For me, *this* is why WEIGHTS over CARDIO is KEY!

Beeps2011

Thank you all! My husband, too, for YEARS begged me to go to the weight-side-of-the-gym. When I FINALLY did, he ended up choosing to train for triathlon, so he's back on the cardio side of the gym.

Boooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Mind you, I don't really care one whit because:

a) we go to the gym at different times; and
b) I REALLY like how my body looks these days!! I'm totally cool with spending my precious exercise time on weights vs cardio in a 3:1 (sometimes 4:1!!) ratio.

ShrinkinMel

Great transforming. Well done!

Bayluvr

This is what I want, but alas...it can never be (at least not while I am prohibited from lifting more than 10 lbs). All I am allowed to do is cardio, and that is limited to recumbent bike and swimming (can't swim).

But I have lost 76 lbs since Feb 2013 eating at a deficit, and riding away on the recumbent bike. I look like a bag of skin and bones (under my clothes), but it was well worth it...maybe (hope I didn't do too much damage).

Following an up and coming back surgery, maybe I'll be able to graduate to lifting something greater than a frying pan

You look marvelous! Congrats!!

psych101

Beeps - you look so awesome! I love these weights over cardio posts!

Beeps2011

Bayluvr - I had a surgery in late August, 2013 that put me out of commission for awhile, too....but, as soon as I was cleared to go back to weight-lifting, I did!

BOOM!

I am feeling very happy with my "transformation"....as it turns out, I've adopted a Venus lifestyle and that suits me just fine!

Bayluvr

Bayluvr - I had a surgery in late August, 2013 that put me out of commission for awhile, too....but, as soon as I was cleared to go back to weight-lifting, I did!

BOOM!

I am feeling very happy with my "transformation"....as it turns out, I've adopted a Venus lifestyle and that suits me just fine!

I fractured my spine, so weights have been out of the question for awhile. Hopefully, I will be able to lift in the future. There are other issues also, but I am being optimistic I soooo want to be able to lift, and seeing your post (and others) just keeps me determined!

Glad you've recovered from your surgery and are able to continue your lifestyle. Wonderful job!!

ironchick84

Bump

skruser99

Awesome stats! Thanks!

Beeps2011

Thanks!

If you came here from page 1, to reply, please note that my "update" pictures are on page 10 of this thread....

Just keepin' it real (and transparent!)

BOOM!

neelia

BUMP!

TCarter18

Thanks for posting this thread. I am going to definitely look into lifting weights. WOW! This is great. Thank you!!!!!

sarahg148

Yet again...MORE inspiration to hit the weights!!! I just wish I could afford a trainer to MAKE me do it!!! I've become so lazy over the last few months! I need to just DO IT!!! :bigsmile:

Trissyboo

Amazing! So proud of you

MeadowSong

I've only been lifting a short while--and I'm in total agreement. But what the pictures don't show is how much easier everything you do every day is! Even before anyone else can see a difference. And it's three times a week for better results than 7 times a week cardio only! AND I can STILL run the 10 minute mile when I don't practice running but only lift (I'm 48 and active otherwise--am thrilled to use my old cardio time to work in the yard or ride my horse). Yeah, I'm proud of a 10 minute mile. Guess I'm not a runner. Thing is, I expect to be able to improve it as I lose this weight and add to my fitness--wasn't improving it after YEARS of cardio, and still got sore after a day in the flower bed--don't get sore anymore. AND my bowling is improving! AND my riding is improving!

gemthing2

You are awesome! Thank you so much for posting your original pics and your update pictures. I'm a 43-year old mom with hips like yours, and you have given a huge amount of hope this morning!

BeckyGee84

You look awesome!!! I was a cardio bunny until recently. I've finally started lifting more days of the week than doing cardio. I've lost a few inches already and can't wait to see what I look like in a year or so.

HermioneDanger118

Whoa!! Free weights make me nervous, not sure why. Probably because that's where the beefy men are in my gym and I find them a little intimidating. I should have someone show me what to do ... and I'll get over the nerves, because you look fan-freakin-tastic and I want to also!

frood

But what the pictures don't show is how much easier everything you do every day is! Even before anyone else can see a difference.

100% this ^

Great achievement, OP! :flowerforyou:

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

Wow!!! :drinker:

SuperJo1972

Here are the routines I followed, over the last 21 months, from start-to-finish:

1. NROL4Women
2. NROL4Abs
3. NROL4Life
4. Venus Index
5. Strong Curves + Venus Factor, switching on-off
6. Venus Advanced Series

You are such an inspiration to those of us looking into starting serious strength training.
The transformation is amazing! You look strength and healthy. Way to go!

Thanks for listing your reference books, sometimes it is hard to know where to start. )

SuperJo1972

Thanks!

If you came here from page 1, to reply, please note that my "update" pictures are on page 10 of this thread....

Just keepin' it real (and transparent!)

BOOM!

The update pics are great! Love the dressy outfit - very classy - you looked as fabulous as the shoes!

Beeps2011

Thanks! Of course I wish I had DONE THIS in my 20's and 30's....but, you don't know what you don't know.

once I *knew* better, I *did* better.

I'm very proud of my fitness/nutrition journey in my mid-40's. Very proud!

ddake12

I LOVE this thread. It's been said 200 times, but you really are an inspiration. I never really considered lifting, but now I REALLY want to. You look great! I just need to drag my husband to the gym to show me what to do. I think I'll get the NROL4W that you referenced. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Ashes_To_Beast

Just Amazing! Thx for sharing!

ascrit

Thanks!

If you came here from page 1, to reply, please note that my "update" pictures are on page 10 of this thread....

Just keepin' it real (and transparent!)

BOOM!

Congrats on your success. I'm sure you are super happy with the results of your hard work. You are a great example of why more people (of both genders) should lift.

Fat2Fit145

bUMP

mfp2014mfp

You look amazing, thanks for sharing :flowerforyou:

HanamiDango

Thank you for the inspiration!! I am going to go down the weights path, after I lose my weight this year. I look forward to it and great to have some programs to be able to start looking into now. You look wonderful.

Beeps2011

I hope you start to lift WHILE you're losing bodyfat?!?!?!?! The 2 aren't really co-related, right????

So, calorie-deficit for bodyfat loss and lifting heavy things for bodyshape change.

BOOM!

mommaknox5

That' awesome. I do more cardio than weight lifting, but I think I will reverse that. Thanks for your testimony. And congrats on your success.