I need advice on how to lose weight?

I weigh around 126 pounds, but my height is only 5'1. I've gained 22 pounds during the last 2-3 years so I'd really like to lose all of that plus tone up. Since its holidays at the moment and new years, I reallyy want to start now but I don't know what to do. I dont usually exercise at all so yeah. I'd like to exercise at home, but I only have a treadmill and a stationary bike. How long should I stay on the treadmill and bike? What other exercises could I do to lose weight?

Also, I'm wondering if walking on the treadmill is supposed to hurt so much. I walked for 20 minutes yesterday on the treadmill and by 15 mins my calf muscles starting hurting heaps. is it supposed to?

Hi :) We have really similar stats - I'm 125 lbs and I'm 4'11". At a point I was 112 lbs and my body was lookin pretty good :-P. However, after that I decided to go to college and everything went to hell. I would recommend when starting out exercising to go with the elliptical first, it's lower impact and can help you work up your stamina.The reason your calves burn is because the treadmill is tough on your body - it wears on you, especially your knees. However, as your physical fitness starts to increase, you might want to try walking/running since it tends to burn more calories. I've been exercising regularly for 2 and half years now and it still hurts my knees and calves if I run a couple days in a row - it's much harder, but I also see better results. Also, if you can, swimming burns a lot of calories and is very low impact. I've also seen great results rollerblading. Watching portions and limiting sweets and fried foods has helped me in the food department but I've found that the times where I was the most effective at losing weight were the times when I was always moving.

Also, strength training is very beneficial when the weight you want to lose is "vanity" weight - that is, you're in a healthy weight range, possibly at the high end of it like us. If you strength train and eat and a calorie defecit you'll maintain your muscle as you lose fat. The number on the scale will drop slower, but your pants size will drop faster. Let me know if you want to be buddies since we're almost the same height and weight :) Good luck on your journey! Remember as you count cals not to drop below 1500 since that's the minimum you need for your body to function and grow as a young adult. Message me anytime :)

Lostiee,

Eat your recommended calories, but before 5pm. After 5, only drink water and continue this cycle until you've lost the weight. Trust me it works especially if your metabolism is slower like mine.  Food just sits there and doesn't digest for me after 5pm. I usually eat all meals in my car or right before I leave work for the day to go to the gym.  I can't think of the last time I've eaten at home.

Also, are you working out? Try 1.5 hrs of cardio 4-5 days a week (jogging, speed walking, basketball...if that's what you like).  May sure you rest your body on two consectutive days though.  I have lost 21 lbs this way, and still counting. Good luck!

In addition, I want to lose weight too. I am about 147lbs. 5"4.5 and 24 years old. I have done really good so far losing the first 21 lbs. But my goal weight is 135-138. Any suggestions on how to get the last 10-12 lbs off? I know that's not that much to go but I really want it to come off before March 1st 2009.

So per my suggestions in the first response, I have been doing this routine for about 5 months now and it's taking a little longer for these last 10 lbs to come off. What should I incorporate to see a change and step over this plateau?

Original Post by lostiee:

Also, I'm wondering if walking on the treadmill is supposed to hurt so much. I walked for 20 minutes yesterday on the treadmill and by 15 mins my calf muscles starting hurting heaps. is it supposed to?

How fast were you walking? If you have just started working out not too long ago, your body will need some time to get used to it. Do not worry so much. :D

Bre137: There is no set time to start or stop eating. "Don't eat late at night" or "past [x] time" is nonsense.

Lostiee: If you're looking to lose without all the pressures and problems of calorie counting which, at your age (presuming you're a younger girl as you're posting in YCC) is often the way to go, look at managing portions and nutrition rather than counting. There's a rather extensive post on nutrition and balance over here, if you're up for a bit of a read!: Fad-Free Guide: Nutrition

However, to summarize it: a good rule of thumb at your main meals is half your plate full of fruit or vegetables, a quarter complex carbs, and a quarter your protein. Your snacks throughout the day should make up any servings you miss out on in your main meals not only of carbs, protein and fats, but fruit/veg and dairy or dairy alternatives. http://www.mypyramid.gov can help you work out an ideal food pyramid to cover all the food groups you might need.

Beyond that, keep active, eat well and you should find the weight comes away with ease and without stress. :] Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice :)

ohhh yes starting off on the treadmill is hell! i felt like an 80 year old the next day because i could not bend down, my ass and my quads and calves were sooo soar..but yeah eventually your body will adapt to it...just start off with walking, and before you know it you'll be jogging away!  maybe add some strength training to your exercise...buying an exercise ball, a few 5-10lbs weights and a resistance band could really help..you can find workouts on the net easily with those things..try woemenshealthmag.com....good luck!