strength training - how to start?

jotapaula

I would love some advice about strength training. Until I was 16, I was very fit, had a lot of lean muscle (played handball, 11 practices a week, I lived for that...), then I became a couch potato. But I never seemed to have lost my arm muscles.

Well, last April I began exercising again, began with long walks, then elliptical and then lifting some weights after each workout. I began exercising 5 to 7 days a week. Well, even after becoming active, I still did not lose weight... but I noticed some muscle gain, and my legs got that "elliptical training look" (which I love).

Then I found out I had hypothyroidism, and have been on meds since October. THEN, I began losing some weight, but nothing compared to what the MFP says I would (you know, that message that says "if everyday was like this, you would be xxx kg in 5 weeks". So, the weight loss has been slow, but I noticed that my upper body and waist are much slimmer, I fit in clothes I was not able to.

Recently I have been lifting 5 kg weights after elliptical training (this routine: http://my.menshealth.com/workout/The-Spartacus-Workout-2.0/workout-a ), adding also the weights when I do Billy Blanks workouts, etc.

But I would like to see faster results... so, my question is: should I change my routine to less cardio and more strength training? I am doing now about 50 minutes on elliptical then 15 minutes lifting weight.

Should I join a gym and do "real" strength training? I actually love to lift weight, did it during my teen years when I played handball.

My goal is to lose 1 pants size and lose 1 bust size. And have a toned body.

I would love to hear your thoughts!