First post... pics, and questions!

Bxgell2

Hi! So this is my first official post... I joined MFP in August because, after working hard for a few years to keep my weight down, it started to creep back up. At the time I was 5'4 and about 140lbs. I started using MFP diligently and started running again, and set my goal to 130lbs. Once I reached that, I reset my goal to 125lbs. Now that I'm 120lbs, I'm not exactly sure what to do with myself! Looking at my pics, I'm not sure I see a HUGE difference, and so what I really want to do at this point is tone, tone and tone. I'm training for a 10 mile run in April, and I've seen some changes as I've built up my miles, now up to 8. But I think my next focus should be on toning and strengthening, to get rid of the flab that remains, and build up my strength and endurance for my long runs. Only thing is, I have absolutely no clue where to start. Right now, I run about 3-4 times a week. Most runs are 3 miles, but I do get in one long run on the weekend. Today was the first time in almost a decade that I dabbled with strength training at the gym, but I was totally overwhelmed. I had no idea how many reps I should do and whether I should focus on a certain part of my body each time I go, and how often I should do it. Any advice for a lifting newbie?

Here are my before and after pics...

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a552/Bxgell2/75bf8ee1-9130-4bca-8ae5-335930bb3146_zps96aa3d62.jpg
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a552/Bxgell2/19980352-1d23-4a20-a9d7-326c1b63057b_zpsde6fb889.jpg
http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a552/Bxgell2/31344ab3-ddcf-42ff-ae10-c17772ceeccd_zps07ae6ff4.jpg

Hmmm... can anyone tell me how to get my pics to appear in the post??

loveswalking

Hi! So this is my first official post... I joined MFP in August because, after working hard for a few years to keep my weight down, it started to creep back up. At the time I was 5'4 and about 140lbs. I started using MFP diligently and started running again, and set my goal to 130lbs. Once I reached that, I reset my goal to 125lbs. Now that I'm 120lbs, I'm not exactly sure what to do with myself! Looking at my pics, I'm not sure I see a HUGE difference, and so what I really want to do at this point is tone, tone and tone. I'm training for a 10 mile run in April, and I've seen some changes as I've built up my miles, now up to 8. But I think my next focus should be on toning and strengthening, to get rid of the flab that remains, and build up my strength and endurance for my long runs. Only thing is, I have absolutely no clue where to start. Right now, I run about 3-4 times a week. Most runs are 3 miles, but I do get in one long run on the weekend. Today was the first time in almost a decade that I dabbled with strength training at the gym, but I was totally overwhelmed. I had no idea how many reps I should do and whether I should focus on a certain part of my body each time I go, and how often I should do it. Any advice for a lifting newbie?

Here are my before and after pics...





Hmmm... can anyone tell me how to get my pics to appear in the post??

bushokie

in the serch section type in weight lifting Routine and i guarntee you'll have alot of help /support...

bushokie

plus everyone on here started the same way and i'm sure they can relate and advise the best steps to start..p.s you look great congragulations

Bxgell2

Thanks!

karadactyl97

I would recommend Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women! Both available on Amazon Kindle or in bookstores. If you're going to do SS, though, READ THE BOOK! It's a great resource that often gets overlooked because people just want to start without caring about form/safety.

Sarauk2sf

I would recommend Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women! Both available on Amazon Kindle or in bookstores. If you're going to do SS, though, READ THE BOOK! It's a great resource that often gets overlooked because people just want to start without caring about form/safety.

^yep

Or Stronglifts 5 x 5 (similar to SS, but I feel the instructional part of SS is better).

Bxgell2

I would recommend Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women! Both available on Amazon Kindle or in bookstores. If you're going to do SS, though, READ THE BOOK! It's a great resource that often gets overlooked because people just want to start without caring about form/safety.

^yep

Or Stronglifts 5 x 5 (similar to SS, but I feel the instructional part of SS is better).

Ok, I'll check it out, thanks. The absolute last thing I want to do is get injured and have to stop running, so I'm taking this seriously!

Sarauk2sf

I would recommend Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women! Both available on Amazon Kindle or in bookstores. If you're going to do SS, though, READ THE BOOK! It's a great resource that often gets overlooked because people just want to start without caring about form/safety.

^yep

Or Stronglifts 5 x 5 (similar to SS, but I feel the instructional part of SS is better).

Ok, I'll check it out, thanks. The absolute last thing I want to do is get injured and have to stop running, so I'm taking this seriously!

Here are some good links:


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

http://stronglifts.com/

http://startingstrength.com/


You can also check form on youtube - there is a thread that gives links to good videos here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/852401-proper-form-and-technique-sources

Bxgell2

I would recommend Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women! Both available on Amazon Kindle or in bookstores. If you're going to do SS, though, READ THE BOOK! It's a great resource that often gets overlooked because people just want to start without caring about form/safety.

^yep

Or Stronglifts 5 x 5 (similar to SS, but I feel the instructional part of SS is better).

Ok, I'll check it out, thanks. The absolute last thing I want to do is get injured and have to stop running, so I'm taking this seriously!

Here are some good links:


http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

http://stronglifts.com/

http://startingstrength.com/


You can also check form on youtube - there is a thread that gives links to good videos here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/852401-proper-form-and-technique-sources

Awesome, thanks!!