Fear of not doing enough?

  Hello everyone my name is Brandon and I just found this site two nights ago and I absolutely love it.  I have been using the calorie counter and the journals nightly and I am finding that it is helping out alot. 

I recently started doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred dvd on June 30th and I haven't missed a day of it so far here is a youtube link of a preview if you don't know what I am talking about.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuJcM93v9AY

that is the extent of my workout sessions though.  I would like to jog but it hurts my knees and I would like to ride my bike but it hurts my ass like nothing else.  I have this fear in the back of my mind that even though I am eating better and working out for 30mins a night that its just not gonna be enough to do anything.  I know its not going to happen fast by any means but I don't want it taking 3 years either.

My current situation is that I have been laid off of work and I am on unemployment right now.  I can't afford a gym membership that cost $30 bucks a month and there is only one gym in my town so no options for others.  I just have a workout mat 15lbs dumbbells and workout DVD's so that is what I am using.

I don't know what I am really trying to say its just I am wondering if you guys think I am over reacting to the situation or is there any advice on what I could be doing more of?  I am 316lbs right now and I would like to get down to 200lbs so I can join the military and I am 24 years old, I need to lose the weight before Im 28 or I can't join.

I would appreciate any and all helpful advice so I can stop being paranoid about not accomplishing my goals.  I don't know if you guys can look at my journals or calorie counting thing but I have been keeping it up to date since I joined so feel free to browse it if that might help at all.

thanks again

Brandon

hi brandon.  Just incase you didnt know, you have already done more than most and taking that first step, well good for you.

So, since you're 24 you do have time to make this happen, plenty of time.  I think if you are just starting the healthy eating and exercising that it is best to take it slow so that you don't get overwhelmed and so that you have somewhere to go when you drop weight.  The more you lose the more you have to work out and eat even better.  Also if you want to do workouts at home you can use your dumbbells for all kinds of exercises, just research it on line and do some lifting like every 2 days, and for now the cardio you are doing is great.  If you can get out and walk, that would be the best thing you can do.  Much better for your knees and ass:)   Later i recommend an elliptical machine.  They burn lots of calories and are a great low impact alternative to running.

(i am new to this too so I dont know how to look at your food stuff)

Keep up the good work!   (oh yeah, I am an exercise addict:)

thank you for the encouraging words Belfish.  I will start walking every night and I will do some research on this site about adding some weight training to my routien.

Thanks

Brandon

hiya any activity which is more than you would normally do is fab, also you dont want to go all in at the start as you will find it harder to increase the further along you go, so doing what your doing is fine,

just find some extras to add on, like walking,body weight exercises and weights :-)

OK... this might seem a little weird - but I started watching the video (at my office) and the window is open (there is a screen on it) - the volume was up... 10 seconds into the video a pigeon landed on my window, then another, then another, then another and they were all pecking around dancing like and then when the video stopped they flew away.  I’m not kidding – seriously.  I know many of you might think I’m trying to say this video is for the birds but I am NOT – it really happened.

My advice to you Brandon is to keep doing what you are doing - read this site alot - eat as well as you can - and find a hill and walk up it over and over and over and over again. Sweat for 60 minutes a day 5 times a week.

thanks for all the replies guys it is really helpful.

Brandon

Brandon, I think you're attitude is amazing and as long as you keep it positive you'll find yourself at your goal in no-time. It's the most important thing for attaining any goal, let alone weight loss. 

I agree with adding walking to your routine. It's a great start toward a running goal. The more weight you lose and the more exercise you get you'll be surprised at how it actually helps with your knee pain. 

Keep up the good work!

thank you krogal for the encouraging words.  I did add a mile and half of walking on to what I normally do and I think I feel better for it.  still looking into some exercises I could do with my dumbbells.

Good job. That's awesome! Try youtube for some weight-lifting info.

Brandon,

First of all, coming from someone who is already in the military, I think it's really unselfish and courageous of you to set this goal for yourself with the intent of serving our country. Good for you for even taking the first step towards this, it's more than most Americans can say they've ever done.

Secondly, don't give up! You want to lose a lot of weight and it's not going to be easy. But that doesn't mean that it's impossible. Make sure that you set realistic and small goals to meet so that you get positive reinforcement. Even just 2-5 lbs at a time will make you feel really good. Don't restrict yourself too much or tell yourself that you can't have something - you'll only want it more. But... keep track and when you think about wanting something, think about making a compromise.

Walking is great! Don't feel like you have to run. Once you have lost some more weight (which you will!) then maybe you can throw in 30 seconds or a minute of jogging. Work from there and don't go too fast. You have plenty of time, you want to make sure that you're keeping yourself healthy.

There is NO magic pill or diet out there. Only by eating well, within your caloric needs, and by exercising regularly will you lose weight. Just don't give up and always feel free to come back here for encouragement. The military will be lucky to have you!

Best wishes,

Mara