First things first: I'm male; I'm not an adult (I'm only 16); I'm not overweight or obese; I weigh 145 pounds and I am around 5'8"; I normally don't eat the most healthiest stuff in the world, but since Monday (school being out and all) I've started to watch what I eat; I haven't gained much weight in the past few years (if any) even with my bad eating habits...

The thing is though, I want to slim down a bit--lose the tiny gut I have, possibly flatten the chest a little more, lose a lot on my legs (seems to be where most of my fat is, but that might be due to genetics). I also seem to feel more unfit than I was say a year ago. I've never had superb flexibility, I can't even remember the last time I could touch my toes. I do exercise somewhat regularly though (but I seem to get out of breath a lot quicker now).

Since it's the summer, I figure it would be the perfect time to attempt such a thing, and even after researching on the internet a bit, I am still confused as to how I should approach it.

I have definitely been watching what I eat since the start of this week and I do feel a little better, but I'm still not sure how much I should eat, what I should avoid (2% milk is the only milk I ever have in my house and I'm not sure whether I should drink it or not), and so on.

I am also not sure what kind of exercises I should attempt. I know cardio is the best option and I play basketball a lot, and I've started taking walks this week, but I don't know how much I should do for the stage I am in. Will all this help with my flexibility?

Maybe I am getting too paranoid at such a young age, but any help would make me very thankful.

Hi gunntry.. How about making an appointment with your family physician and he could help you along here.. Or maybe even a local nutritionist... You say you aren't overweight but would like to firm up. .Can you not join a local sports team or YMCA??/ This may help you along..

Here are my tips to go a long with joanne's tips.

1) You can gain flexibilty form streching. You can get some good stretching techinues from the internet or from that chart they have in the warm area at gyms.

2) Walking will help tone up the legs.

3) You will not look different overnight.

4) 2 % milk is ok if you like it. That is what I drink. Just drink 8 oz glasses though. That is 1 serving. That is the size of a juice glass.

5) Do not fill up on chips and soda. Not filling up on those can rid of empty calories.

7) Tell your parents your plans. Your Mom can help by buying health snacks.

8) At 16 your body is still changing so focus on not getting out of breath when you exerices and being able to touch your toes. Don't focus on a weight number.

9) Drink lots of water while exercising and being active.

hey gunntryggr....at 5'8" and 145 you are really not overweight..i think what you are looking to do is tone up and bulk up ..to do that you need to do two things..start working out with weights, and do cardio exercises like you were talking about..that along with 3 well balanced meals and a couple of snacks a day will get you where you want to be...do you have cable tv? espn2 has a program on called Bodyshaping...they have a web site also...it comes on in the middle of the nite here, but you could tape it and see what they do..it is very motivating!!! chose your food from lean protein like chicken or turkey breasts, whole grain foods like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, other high quality cereals, low fat dairy, fruits and veggies..to grow muscles you need good protein sources after you exercise..and to do cardio, you need good carb sources before hand...walking, running, biking, swimming, etc are all great..just walk away from your house for however long you can, turn around and come back..add a minute every day..then start adding some jogging in..if you can buy a video, tae bo is a fun one i think you would enjoy...dont try to mess too much w losing weight by cutting calories too drastically or any fad diets..it will only mess up your good metabolism..the thing you want to do is improve the quality of the food you eat, like lisa said..cut out sodas, chips, watch the ice cream n cheese etc..and up the exercise..you will be buff by the time school starts!!!! if you have questions about exercise..go on over to the exercise forum..there will be tons of help there..best of luck to you!! :up: