Sarah – I totally agree: lifting weights is great exercise! And your gym sounds so nice; instructors who could put together a program for you and teach you how to do the exercises is probably easy to come by!
I’ve only lifted weights at the gym for a couple of months, but I’m both stronger and more toned already. I’ve found that it’s all about lifting heavy, getting your body out of the comfort zone, and eating enough protein!
And those 30lbs dumbbells I couldn’t do even one of last week? This week I did 3 before I had to go back to the 26lbs dumbbells. Yey!
ellis – good going on the rowing machine! I think 20 minutes is a very long time on a rowing machine too - so I’m impressed!
I’ve found out that running on the treadmill is excellent exercise – especially doing intervals and alternating between 5, 6 and 7 miles/hour! I don’t last for very long, but I’m so amazed that I actually can run 7m/h!
…so not only am I aiming for “strong”, I’m now aiming for “fast” too!
And yes: I’ve done my 3 weightlifting routines for the week: lower body Monday, arms and chest Wednesday, back and stomach today. And cardio (aka the treadmill!) all 3 days!
exercisers!
But on Wednesday I was able to complete the whole thing. I'm completely exhausted from work this week and I am going straight home to lay around... but I plan to be back tomorrow. And then start going M, W, Fri every week. If all the 70 year olds can do it, I can at least try to keep up with them. *LOL* It is kinda depressing being the youngest person there and the most out of shape. 
