[Ms.Trish]

Hi
I started exercising 3 weeks ago..I've lost about 10 lbs as of Wed. I started to clean up my eating and this week did great counting weight watcher points! I think I can do it this time! I have about 80 lbs to lose..maybe more. I joined a gym and during the week I do 3 turbo jam type workouts (kickboxing w/ dance moves) and 2 group power (this is a weight class...you use light weights (10lbs+) and you work one body part per song and the class is an hour). Then I rest one day and I go walk or do the elliptical for 1/2 hour on Sat or Sunday. Do you think that weight class is enough for now along w/ my cardio or should I be adding cardio to the weight class days? I wouldn't call it aerobic but I'm sweating and my legs and arms are shaking when I'm done..ha ha sooooooooooooooo I want to make sure I'm burnign enough fat and also building some muscle at the same time! any input?
thanks
trish

[RobertW]

Hi Trish,
If a major goal is building muscle, then i would add some strength training as well 2-3xweek. What you are doing is fine for losing weight and maybe building a little muscle, but isn't going to make you really strong. I am sure you will look great if you follow your regimen and drop 80#, but you are not going to build a bodybuilder's physique.

For myself, i think that building muscle through strength training is helping me lose fat and look better at a higher bodyweight. It is also encouraging me to shoot for a lower bodyfat% as my goal, which is probably healthier in the long run.