Hey all, I'm new. I'd like to lose 20 lbs, perhaps even 25. But I'll focus on 20 for now.

Can anyone tell me the quickest and most efficient way to losing 20? I want to start working out regularly. I've been going on hour-and-a-half walks most of this week but I want to pick up the pace a bit with my exercise. I can't do running, unfortunately, as I have asthma and it's very painful on my chest. But I can do most other things.

I was considering push ups, sit ups, things like that. Can anyone tell me the best exercises for losing weight and toning the stomach/arm areas?

That would be most appreciated

Hi junkbunny. I'm going to limit my response to welcoming you and leave the technical stuff to those who know what they're talking about.

Hi JunkBunny,

I'm new to the forum too, but in terms of exercise, I feel like cardio is the best thing to do, to lose weight. There are other forms of cardio besides running, like brisk walking (set the incline to like 5%), biking, or going on the elliptical. I am not familiar with weight lifting or boot camp type exercises, but I'm sure any kind of movement that makes you sweat will help!

Good luck!

Thankyou both for your responses! I prefer to get out and walk in an environment rather than on a treadmill, but luckily the city I live in is very hilly so I get a nice combination of flat and incline walking.
I'm also going to try doing pilates regularly. Yay!

Welcome junkbunny! I think that the best thing to do is just get movin' and get that heart pumpin! I love to walk and run. It makes me feel great and I tend to eat healthier. Best of luck!!

junkbunny.... Join us on the weekly Featherweights thread for some great encouragement!

I think that a good ole push up is good for "toning" *shudder* (hate that word) and is great for pecs, shoulders and abs. If you really want to lose inches fast get some dumbbells and do some weight-lifting exercises. Check out www.stumptuous.com (click on iron) for all of the information you'll need to get started!

As for cardio - anything that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathless (in a good way, not in an asthma attack way) is great cardio! How about swimming too? That's a lovely way to get started.