Darlene: I'm no expert, but my understanding is that sustained exercise raises your metabolism for several hours after you are done vs. what it is "normally". Then, muscle cells use much more energy then fat cells, so as you shrink your fat and bulk up your muscle you should have more permanent changes.
I certainly have noticed that I have a lot more energy than I did before- which probably took a month or so, but I'm sure just being lighter has a lot to do with that. And I love going up stairs now. I can't say that I'm exactly a gazelle when I'm climbing them, but it's the one area that I can
really tell a difference.
Great work getting to the gym! If your experience is like mine, once you see some results (very soon!) you'll start to love the gym more and dread going less. As it is, I'm a bit bummed that I won't be able to go tomorrow because of the holiday. Keep up the good work!