Featherweights - Building muscle while losing the last 10#?

So... today me and my bf are going to go look at another gym and then make a decision about which one we are joining. I fell off the wagon with going to the gym the end of last year - my weight was at a standstill while working out. I have lost quite a bit of this weight by just eating healthy. I want to turn the fat I have into muscle while still losing the last 10lbs. When I used to go to the gym I felt I had more muscle but would eat more b/c i felt I somehow "deserved" it and I was hungrier. I plan on lifting weights 30mins 3Xa week and cardio 4-5 days 30min. I have been on my eliptical for the past 3 days and it has made me feel better w/more energy. Any tips for going back to the gym while still losing the last 10?

Ilene will be able to help you. She's a regular gym goer and an exercise Mod right here at 3FC.

In the mean time ... try reading here
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/weight-resistance-training-80/
Lot's of wonderful folks, lots of good information.

thanks so much!

I am right there with you. I maintained for almost a year and finally decided it was time to get back in the game. I lost the first 12lbs immediately, but am now stuck trying to lose the last 10-15 lbs. I have stepped up my workout(s). I am up to a total of 45 min cardio/interval and 45 min resistance/toning. The scale hasn't budged in 2 weeks and I am getting frustrated. I finally resorted to taking measurements on Monday in hopes of seeing some results there.

Good luck on the measurements! Let me know how it goes.

Hi :wave: blondeblueeyedbeauty, sorry I've taken so long in answering but I've been busy...

Firstly I want to clarify what you said : "I want to turn the fat I have into muscle while still losing the last 10lbs." Fat does not turn into muscles or the other way around. Muscle is metabolically active and fat is not.

Here are just a few advantages of weight training :

* Prevents loss of lean body mass that happens from dieting and/or aging
* Weight training workouts burn calories
* Helps change your body composition, which helps shape your body and keep you healthy
* Strenghtens bones and connective tissue along with muscles
* Helps keep you strong and active as you get older http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseworkouts/f/muscle.htm
The one advantage I like is the one that says that it changes your body composition, which means that WT gives your body a firmer and toner look. That to me, is more important than what the scale says. I figured your BMI and at 5'5" and 130 lbs, your BMI is 21 which is the healthy normal range, and that's perfect. So when you start weight training and building muscles and losing fat, BUT maybe not losing weight on the scale don't be discouraged you will look smaller and leaner than someone who does no weight training and is the same height and weight...

So go for the weight training it's extremely important for a well rounded healthy lifestyle.

The trick with eating when weight training is to feed your muscles after a workout, so yes you do "deserve" to eat, but you must eat clean healthy foods not junk...

I hope this helps and let us know how you do at the gym ...