we encourage you to focus on eating according to your true hunger, watching portion sizes, eating clean about 80 to 90 percent of the time (all good things in moderation), limiting your drinking to just water and getting lots and lots of veggies! Also, make sure each snack and meal you have has some fiber and protein to keep you full and energized.
Lastly, be sure to give yourself lots of self-love during the process. Change can be hard, so celebrate your successes and go easy on yourself when you get tripped up. Don’t weigh yourself more than once a week and trust the process. The weight may take awhile to come off, but you’re making a change for life!
For more tips and advice, be sure to check out our Weight-Loss page, and you may want to consider taking our online program FBG Life where we really walk you through each step to becoming an FBG!
Does that help? Good luck, Ashley, and let us know how your journey goes. We’re rooting for you!!!
—Jenn