Can I just lift weights??????????

What's your lifting regime like?

The most important thing for you to do is get rid of your scales. You have commented in many threads about the lack of weight loss as measured by scales, but you have also said that you are losing inches which is a way better indicator.

It just seems like the scales are going to do your head in and possibly put you off what is a good plan for you, just because you want the scales to shift.

Be happy that you are losing where it counts and stuff the scales. Do what I did - put them on the driveway and run them over.

Well put THEM on the driveway and - hmm better not.

Have you told them you are losing inches?? Or are they thinking you have made no progress when that isn't true at all.

Are they using other markers of improved health or just the scales? If its the latter I'd be sacking them.

grueling! about 30-45 min of lifting. I do it all legs, arms, core. machines, dumbells, floor work with the dumbells too. bench pressing. leg pressing.

Dumbells 15lbs each. I leg press 140. bench press 80lbs.

Try to get on a set schedule that you follow continuously. Not just 'doing it all'.

Basically

Workout A
Exercise 1 - X1 Sets of Y1 Reps
Exercise 2 - X2 Sets of Y2 Reps
...

You can target specific muscle groups on specific days, you can do a full body routine every time you lift (assuming of course enough time is left in between lifting to recover). Whatever you do though it should be consistent, that way you can track your progress and ensure that you are balancing your workout appropriately and improving.

It sounds like the best first step for you would be to develop a solid workout plan. There are many people on this site who are far more knowledgeable on that particular subject than me, but if you have any questions I'd be happy to give advice to the best of my own abilities.

grueling! about 30-45 min of lifting. I do it all legs, arms, core. machines, dumbells, floor work with the dumbells too. bench pressing. leg pressing.

Dumbells 15lbs each. I leg press 140. bench press 80lbs.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but that is not grueling. For a lot of people that is a short workout before they do cardio.Even if you get your heart going for that amount of time, you still are not getting enough cardio conditioning

If I might make some suggestions then:
1) Instead of 2 sets of 12 reps, go for more sets and fewer reps (this of course means increasing weight so that the fewer reps is a challenge). I personally like 5 sets of 5 repetitions, but there are other setups as well. I'd say target a maximum of 6 to 8 reps but do at least 4.

2) From what you've said I would guess you're targeting your full body each time you lift. If you're doing that and still lifting 4-5 days a week that's a concern. You need to give your muscles time to recover. If you're going to target your full body when you lift, don't life more than 3 times a week. If you want to lift more than 3 times a week, then lift differing muscle groups when you do.

3) Although I recognize that there's a lot it's hard to give advice without knowing what exercises you do when you're lifting. That being said, my personal preference for lifting is stronglifts 5x5. You might want to give that a shot. You shouldn't 'change things up' every 2 weeks. If I recall correctly it's every 6 to 8 weeks that you want to make a small change to your routine to discourage plateaus (don't quote me on this, I just know it's quite a bit more than 2 weeks).

I'm currently doing Elite Level Ice Hockey training and believe it or not, there is a ZERO cardio component to the program. Why? Because steady pace activity doesn't have any direct correlation to performing better on the ice.

In other words: How you train all depends on your goals and your results!

You don't need to run 4x a week to lose weight and you don't need to sweat on the treadmill for hours on end to burn fat. The key is to educate yourself on a healthy lifestyle overall. How to eat properly, food Quality and not just quantity, and incorporate regular activity as part of that lifestyle.

That's what will bring you long lasting results for a lifetime.

Do what works for you and what you enjoy doing, and mix it up regularly so you keep challenging yourself to do new things.

Agree!!!

Yes I have done it before.

I worked out with weights 1/2 hr to an hour every other day using video tapes .I worked out my whole body and learned proper form . You have to be consistent no matter what and stick to your program. I really didn't change my diet that much. But it took a long time. It took eight months to show results . After a while the wight started to drop fast after 5 months. I only lost 30 lbs on the scale. But i dropped 4 shirt sizes and 3 pants size. Muscles take up less space than fat . I was tight. My stomach was smaller. And I never felt sexier. I love to eat so I do weight training as my first love of exercise. So If your not in a rush it will come off but slowly. The key is consistency.

Ok I hate aerobics too. I dont like the group stuff. I prefer to go alone or just me and a personal trainer. Ive had co-workers begging me to do zumba. I tried it once and not for me. Not a people person.

I am glad to hear I can just strength train, but my other problem is my nutritionist totally poo poo's women doing too much weight lifting! She says its great in moderation, but wont move the scale. I fear the scale. Seriously, it's driving me nuts.

My doctors are all about how many pounds I've lost and last time I was brow beaten cause they said I wasnt losing weight so I must be doing something wrong. Which made me angry. I've been working out like a mad woman and eating right, but nothing. So I've been told to cut the weight lifting in half.

your doctor/nutritionist is a moron. Getting through med school does not make one an expert in weight loss or fitness.

The best way to move the scale has always been through diet and weightlifting.

Initially, you will get some water retention in the muscles. this is GOOD. it means increased strength and muscle definition. This new weight is your new normal. Track weight loss from this new, full point.