Good Morning Everyone!

I found some articles you guys might find interesting.

http://content.health.msn.com/conten...cle/1676.52487

and

http://content.health.msn.com/questi...cle/1676.51911

Anne

EXCELLENT ARTICLES ANNE!!!! Thanks so much. Very important information!

She has written so many books in the past - I believe that she does this so the books are as up-to-date as far as new info as possible...I really enjoyed her book "Bottoms Up" which concentrates on the lower torso. I really enjoy reading the new "Muscle & Fitness Hers" - they have what seems to me good info on weight training, diet, and health in general!

This is what I do:

Mon & Fri- 65 minutes on the Precor; 45 minute Spinning class (it's an hour class but I have to get to work).

Every other day except Wednesday (usually) - 65-80 minutes on the Precor; 20+ minutes strength training

I generally alternate between upper and lower body each day...on the weekends, I generally throw in a little outdoor cycling as well - especially when the weather is nice!

Do I think strength training helps you lose weight more efficiently? - definitely YES! I think lifting weights has made a HUGE difference in the way I look and feel about my body - I lose weight slowly anyway - I'm 5'4", 156 pounds at this point - yet I'm wearing a size 8-10. When I'm at 145, I'm a baggy size 8! I'm convinced that the small size is at least partly due to working with weights as well as cardio!

Hi Mrs. Jim! Thanks for joining us, I always enjoy your posts!

I have to update my books, and I will check out some more of the Joyce Vedral books. I really like her.

Susan

The weight v size:

I know that my target goal at WW is supposed to be 140 but I know, as you said, that I have been 145 while actively weight training and wearing a baggy size 8 which is FINE for me! I can't seem to get the WW people to get this. At 5'2 they want my goal weight to be much lower (like 125) but I have never been below 130 in my adult life without looking ill. Even without weight training, I can be 130 and look like I weigh 110 but at 145, I can be a definitely NICE size for me if I am working with weights. I remember the last time I was lifting regularly, I think I actually went into a 6 at some point but was still in the high 130s.

Hi everyone,

I am now officially doing BFL!!! I did my first lower body workout today. It was amazing. I wasn't in the gym for an hour even...felt like I pulled out 8's maybe...and yet about an hour after I got home............yowzer. It hurts going up and down the stairs. Unbelieveable.

Good stuff!

How is everyone doing?

Well I got my but back to the gym Sunday and last night (had not been there since last Monday due to friends in town). We have been trying to do some of the free weights. Boy does that make a differance! I think my muscles were getting use to the weight machines.

Can anyone refer me to a good book for free weight exercises? It would be much appreciated.

Anne

PS - I was not a good OP girl last week. :-( Not enough exercise, too much food and too much wine with the friends. There I said it. Now I feel better. LOL Tonight is WI so we will see what the scale monster says.

http://www.joycevedral.com/

Just FYI...

Well I didn't do as bad as I thought. I lost .8 this week.

I second the joyce vedral suggestion.

Also, congratulations on having a good weigh in.

If you start free weight training, you might notice your weight going UP. It's a good idea to have your body fat tested before weight training and every few weeks so that you can tell you are making progress. The scale doesn't tell the real story.

I bought Muscle Media magazine today because they had a bunch of transformation BFL stories and I was amazed at how many people put on weight but lost a ton of body fat.

Thats a great idea. I am keeping track of my measurements. Yes I want to lose weight, but losing unwanted body fat is my main objective.

Thank you guys for all your support and information. I really appreciate it!

Hi,

I use the Joyce Vedral Fat Burning Workout, and it definitely works. I started out
with very light weights and worked my way up. I stopped at 15 lb weights so I
wouldn't get too bulky. Even though I'm still overwieght from over eating I know
it's burned lots of fat and reshaped my body. Also I'm alot healthier I get out and
go skiing with my family now and the like.


beachfeet

We used the Smith Machine last night to do lunges, squats. Oh my gosh I feel it in my legs today. Even though we have been doing leg excercises this really used different muscles.

By the way, my husband gets Mens Health and they have a great pull out section on weight training exercises in the current issue.

Anne

Hi Back atcha Beachfeet!

I agree that weight training does a lot for fat burning because muscles burn fuel more efficiently and so it's a bonus effect!

Anne,

The Smith Machine is very good for form as well. I love to do dumbbell lunges but I never keep my form. And when doing BFL, it is a lot of sets so it is very hard to keep form!!!