Hi everyone! I am new here. I am trying to lose weight for the summer (and keep it off), but am having a really tough time getting motivated. I need to lose approx 15lbs. I bought 2 new pilates dvd's and have been jogging. Here is a question: If I am jogging a couple nights a week, will that help me lose weight or will that just put on muscle? Anyways, I stuck to a routine for about 2 weeks only and then it got really cold and snowy again and I quit. I need your support and suggestions!!!

Thanks guys!! Looking forward to meeting you!

Meghan

15lbs for summer shouldn't be a problem. I have about the same to lose and know that we'll both look fab come beach-time! Running/jogging is a great workout and at least for me, it's the best thing for fat loss. You do gain muscle in your legs but it burns a huge number of calories as well so I say definitely stick with it. Try signing up for a 5-k to motivate you even. Pilates DVDs are great too-which ones did you buy? I really like the windsor pilates set. best of luck to you!!

Thank you guys! You were all very helpful. I will try to start jogging again - as it sounds like a great way to stay in shape and lose extra pounds. The problem is it is so cold here and I live out of town - without a treadmill so I am pretty much stuck inside until it warms up a bit. But thanks again for the advice!!!

Some people say they like those Walk Away the Pounds DVDs with Leslie Sansone (?) but I have never tried them. Might be an option for indoors.

THanks Lizzbabe! I have the Windsor Pilates - buns and thighs and abs DVD's ( I think). They give me a good workout if I do them right. A lot of times I find I am feeling no pain and I am not in the right postition or just doing the excersise wrong but the next time I try it, I am sweating!! I will look out for that walk away the pounds DVD. I might try to find some sort of dance DVD? Do you have any suggestions for a good one? You've lost 43lb already and only have 10 to go? That is really great!!! I am looking for a buddy on here that I can get motivated from and just talk to when I get struggling to workout and eat right. Would you mind if I pm'd you sometime?

Thanks,
Meg

ShrinkMe-What a great name! 15 lbs by summer is definitely doable. I want to lose 20 total but am aiming for 15 by summer. I think that last five is going to take me awhile!

SJ

Skinnyjeans that is a great name too!! I love it! Maybe we can help each other keep on top of things? I know I need someone to help me keep it up - Ever since I went to college and left home I have been gaining weight which is a new thing to me, in highschool I had good metabolism and was somewhat involved in sports, and now I am having to learn how to loose pounds and keep them off. I am a lazy, relaxed person by nature and absolutely hate excersising - I am hoping that feeling goes away once I begin to see results.
Plus my love for food isn't helping (junk food is my fav)

Meg

I love the buns and thighs winsor DVD but the ab one is too tough! for cardio i like denise austin but a lot of people find her annoying. check out collagevideo.com for reviews and preview clips to see what you like. they let you know how dance-y certain ones are. Lots of people like tae-be as well but I'm not coordinated enough.

I have about 10 more to lose, and I'm using Walk Away the Pounds Dvds. IN these past 3 days, I've done 9 miles (3+2+4). THey're ALOT of fun, and not to mention easy to follow. I've tried many exercise tapes, but these are my favorite.

Hi Meg, I'm new too and trying to loose 10lbs for the summer time. I know how hard it is to run with crazy weather!!! The Walk Away the Pounds are great for quick 20-30 minutes exercise! I love them also. But once the weather starts getting nice try to get out side and enjoy the fresh air, it almost motivates me more if its nice outside and trust me I always need motivation to do any kind of exercise.
Good Luck with everything and keep in touch, we'll reach our summertime goal together with alot of inspiration!
Robin

OK, call me a dork, but i will tell you which tapes i love...

Richard Simmon's Sweatin to the Oldies.

Yes.. laugh... i laugh too... but its really quite fun with the dancing and upbeat music you dont even know you are excersizing.

Angie