Ok, so I finally joined the gym again last night and plan on going tonight to get back into the swing of things. I'm actually quite excited to be getting control of myself and my weight back.

My question is, I have roughly 35-40 pounds to lose. Would it be better to just focus on cardio/weight loss and THEN work on toning, or should I do both right away?

Any advice is much appreciated.

I think doing cardio and weights is a good combination.

First - kudos to you, awesome! My suggestion is to rotate depending on how often you plan on going. I.e.: I do weights for my arms 2 days a week, weights for legs 2 days a week, then 1 day of just full blown cardio. Also, on my weight days, I try to do 15 minutes on the eliptical AND 1.5 walk in my neighborhood. I know...its a bit extreme for someone just starting out, so this is just an example. Anyway...keep in mind, when you lift weights you continue to burn fat 2x longer than cardio. I mean, cardio is good any which way but weights helps balance. Also remember the myth-muscle weighs more than fat-not true. In fact, confirm that with the trainers at your gym, as well as any other questions you may have. This should be free advice and it will help educate you.

Good luck!

I like cardio and weights together. tone while losing. I prefer a mini routine every day, but I'm a strength training junkie. On days I want to really work some muscle I do a full routine each until exhaustion.

Muscle is MORE DENSE than fat. That means the same weight of muscle takes up LESS SPACE than the same weight of fat. If you have more muscle you will be smaller than another person at your same weight.

That is very true. Also, strength training in general burns a decent amount of calories and increases your metabolism for a long time afterward for extra fat burning action! It's a win win.

Thanks for your replies. I've only had time to go twice to the gym since posting this. My work schedule last week was insane! Feels good to get back to exercising though, it really does a wonder for my outlook and mood.