Are my goals (or lack of) realistic?

[toomanyshoes]

To be successful in weight loss do I need to have defined goals?

I want to lose weight but not to be a specific size/weight, it is more about health and getting to a point where it's manageable.

I'm reluctant to set a weight/size goal because I don't know what is going to be manageable/realistic and I don't want it to be about being disappointed if I don't reach or maintain that number.

I also need ideas on the lowest impact possible exercise, we already have a recumbent exercise bike but I'm already finding it very boring and need more options to stay interested.

I've had 2 crushed vertebrae in my spine for many years (T7 & T9) and last year found out I've also done damage to another 2 (T8 & T10). Due to this is it worth joining a gym or will it be a waste considering most exercise options there would be high impact?

Thanks for any advice you might be able to give!

[HotI]

I don't have a specific goal because i don't want to get there and then stop working and put it on again. I know its cliched, but i want it to be lifestyle changes not just temporary changes for temporary goals.

Do you have someone you can walk with, or go swimming with? Having a friend along helps keep it interesting and with motivation.

good luck

[AliBaby]

You dont have to have weight or size goalsif you dont want to and you can still be successful.
If you are doing a specific type of exercise you may want to improve the amount of weights lifted or reps completed or improve your km/hour on the bike . With all this weight loss will come along and fitness as well.

Swimming would be great for your back and you can have a goal of increasing lap time or amount of laps completed

YOu may even just want to have the goal of exercising 4 times a week for 30minutes as a start.

HTH

[Mak]

I am kind of in the same boat - but cos I get put off by not super over acheiving and then give up so I am taking a different approach.
I have goals of healthy food during the week, careful of portions and mindful eating (rather than random hoovering). I am also walking for an hour 4 times a week and trying to move more with the kids.
Come kinder I will try to swim once a week. So the idea is a permanent shift rather than a weight one, so hopefully more permanent.

[toomanyshoes]

Thanks ladies, love the swimming idea, use to swim all the time! So will have to take that up again.

Yes, I want the weight loss to be a by product rather than the driving force, IYKWIM?

Think I'll be giving the gym a miss for awhile, can't get my head around the cost!

[Queen]

Good on you for making the decision! How about finding an item of clothing that you wish to fit in, or sit nicely, and aim for that?

Also for swimming sometimes you can get a 10 time pass, works out cheaper

[Laranna]

You don't have to focus on the numbers, but goals will definitely help. You could try exercise or fitness based or health goals. They don't just have to be around the numbers on the scales. For example,

Drink 8 glasses or 2 litres of water each day for the next 3 months.
Eat 2 pieces of fruit and 5 serves of veggies every day.
Reduce the amount of junk food, limit naughty food to once a week only for three months.
Swim twice a week.
Swim 1km without stopping by x date

Set them according to your fitness levels and where you think you'd like to be at. Instead of weighing yourself, you could take your chest, waist and hip measurements once a month. That will give you an idea but you'll notice it anyway when your clothes start to feel looser

As for low impact exercise, I second the swimming. Gentle walking is also good (not sure how you are with that and your back though). Pilates is an excellent low impact exercise for people with back injuries. Make sure you find a proper studio and try and do the reformer pilates rather than mat work.

You might want to PM Mother Goose. She has a back injury and is very inspiring and motivating (she's been whipping me into shape LOL). So she could help you out with some back friendly exercises. Come check out the Fat Chic Slim page on facebook as well, lots of support there.