So, I have been on this board and because of all the collective wisdom here, I have learned a lot about cardio, and HIIT and weight training. However, I have a few questions.

Right now, I have been losing weight at a very good pace. I started exercising... only this time, I have been doing things that I love. Going for fast walks in the nice weather (it's been near 60 degrees here the past couple days) and playing dance dance revolution. The walks would classify as standard cardio, but I would guess the DDR is more like HIIT since I dance really fast for one song and then take a break in between.

Last time I tried to get healthier and lose weight, I was going to the gym all the time. I started off liking it, but it became a chore and eventually I started to hate it. I dreaded going. I wanted to avoid that this time, which is why I am playing DDR and walking for my exercise... I have fun and can't wait to do it again every day. I know that I need to find things I enjoy doing so that I can stick to them.

The thing is... I am not getting any weight training in. Personally, I hated weight training... it's just something that I didn't enjoy doing at all when I was at the gym. I would just throw it in at the end of a workout because I knew I needed it.

1. Is it bad if I just do cardio and HIIT? I realize that muscle burns more calories and muscle will help me to look sculpted... but would it be okay if I just do the HIIT and cardio for now, and then once I get to goal, I THEN start weight training to sculpt the areas? I mean... if I don't get rid of the fatty layer first, how am I supposed to figure out where I need to build more muscle?

2. Also, since I am not doing long distance running or anything... is my cardio going to cause my body to burn muscle? I would think my current exercise routine wouldn't be enough to cause muscle loss...

3. Finally... something almost unrelated. Since I have been doing my very brisk walking... I have noticed that my shins are hurting. Why would this be? I mean, I am walking more forcefully and quickly than normal... but I walk every day and I would think that my shins would be used to just walking. I never had this problem when on the treadmill last time. Is brisk walking on the pavement bad for me?

Thanks in advance to anyone who could share some insight!

I would say if doing strength training causes you to not workout then doing cardio only is better than not working out. I'm always of the view that everyone will do what they want to do in the end and you can't force yourself to do anything.

Personally, I find that I lose more weight faster when I incorporate strength training. I'm sure you've read all the benefits of having more muscle mass in increasing your BMI. Also, in doing strength training, forget about sculpting any specific body part. In the beginning it's better to stick to some basic core exercises (bench press, squats, deadlifts, etc.) where you get more bang for the buck in terms of results.

If possible, have you thought about working with a personal trainer? He/she may be able to give you some new strength training exercises/routines that you will like.

I would say do what you like to do if that helps you. I personally love weight training. You may be able to find weight lifting routines that you do enjoy so I do encourage you to explore that possibility.

Couple things to remember:

1) As we age, we lose muscle
2) As we lose weight, we lose muscle
3) Muscle is difficult to create

How do you feel about...

1) Personal trainer?
2) Resistance bands?
3) Body weight exercises? (pushups, squats, etc)
4) Something like kettlebells?

I am not opposed to finding something that I like doing... I was considering getting the 30 day shred because I know that uses weights and incorporates some weight exercises. I have also thought about getting a personal trainer, but I can't afford it right now... Only my husband is working right now (though I just go a job offer and I am thinking about taking it). I want to gain muscle... I just can't stand doing 5-10 reps of something and then repeating. It's too monotonous for me. I feel like I need the activity to be mentally engaging somehow.

Are there any activities that you can think of that incorporate weight training in them naturally? Does yoga build muscle? Are there any kinds of aerobics classes that also use weight training in them?

30 day shred could be a good starting point, there are some light weights and body weight exercises in those.

Yoga, which uses body weight, can help build some muscle.

You could also do strength building exercises in a circuit. Such as doing 15 squats, then 15 pushups, then 15 lunges, then 15 tricep dips, then 15 lunges (other leg), etc. You could also mix in certain things like running in place for 30 seconds.
Here is a webpage explaining a circuit training program: http://weighttraining.about.com/od/s...ircuit_fit.htm

I personally enjoy kettlebells but they do require a monetary investment to buy.

Hey I understand the boredom thing. I think that's why exercising at the gym is always a little bit of a mental thing for me... it can get boring! I do much prefer exercising outside, but you gotta go with what you have in terms of availability!

For the strength training, to answer your question - not, you don't need to lose fat in order to see your body change and sculpt. I worked with a personal trainer for 6 weeks and say my body change in ridiculously good ways - without losing a pound. But I went down a size just by doing strength training twice a week. Now that I am on my own, I do a DVD that does intervals (like 30 day shred, but better IMO), alternating 1 minute of strength exercise and 1 minute of cardio. Just in the few days I am doing it, I've noticed a huge change in my arm and leg muscles (the DVD has two separate workouts, one for uppper body and one for lower body). Anyway, I totally recommend strength training in addition to cardio. It keeps things interesting, and the benefits are great!

Fat Pants- thank you for sharing your story. It makes me realize that I should start incorporating some strength training in there regardless, because inches is what really matters in the end.

Nelie- thanks so much for the suggestion of circuit training. I will look into that idea. I do at least have a workout room that I have free access to in my apartment complex. I should try to at least do something in there, and see if I can't find a routine that I find engaging.

I was considering maybe finding a video that uses resistance bands. Maybe following something like that would be more mentally engaging too? I dunno. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good video that uses resistance bands?

You've got shin splints.

Replace your shoes if necessary, and google for appropriate exercises as well.