Quote Member-XI:
I started working out when I started university again, and it went really well, sadly though because of wanting to fit in with friends, I didn't have a very healthy diet(My diet at university is normally very bland but a healthy bland that I like and others hate XD), so this only maintained my weight at a steady 136lbs. I'm in the low end of my weight range, being 5'7 and having a BMI of 21.5. However, like a few other people, I dislike how my weight is distributed. I have an hour glass figure, so my weight tends to settle on my hips, stomach and bum. So my main plan in New Year is to really tone up and hopefully shift some weight as well, and possibly build some muscle mass eventually.
I've set a goal of May expo to see at least SOME difference, i'm not expecting to be amazingly toned or anything, but a general increase in stamina and over all body shape would be nice.

I think my main motivation is that i'm cosplaying a lot of female characters this year, and non of them (except possibly Bayonetta) have an hour glass shape to them, so i'd at least like to tone up before I cosplay them.
I'm also determined to fit into one bloody size of clothing! I'm stuck between an eight and a ten due to the sheer size of my hips and waist. (My waist is 25inches, my hips 40inches)While neither of those sizes are bad, i'd just like to fit into one or the other, preferably the eight (if my hips will allow it, as their is only so much you can loose and tone) so that it makes clothing shopping easier and cheaper and gives me a bit of variety. (I find that when you go into sales, particularly Next's end of year slaes, the size eights and lower are always cheapest and have more left on the racks)

So yeah, its gym time again! XD I actually really enjoy the gym when its not crowded. I think thats the best advice I can offer really, if you want to start at the gym, but are nervous about going, try and find out what times are less busy. For me its early morning and then 1 o'clock till 3 as thats when other students come in. I was so nervous about going to the gym, thinking everyone would look, but no one even raises an eyebrow when you go. :3

I'm also trying to get better health wise, as over the past year and a half, i've suffered with anemia, which, coupled with a very stressful year at university has made my hair fall out and its now very thin and brittle. So one of my goals is to try and increase my intake of vitamins and minerals (I buy them, then ignore them >_> to encourage my hair to get thicker again and also to control my anemia. 8D

Anyways, good luck everyone! I'm sure we can all do it and be pleased with ourselves at the end of it all! <3

Quote GunstarVixen:
while I was flicking through this months Runners World I can across this article, which is for complete beginners! Which has helpfully now been put up on the website for all to read! it has some great tips!

Quote FairyPorchQueen:

I hope all goes well for you ^___^ Im sorry to hear about your hair and anemia that is so sad.

I struggle with my weight. I am also 5'7. And move between 93lbs and 100lbs So quite badly underweight sadly. You are so lucky you have an hour glass figure i wish i was blessed like you! I have a very boyish figure sadly. With measurements of 32' 25' 32' so quite like a pole ahha or a so called athletic build. I feel the same as you i dont want to be mega toned, but nicly toned with better stamina I am worried about starting a gym as im worried about people staring, thinking nasty things, but i hope they dont! You have given me resurance here also.

I hope we can all stick to our plans, and should bring this thread up in 6months time and see how everyone is doing, thanks for all the great tips and resurance ^_^ Good luck!

Quote Member-XI:
Hehe sometimes its annoying having a funny figure, nothing fits right XD

Quote diphenhydramine:


Too right, it's a pain in the ass having the genetic lottery against you! Every woman in my family is quite voluptuous - and yet somehow I've been designated Chun-Li thunder thighs, I have wide hips, plenty of, errr... "junk in the trunk". And even so, when I've put on weight recently I still haven't fought my way into a B cup. I need either an hourglass figure to balance out those hips, or to be skinny to balance out my chest. But no such luck for me, silly spoon figure.

So anyway, for a long term goal I'd like to have a figure that makes sense. Currently I'm trying to work out the best way to lose weight without it shrinking my chest back down. Has anyone else been in this situation and have any tips?