Summer Challenge

[Haiku32]

I'm finished with school and have a couple of months of doing nothing before uni, so I can finally get my act together and get fit. I want to lose the belly and tone up a lot, cut out all the crap like sweets, chocolate and start eating healthier. By September, I want to be on my way to getting really fit.

My downfall is snacking. I do it without even thinking now. I eat pretty healthy meals but in between those I tend to snack a lot. Away with all that. No junk at all. I will be drinking only water and doing away with alcohol as well. I get my 5 a day anyway, but I will eat more vegetables in place of the bad things I usually eat. My biggest challenge will be exercise though. I generally like to walk everywhere, and do about an hour of brisk walking a day. This will not be enough for my goals though. I would love to get into biking, but I don't have the money. I'm thinking about going jogging every morning instead. I'm looking at some weights right now, as I have little muscle. I really can't afford to go to the gym, I could perhaps go once a week at most until I get a job (waiting on hearing back from a few places, so here's hoping).

I don't want to give myself a specific goal of being a certain weight, I just want to look and feel better.

I suppose I made this thread for some encouragement and motivation, but also to ask some questions. Are there any tips you would give me in terms of diet and exercise? I've read a lot of websites and guides, but I suppose there's nothing like people's real experiences. Any recommendations on dumbbells or other weights?

Spent the past week trying to convince myself to really do this and I'm really up for it now. I've always felt like I couldn't do it and made excuses, but now I have none so I know I can. Starting this Saturday, which gives me 3 months before uni starts. Will I be a new and improved person? Watch this space .

[matty-hodgson]

Take a photo of yourself stood in the same position every day/week and then look at the change through the 3 months, you'll be amazed!

And good luck with it all.. I started getting fit again a couple of months ago, set myself a target of being able to benchpress 90kg. Managed 100kg 2 times earlier today so I'm pretty bloody happy .

Get yourself a decent pair of running shoes if you're wanting to start jogging as well, I really hurt my feet from running funny a few months ago, just something to look out for. And again, good luck!

[TooNice]

I have a similar goal except that I am aiming to cut 2kg of fat and have access to a cheap gym till September and I've set the deadline to be my B-day near the end of that month. Can't help with advice since I am only a few weeks in, but we can probably motivate each other

[Jiff Lemon]

Check out your local freecycle for weights or a bike - You never know!

If you can't do the photo thing, at least weigh yourself and keep a log of it. Its always good to have something you can reference for when you hit a low point.

Jogging is a great start, but try and through some intervals in there - Sprint then jog. Check your local centres for fitness classes too - there often much cheaper than a gym. Or check to see if the gym has reduced rates for unemployed/students.

[Brucelles]

If you can't find weights you can easily get fit at home. I used to use the RCAF 5BX system. However the fitness industry has pointed out that sit-ups are now life-threatening in a way that only thermonuclear weapons used to be. I am only surprised that I am not dead, or that I don't have aching muscles.

Anyway, the 5BX program used to be freely available on teh interwebs, but has been removed. It will be replaced http://www.goodbyecouch.com/ in July with an updated version designed for people too unfit to exercise.

My advice to you tech savvy people would be to find a torrent somewhere and download it. It is out of copyright years ago, so the only reasons it has been removed from the net are: Health and safety & the opportunity to make money by upgrading it and start charging for it again.

If you can't be arsed, then at least try adding some proper push-ups, squats and crunches to your aerobic regime.

[Domestic_Ginger]

Perhaps get a job gardening or manual labour; tone up and get a little cash. You can just advertise your services in newsagnets etc. People as a potential student you already get some sympathy. being outside you'll get some sun too which ill help to make you feel better.

People are always on the lookout for reliable cheap labour to do odd jobs; I know I do.

[Haiku32]

The photo thing is a good idea, I might just do that .

Decided a route I'm going to jog to get my started, takes about an hour to walk there and back so I'll see how it goes and adjust as necessary. Already got some good running shoes that are extremely comfortable.

I'll take all these ideas on board, cheers.

Waiting to hear back from Gamestation and John Lewis, hoping I will but if not then manual labour will have to be the way to go haha.

[theuncharmed]

Apples are a good snack. They contain pectin which stops you from feeling hungry and snacking more!

Also intervals. Whatever sport, activity or training you decide to do - do it in intervals.

Run for x distance til your puffed out. Then jog the same distance. Then run it again. Then jog. Repeat til knackered.

Also, it might look camp and rather crap, but this IS the book to buy to get you fit: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Fit.../dp/0752805894

I used it for my Para training and although it looks basic, follow it and you'll be laughing. And fit too!

Good luck.

[Iron Sights]

I would recommend learning martial arts, I know it will cost but it has everything: cardio, body conditioning, muscle building etc.

Plus you will learn to kick ass! Nerd Rage ftw!!!

[Haiku32]

Quick update on how I'm getting on.

Already feel better and have a lot more energy. Find myself naturally getting up earlier in the morning feeling more refreshed. Just went for a 45 minute jog there and came back feeling knackered, but also really good. It's been quite hard not drinking or having any junk food when I'm out with my friends, and they all think I'm a bit of a spoil sport when I'm drinking water at the pub but, oh well that's the way it goes.

Still need to get some weights, they are more expensive than I imagined!

[theuncharmed]

Still need to get some weights, they are more expensive than I imagined!

Would happily send you my spare weights but it'll cost just as much to buy them - always hated that about posting weights ...

Still, glad it's going well for you. Mates will always say you're a spoil sport, but wait til they see the difference in you - they'll be following suit soon after or moaning at how much better you feel / look.

Good luck

[ipwiz]

Drink Water ! I found I was snacking when all i was was thursty !