Getting MotivatedI used to be on my high school basketball team and some of my fondest memories are of the days when I worked so hard I nearly passed out...and then got to start in the next game. I wish I could push myself that hard again, but without the pressure of a coach I just don't see it happening. I can't go work out with a friend because all of my friends are away at school and I am at home. I certainly can't afford a personal trainer...it seems hopeless!!!! I have a wedding to go to before Christmas and I would like nothing better than to look good for that occasion. Last Christmas I was too big for any of my dresses and I vowed that this year I would be down to a size 10. Here it is...almost Christmas again and I am not only still in my size 14 but I am even heavier than last year! Please help! A: I hope I'm in time for the wedding, but I don't think so. Well, it seems as though we have some objections to exercise to overcome. The age of 20 is when we set the fitness foundation for the rest of our lives. So either nip it in the bud right now or forever struggle. You decide (seems a little heavy handed, huh?)I need to know more information. What is your diet? Are you still eating the same quantities as when you were playing basketball? What sort of weight bearing or resistance type exercises do you do? When you do aerobics, what is the intensity level? Since high school, how long is the longest your exercise programs have lasted? What are your exercise interests? Is there a basketball league or other organized sports program in your area? Sorry kiddo, there is a cause and effect at play here. What have you been doing (or not doing) over the past year that caused this increase in your weight? And, why aren't you in school? (More heavy handed stuff.) Aerobic exercise takes many forms, you can bike, stationary or outdoors, treadmill, stairmaster, walking, in-line skating, running, jogging, even going out dancing (more heavy handed stuff) no alcohol, you're too young. In other words, the aerobics classes are not your only alternative. Just be sure you have fun doing whatever you decide to do. I'm sure in your gym they have someone who can orient you on all of the equipment. This is a service that your gym should provide at no cost. If not, let me know what the equipment is and I'll try to explain to you how to use it. Fitness is not hard to attain, it takes a little bit of discipline and dedication. Often times it is perceived as an overwhelming task but if you align your priorities with fitness as one of them and if the commitment is there, you can see visible results very quickly (in as little as three weeks). Good luck, Trainernyc TrainerNYC archive. A read-only copy of the original site, preserved in 2026. |