Thanks so much for the answer and the information Mel!
To answer your questions back to me, it has only been about three months that I've been going to the gym. And, admittedly, it took me some time to get into a routine. I'm not bored yet or looking for quick fixes, I just want to try to make the best use of my time while enjoying myself too.
I love the step class and it is a great aerobic workout. I choose a class that is quite intense and it absolutely gets my heartrate up and it also tones my legs and butt!
The power class is a great allover barbell workout but the nature of the class is more higher repetition and lower weights. It's just the way it's designed.
When I do my own workout, I use almost all dumbells and try for as much weight as I can handle and do 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. From what I've read, that's the better way to build muscle. I'm still learning, that's for sure!
How does that sound? I know it's a good start and yes, until I re-joined the gym, I was more of a couch potato. I'm a walker but that was about it.
My other question, that I forgot to ask, is anyone's opinion on the "soreness factor". What I mean is, during the power class and on my own, I'm working out so that I am completely fatiguing my muscles, or so it feels to me. I'm am seriously struggling near the end. And sometimes I'm sore the next day or so (which I like) but not always. Am I doing enough, even if I'm not sore?
For example squats - during the power class, my legs are shaking and I'm having trouble getting through but the next day - nothing? How is that possible? I'm much weaker on my upper body so I usually feel that, but not always and almost never in biceps even though, like I said, I could not do another curl when I'm done.
Finally regarding the whole scale thing, I am trying to focus more on health and seeing a difference in the mirror and in my clothes, rather than the number on the scale. I know that at my weight, I could look a lot better, but I don't want to go up. As for possibly changing my food, I'm sure there's a lot I could do there too but I'll leave that for now as this is already getting long.
So many questions, so much to learn. I'm going to take some of your advice and add some more cardio and maybe a little weights at home, if I can
But thanks again!!
Oh..and what do I want my body to look like? I just want to look good in a tank top and shorts...and dreams of a bikini before I die!!