So, I've been trying to stick to exercise. I've done it every day for 40 minutes for about a week or so. Anyway, I've developed a kind of unconventional style (I guess), and was wondering if this will actually be effective in the long run, because I seem to be sticking to it pretty good so far, and I'm not getting bored. I use exercise DVDs and have a netflix membership, so combined with my ever-growing DVD selection, I have a pretty good variety.

What I've been doing is every morning or night when I decide I'm ready to do my workout (usually when my stomach is fairly empty), I take out my collection and do bits and pieces of DVDs, and then I record it on my calender. I recently purchases Insanity, because I found it super cheap on Ebay, but I am SO not ready for such a workout, but I at least try to do it for 10 minutes (probably not effective). Then I'm free to choose whatever else I want (it usually goes to belly dancing, pilates, or yoga). I will usually do 5 minutes here and there until I find a DVD that I lose track of time in, and will do it until I make my 40 minutes (or if I am not tired, will keep going until I become tired).

I know doing something is better than doing nothing, but will my "method" help me lose weight at all? Can you lose weight from mostly doing toning exercises?

good for you!
Yes, 40 minutes of activity / day will help you lose weight. You're probably not burning that many calories per day, but a couple hundred "extra" every day adds up. (The biggest calorie deficits / weight loss come through changing eating habits.)

Eventually, you might decide you want to become more systematic in your choice of exercises, but if you enjoy your method and can stick to it, it's a great place to start.

//b. strong

Well weight loss mostly comes from diet. Adding movement is helpful as you do burn calories but also there are other benefits to exercise such as muscle retention, bone strengthening and cardiovascular fitness. I'm all for some exercise vs none so sounds like a good plan to get in some exercise and increase your endurance.

Yes, I have been trying to change my eating habits. Last night, post-workout my husband and I shared a HUGE bowl of salad instead of a pizza, so that's saying a lot. My only problem is that whenever I visit my parents', I always end up eating really bad food. I love spending time over there, but I'm easily tempted by their junk-meals and sweets. I don't want to stop going over there, but it's so hard to say "no" when they offer food. And my mom will sometimes act almost offended if I refuse. Oh, and we live next door to my parents'. Walking distance, actually.

I do really want to lose weight, but I'm more doing this to make it a habit and not be so lazy. Also, I want to loosen my muscles up. They're always so stiff (especially my neck).

BTW, Kaw, if that's you in your picture then your back and shoulders look AMAZING!

You're getting moving and that is a start.

I don't recommend exercising on an empty stomach. You have already been fasting for 7-8 hours while you were sleeping. Your body is craving fuel. Plus if you skip breakfast your body is going to actually try to store calories when you do eat because it thinks it needs to conserve energy now because it doesn't know when it will get it again. Eat several small meals every few hours, even if you don't think you are hungry, your body is.

Now, you are getting around and moving, that is a good start. Over time though, if you are doing much of the same thing with your videos, your body is going to get used to it and you aren't going to see a lot of visible differences in your body. The key is muscle confusion through variety. Cardio is very important, but so is weight lifting. Many women think that lifting weights is going to give them big muscles. False. You don't get big muscles that easy or a lot of the guys out there wouldn't have as much trouble getting big.

In fact you actually burn more calories by adding some resistance and using weights because weight lifting creates something known as EPOC or the exercise afterburn. This causes your body to burn additional calories even while you are doing nothing at all, for up to 36 hours after your workout. Emphasize your larger muscles like your legs, chest, and back initially to burn the most calories. Look into beginner resistance training workout programs.

As far as your mom goes. Tell her a little more sternly that you want to lose weight, that you are doing well and trying really hard, and just say no! Tell her that you'd like her support in your journey to weight loss by not offering you unhealthy things to begin with. You have control over the situation, don't fall victim to thinking otherwise.

Thanks, Elite. I have a big variety with DVDs, including muscle building, yoga, pilates, belly dancing, dancing, walking, HIIT ... stuff like that, and I am constantly renting and buying new ones.

I have some other stuff like a jump-rope, hula hoop, weights, stationary bike, and a regular bike too.