It’s been just over a month since I joined the gym. And yes, I’m still going. I thought going into to it that, just as with my home equipment, I’d lose interest and stop. I’ve found that it’s not the heavy-duty treadmills and ellipticals that keep me loyal, but the resistance (weight-lifting) machines. I really enjoy using them. I no longer do Zumba, but I am up for the kick-boxing class if I could just remember it’s on on a Tuesday!
I’ve battled my weight for the last ten years? And what with a slowing metabolism and menopause ect, it’s been an uphill battle. But shortly after I started at the gym I read an article that stated for women to be successful at weight-loss they need to do some resistance exercises with weights. I’d been concentrating so much on numbers (lbs) and believed that walking, running, and cycling were the way to reduce those numbers. But that wasn’t working for me.
Don’t get me wrong the walking ect has been fantastic for my heart and lungs. I can now walk at a good steady clip and talk without becoming breathless. (I couldn’t do that before) But it’s not those exercises that burn-off the extra fat-cells clinging for life to my body. It is only muscle that burns fat. And if you don’t have any muscle you ain’t burning any fat. That’s where the resistance machines come in.
There are machines that tone specific muscles (and they are so easy to use). So that I can work on the muscles that need resurrected. And believe me when I say it’s an awesome feeling to know that you have turned fat into muscle and are burning your calories properly. My weight has stayed at 150 lbs (after I lost 25 lbs more than a year ago) but my measurements have shrunk. Which means that my 150 lbs is now more muscle than fat. Whoo-hoo! Onward! 
Feb 07, 2013 @ 09:45:43
Good job with going the gym. With dedication and spending time on the right equipment, your body will be where your want it.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 13:28:20
Thanks Uzo
Feb 07, 2013 @ 09:57:10
I too remember hearing or reading somewhere that resistance training is the way to go in terms of burning fat. I miss going to the gym because I usually spent more time with the weights. I loved how toned my body would get and it made me feel confident. Congrats on your progress, Elizabeth! You’ll definitely reach your goals as you keept at it.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 13:34:39
It’s the nice toning-feel that I like too Sammy. I’m finding my posture is also improving.
(How come you don’t go anymore? Of course you can always tell me TMMOB. LOL 
)
I started trying to lose weight just because I’d gained a lot, but with the link between obesity, lack of exercise, and breast-cancer it became more about being healthy.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 15:21:21
Yeh I know what you mean, I have went from no exercise to working out 5 times a week but the weight isn’t dropping off like I hoped it would. I am definitely more toned and fitter but I am focussing to much on the scales. I am going to start weight training and lay off the scales and see what happens.
xxx
Good for you sticking with it and more importantly enjoying it
Feb 07, 2013 @ 15:32:05
I know you’ve been working out real hard Ashleigh, and it can be depressing when the scales don’t show our hard work. You’ve got the right idea. Stop looking at the scales for a while and take measurements: waist hips etc. I bet you’ll see you’ve dropped a couple of sizes. All the best with the weights. xx
Feb 07, 2013 @ 15:25:56
You’re doing great, Elizabeth! Wish I had your dedication. The nearest fitness center I know of is about 35 miles away (so I don’t ever go) but we have a lot of exercise equipment in the basement. My doctor recommended using the treadmill to lose weight and improve my health, but I haven’t made much progress.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 15:38:50
Thanks Carol.
Our gym is only ten miles away. I don’t know if I’d drive the 35 miles either Carol. And I too have a treadmill in the house, but it is SO boring! I like that when I get bored at the gym I can stop what I’m doing and do something else. I think that’s what’s help me the most. When I’m in Glasgow I like to walk and would happily walk the length and breadth of the city. Is there no where for you maybe to get out and walk?
Feb 08, 2013 @ 08:18:34
I walk around the driveway when the weather is nice. Ten times is about a mile, and if I get tired I have a bench to rest on. I listen to my favorite music on my mp3 player and carry my camera, so it’s always fun. Unfortunately I can’t tolerate direct sunlight for more than a few minutes, so I have to walk very early or very late in the day–which is when my energy levels are lowest.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 15:50:48
Keep up the good work, Elizabeth.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 22:41:34
Thanks Patti