[jonbey]

Hi, this thread is a bit heavy, but that just makes it the more real. My weight has been up and down for years. I am just starting to get back into regular exercise again. It is always difficult though. Really the only form of exercise I have ever enjoyed is martial arts. I discovered kung-fu in my first year at Uni and realised that I could actually get fit and enjoy it. But since my wife got pregnant my weight increased rapidly, and I am now fighting (literally!) to e fit again.

Also, I can relate to Duke - at 33 I am starting to get really bored with my work. I am lucky that I can do 9 to 5 (I use my son as an excuse to get me out the office - "I have to leave at five, or I don't see him before he sleeps, and if that happens everyday, I'll only see him at weekends") I mean, that is totally true, but now manager do not ask me to work late, as they know that for me now my son comes first and everything else second. But I am now more determined to lose weight and get fir, not just for me, not just for my wife, but now for my son too!

The trick is to find an activity that you enjoy. I am sure there must be one for everyone. It could be walking, cycling, playing team sports, martial arts, ice skating - anything really. Everyone likes something, its just many people fail to find out what it is!!! Well, that is my opinion, it may be wrong.....

For me the difference between martial arts and running (which I also do a little of too) is that after a stressful day in the office, martial arts brings you into contact with other people, which can be good, whereas running, or going to a commercial gym to use machines etc. leaves you on your own, in your own thoughts. It is nice to interact with other people - it helps you with stress, provides motivation, and may even help with depression.

Oh, and one last thing - on the days that you eat too much - don't worry, everyone has good days and bad days. So long as the good days outweigh the bad, things will improve!