Im 17 and I just started weight watchers with my mom and now i want to start exercising more. I have been going to the gym and doing the tread mill for 45 minutes to an hour. SOoo now im not sure about weight training should i start doing it now and keep working more of it in to my daily exercise. I DONT WANT TO BE SAGGY! that is why i keep procrastinating on losing weight. but now i need to do it because im sick of being overweight..so can someone please tell me what i should do for exercise and weights .

Hi! You're really smart to look into weight training as a part of your fitness. The benefits of adding weight training just keep on adding up. Here are some of my favorite reasons for lifting weights:
1. A pound of fat will burn 2 calories in a 24 hour period, a pound of muscle will burn 50 in that same time. By lifting weights I'm increasing the muscle & creating my own metabolism booster.

2. Despite what we've been led to believe, as a woman it's impossible for me to bulk up like the Hulk. Yeah I've seen those pics of beefy women at bodybuilding contests from twenty years ago. Relax, the only thing that will happen is no sag & lots of sleek. You'll lose inches & firm way up!

There are other reasons but those are my favorite two. If you're interested in lifting weights (usually simple dumbells are a great way to get the job done) consider researching the proper form for each exercise. Usually there's a trainer either at the gym or online that can give you that information easily. Some good resources that come to mind include Body For Life with Bill Phillips & any information from the Biggest Loser Books which have lots of pics showing you how to do this stuff.

Have fun with it & before you know it, you're going to love the results! Take care & feel free to message if you have any questions!

Marylynn

Hi,

I just picked up another great book. It is called The Body Sculpting Bible for Women (make sure you get the revised edition with the DVD). It was $19.95 at Barnes and Noble.This is a great book. (There is another one but much smaller, like a 21 day plan or something. This one is the BIG book) It explains all the exercise you can do with dumbbells, has a day by day plan for weight lifting (includes a 14 day body sculpting workout). They have a break in routine for beginners like me. The exercises are not hard. Things like Dumbbell One Arm Row, 15-20 reps, 2 sets. For instance, Day 1 has 8 exercises. That's it. Then it goes from there. It also includes ideas for Cardio. It is laid out in Weeks. Very easy to understand. It is so easy to just follow an already made up plan when just beginning. All of this is stuff you can do at home.

After the Break In Routine, it goes on to a bit harder stuff. Once again, it is all laid out in a schedule.

This book also goes over nutrition, what protein is and why you need it, common myths and misconceptions of weight lifting, a table of food values, sample diets, a workout journal, a nutrition journal, etc. Also, Body Sculpting under special circumstances (during pregnancy, for seniors, for youngsters, while traveling, while you are sick, etc).

There is even anatomy charts showing the muscles used during workouts.

It is a great book! 381 pages packed full of info!!

Of course, as with any exercise program, check with your doctor before starting it.

Kathy

Oh, I forgot, it tells how to use machines at the gym too. And....it is FULL of great photos showing all the exercises.

Kathy