Hello,

First of all I would like to say thank you for this opportunity to lose weight, I think the Alli plan and the web site is great!

 
Now Back to the topic,

I have been walking for 30-45 Min 3-6 times a week about 2 miles most of the time with a lot of hard hills and walking as fast as I can without jogging " Because it hurts" .  I also try to to my Workout Video 1-3 times a week which is 25 Min of total body arobics, I want to move up to the 48 Min long video that I feel not ready for.  I guess it scares me. Plus I do stretching often and lifting weights 1-3 Times a week. 

 

Im slowly trying to increase the amount of exercise im doing,but I get sore and people tell me Im working to hard and I feel like I cant make it.  I don't feel physically fit enough for somethings.

I have always been muscular , but out of shape and struggling with my weight, I was a smoker of ten years and have been smoke free for 2 years now and so Im trying to focus on my weight even more. I started really trying when I got to 183 lbs and 5'1 that not a healthy weight.  I started Alli and 173 lbs and am now at 163.  So its working.  I have a goal of about another 50 lbs to lose.  Only 3 more by my check in on Sunday. I want to rev it up and lose more, in a healthy way for kinda like a last chance run to the finish to make my goal this Sunday of the last 3 lbs, But I need to know how much I should be working out.
Should I be pushing myself harder??  I saw on the Biggest loser how hard those huge people pushed themselves and I felt to lazy and weak!  Im I being to hard on myself or should I push harder???

Hi Sebrina,

I want to congratulate you on your dedication to exercise and your tremendous weight loss so far.  You have accomplished so much already!  I don't want you to be so hard on yourself.  First of all, losing three pounds in a matter of days is not necessarily healthy.  Try to remember that this is in fact a life-long journey and if it take an extra couple of weeks to get to your target weight, that's OK.  Just like quitting smoking, you can only control one day at a time, and if you get too far ahead of yourself, it can be daunting.

You are doing a fabulous job with your workouts.  It sounds like you are ready to challenge yourself soon with a longer aerobic video and your walks (incorporating hills and speed) are great.  Eventually, you will be able to jog comfortably, but that should be a goal in itself. 

I wouldn't try to do MORE right now, especially since you are sore and you seem to know your limits.  The combination of cardio exercise and strength training will continue to be key to burning calories and fat while you build lean muscle mass, which will help perpetuate more fat burn.  Make sure when you are lifting, you are giving your muscles the appropriate rest to recover and rebuild.  You should never be lifting for the same muscles on consecutive days.

Keep doing what you're doing.  If you want to change something, try incorporating new exercises into your routine to mix things up and further challenge your body.  Cycling, dancing, swimming, elliptical, whatever it is.  Also focus on your intensity levels.  Intervals are really effective for burning calories and fat and they're easy to incorporate into your walks.

Please be proud of your progress.  I know I am.  Keep me posted.

Good Luck,

Paul  

 

 

Sebrina0617:

I saw on the Biggest loser how hard those huge people pushed themselves and I felt to lazy and weak!  Im I being to hard on myself or should I push harder???

Hi Sebrina,

I was just looking at the exercise boards because i've been slowly adding running to my cardio, and saw your post.  Just wanted to say, Don't use Biggest Loser as a comparison point.  I do think it's great that those folks are trying to improve themselves, BUT they're also not living a "real" life along with their efforts.  My friend and I were just talking about this last night.  Part of the reason those people are pushing themselves is because they're on TV.  Nothing wrong with that, but you need to figure out how to make exercise a part of your life every day, and i personally don't think pushing yourself until you're ready to drop is the way to do it.  You will end up hurting yourself and losing all that you have gained fitness level wise.  Just keep working toward reasonable goals everyday, and you'll get where you want to be.  Listen to Paul too, because he and Kelli are SUPER resources, and i think this board is one of the best parts of the Alli plan. 

Wendy

 

Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for the words of encouragement to Sebrina, and to me and Paul. We really do care about helping as many individuals as possible achieve their personal goals. You are correct that you should not be comparing yourself to a Reality Show, any other program or person, for that matter! It is so important that you do what you can do at whatever stage you are, and do your very best! DO work hard and DO challenge yourself, but not to the point of it becoming unsafe or unrealistic! I would like to encourage all of you to realize it is not about perfection, but about progress....day by day, choice by choice.........all adding up to great accomplishments!!! Be PROUD that you have chosen to make the most out of your everyday life!!! Best to your health! Kelli

 Thank you so much for you help and encouragement , I feel much better about this now.  I am challenging myself allot, but not too much!  Thanks again

 

Sebrina 

Hey Sabrina, You bet! I am looking forward to hearing about your progress in the next upcoming weeks! Stay positive and be proud of what you have already accomplished! Best to your health, Kelli

Hi Wendy,

Thank you so much for the compliment and I’m really happy that we’re able to help you. Your insight about people on a reality show is right on the money. The most important thing is to make sure you are pursuing your weight loss and fitness goals in a safe manner and comparing yourself to someone else is not a good idea.

Keep sharing your words of encouragement they are so helpful. You’re inspiring others and it’s great!

Good Luck,

Paul