very thick mid section

I did join a gym and the strength training circuit (Life Fitness, 18 machines) is definitely helping with my middle, it is my most stubborn area.

Unfortunately...you cannot tone up just one body section at a time.
The only way to get the results you are looking for, is COMPLETE body workouts!
Yes...join a gym, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Machines like the Cybex ARC, any elliptical, or Precor AMT machine will be great for you. My cardio of choice is the Spin Bike!
Doing a full body weight lifting session for one hour per week, will get your muscles revved up...and keep you burning calories for several hours AFTER completing the session!
If you do not feel comfortable joining the gym.....may I suggest getting some of the Leslie Sansone Walk At Home DVD's? Trust me....you will be amazed at how quick you break a sweat with just 1 mile with her! It's not your "walk in the park" type!
I have a Wii, and I LOVE playing Just Dance 3!!! it is a GREAT workout!! I can burn up to 1100 calories in an hour of dancing! I also have Gold's Gym Dance Workout for Wii. It is a combination of cardio boxing and Latin dancing (think Zumba...but not so crazy, and easier to follow).
Another great suggestion: get a HRM (heart rate monitor) with the chest transmitter! I have a Polar FT4. It is, by far, the BEST tool I have used!!!
Protein shakes......I have one right after I get up...right after a workout..right before bed.
www.dymatize.com


Don't focus on ONE thing......eating properly, exercising daily, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of rest....your body will thank you for it, and the weight will come off...skin will shrink..muscles will tighten......just have patience! It will happen.

I'm kind of in the same boat, 56, lots to lose, and slowly it's coming off. But I carry most of my excess weight right up front and center. I'm looking at Wii for my fitness, for a couple of reasons. First - we already have the machine, and second because so many people are using it to achieve their fitness goals. Why pay extra for a gym membership when I'm so out of shape, I'd probably be too embarrassed to go work out publicly and make a fool of myself.

Wii Fit has some good "core" exercises, but I'm looking for some other ideas, too. Will follow this thread with interest!

:flowerforyou:

Hi
I'm the same age as you, with a similar "hamster" shape. Ya know what's starting to help and is also a LOT of fun? Hoop dancing! It's hula-hooping, but not like you might remember hula-hooping as a child. There are tons of videos on YouTube and there may be classes through a community ed or fitness program in your area. The important thing is to use a big enough hoop when you're first getting started. A bigger hoop is easier to keep up and keep spinning. I'm 5'2" and my beginning hoop was almost up to my shoulders. The hoops that are sold in toy departments are for children and they're too small for most adults who haven't hooped for a while. I made my first hoop out of plastic tubing and duct tape ... there are also directions for making a hoop on YouTube. It's absolutely the best thing I've found for helping to firm up my middle. Haven't been doing it very long (2 months about 3 times/wk), but it's definitely making a difference!
Good luck!
Jody

Hi -- I also use my Wii a LOT! The Walk It Out Wii game is my number 1 go-to for fun fitness on the Wii. I'm easily bored by the set-type exercise programs (10 situps, 10 jumping jacks, etc), although they probably do give a better full-body or core workout. have joint issues in both my ankles and wrists from prior injuries, so walking is a really good thing for me. I increase the aerobic and strength-building possibilities with Walk It Out by using weights while I walk on the Wii Fit board. :-)