I'm creating this thread for those who are in the process, will be in the process, or have gone through the process of living a healthier life through exercise, fitness, changing eating habits, etc.

I've been in a few threads where people have discussed losing weight and/or getting in shape for the summer. Just wanted to create a thread based on that solely. I have been on this journey for about 15 months now (since March 2011). Starting at 305lbs and currently weighing in at a much healthier 218lbs, I am glad to have made the proper changes in my life to bring me here today

Feel free to share your own personal stories, struggles, comments, suggestions, questions about fitness and living a better lifestyle. Any suggestions for workout music is a plus! I'm always looking to build my workout playlist as well. Maybe you can be an encouragement to others who have been thinking about getting fit

Discuss! And as always, please be respectful. Keep it cute.

Awh, congrats on losing the weight!

I try to be relatively healthy through my eating habits (eating as much raw food as I can) and also my exercise habits (running and walking everywhere). When I graduate and move out I will probably be a lot healthier, though.

Well done on losing the weight!

I'm a bit of a fitness fanatic. I go to the gym 5 times a week at least. Legs one day, then arms, chest, shoulder/back and cardio/abs on different days. I'm on protein/creatine shakes twice a day on workout days.

Food wise, I always have 5 pieces of fruit/vegetables a day, drink as much water as I can. My fave things are tuna, chicken, eggs, bananas, apples, pears and frozen mixed veg.

If ya'll ever want tips or workout advice then give me a shout. I've gone from weighing like nearly 15 stone (like 200ish pounds?) to six pack through lifestyle changes.

Oh damn! Congrats on your weight loss!
I'm down 10 lbs from April woo

That's actually great!

I'm trying this 4 day cleanse with my sister (she was just pregnant and now she's trying to lose it all). It's supposed to be really good. We got gym passes and we're gonna start working out together too, this summer I want a flat tummy.

Thanks, everyone! it's been a long journey, and it still continues. What many people don't realize is that it is a lifetime commitment. Once you fall off the bandwagon, you fall HARD.

I have been trying to cut down on the amount I dine out per week by cooking my own foods. still a bit challenging when you don't have the energy to come home and spend 2 hrs to cook. I think I might invest in a crock pot. that will probably help a lot.

congrats to you, as well! i am having a hard time trying to find exercises that specifically target the core. i've done planking, crunches, sit-ups, etc. in order to lose this gut i've come a long way, but i'd like to shrink it a little bit more. any suggestions?

Congrats, Lee! are you planning to lose more, or are you comfortable where you are now?

how often do you plan to work out per week? i've learned that it's harder for me to go during the summer months since it's so tempting to be outdoors, but i could be wrong. let us know how that goes!

Congrats on your weight loss
On the other hand, I'm trying to gain weight/muscle

I want to be stronger and have a better looking body by the next school year.

I need to lose more, especially since its summer time! haha I was down 5 lbs more but then I went back to my alma mater for "senior week" of nothing but eating bad and drinking and screwed that up!!! lol So I need to lose that again and more. I can do it

I'm going for a run on Thursday

Congrats on such a weight loss!

I sadly have gained 10 lbs since 2008 (I was stable for 5 years before that) but I've been working on just being more fit.
It'd be nice if I could lose 10 pounds again but it's not as big of a concern.
I do need to go to the gym more, rather than just have healthier portions and my everyday attempts at exercising (such as always taking two steps when going upstairs)

Yeah, that's going to be my goal in a few months. Slowly going to change my habits. I know a friend who has really started to motivate me because he not only wakes up at 6 to go running but he makes his lunch before he goes off to work. On top of that, he's always sincere, no matter what time of day you approach him; it's really inspiring.

Currently I'm trying to make my arms stronger and toned. My abs are stronger than two years ago but not as toned as I'd like, so I understand the concern for more ab-based exercises. The only thing I've heard, and noticed affecting me, is weight loss seems to be more determined by how intense your workouts are (preferably, how much you can do in a short-time).If you can do only 10 reps with 40 lbs but 10 sets of 10 reps with 10, you'd have more luck losing weight if you go fast and try to do the latter. I've heard the former focuses more on muscle/resistant build-up.

this

Congrats on the weight loss. l lost 30kgs (66lbs) last year & was a fitness freak. Had some personal issues since that milestone & have put 7kgs back on in 8months. not bad but its still not good, l miss working out. currently going back to basics so l can restart losing weight again & get back into boxing. Its such a mental battle for me.

I want to gain weight so bad and I plan to do this over the summer

+1

I need some starting exercises, like for people completely new to exercising. I have a diet plan (and currently trying to keep up with it) but it's actually starting to do work outs that's in my way.

What's the best protein shake? And what does that do to me while working out?
Also it is possible to lose 10 pounds by August 23

bumping this thread

does anyone have tips on stomach/ab exercises? planking does wonders for you, but I was wondering if there was anything else out there that people have tried. i've done well over the past 1-1/2 years with keeping my stomach semi-toned but I could always use extra help.

thanks

I do situps and crunches and some pilates to flatten and tone my stomach. My next goal is to find my abs.

i think i want to try pilates soon my friend has been trying to get me to join along with him when he goes for group fitness in pilates.

i'm still in the process trying to find my abs as well