chocolatecroissant Member

Thanks guys. I'm going to work on my squat form due to a weak lower back and start back on this when improved.

Thanks - that makes sense as even just with the bar the squats hurt my back so I'll try dumbbells. I'm amazed it's meant to be a beginners programme though!

Mine came out at 1530 which doesn't see, very much to me. Infact most other diets suggest 1500 as a dieting amount so I'm a bit confused!

Gained 1lb but according to scales I've decreased fat and increased muscle!

Thanks - good suggestions. I have been logging workouts - and used to compare running times and amounts of running each month but as I only do a bit of treadmill running now I think that a focus on strength and logging these will help me to keep up the motivation as I lift heavier. You are so right about new year goals -…

Fabulous. Thanks for sharing this.

Now I thought my rowing was bad (I have difficulties with this piece of equipment despite numerous instructions from others!) but I'm not that bad! Great advice on this thread. My only comments would be: - classes - if nervous/new, stay at the back and follow the instructor - not the experienced participants at the front…

In simple terms, machines where you support your own body weight, eg treadmill rather than bike. However it will also depend on how hard you work and what you do.

Try getting older. I used to lose my boobs when I lost weight. Now I'm ancient (well - late 40s) they seem to have stayed. Mind you, my tummy is more difficult to get rid of now. ;-)

Ideally aim for a balance of exercises - cardio will be great for fat burning and cardiovascular health, weight/strength training for toning/conditioning or building strength depending on your goals and methods, yoga is great for flexibility, core strength and relaxation.

I was interested in the title of the original post as I know that I often think of the weights area as male dominated - and men are in the vast majority - but (in my gym at least) they're not rude, just focused. I know that I avoid a lot of the free weights areas as I am intimidated by the men - especially groups of men -…

I'm in the UK so it's still early. I had planned on joining my aunt and uncle at their gym this morning but have no fuel to get there and nowhere open to get any! Never mind - plenty of exercise DVDs to play with at home as my OH is working all day. :-) Have a good day/night all x

Thanks to the responses for some great links and advice. In particular this forum has helped me to understand the significance of weighing more and looking better due to muscle development (although my head is still struggling with the concept of gaining weight in order to look slimmer - but that's a head thing!) Thanks…

I can understand it making you anxious after all your hard work. I think that you're right to focus on maintenance for the Christmas period. Are you able to do any extra exercise where you are to burn more calories? I would suggest reducing calories to your "diet levels" on the other days to compensate for the almost…

Blimey - I remember this one from 20 odd years ago. It was called something else but still sold as a miracle diet! I bought the myth then. Wouldn't now :-)

Thanks to Louisianababy for the links - very helpful. I have similar concerns although I do have access to weights so will be using weights to increase strength but am fearful of increasing calories. What is meant by "bulk then cut"? Many thanks.

Snap! I just changed mine to maintenance for a couple of reasons - Christmas and time to review my goals. I'll keep up the exercise but was getting a little obsessive with the calories so a break will be good for me. (I was surprised how low maintenance was!)

I have also heard that compound movements are amazing all round strengtheners including for core strength. I think that form may be an issue as my OH points that out if he's around when I'm trying to lift. I get a sore pulling in my lower back if I try to lift heavy so it's not DOMS (although I get that too :-))

Fabulous link. Haven't tried it yet but what a great concept! I find even my stationary bike is too noisy for when my partner is on nights and sleeping during the day, or in the early mornings. I tend to focus on weight/strength training at these times or yoga.

I love lots of frozen fruit with a bit of natural yogurt or fromage frais stirred in. It makes it a bit like a fruit ice cream :-)

Thanks for all the helpful advice. It's given me lots to think about and I think that I will aim to lose a few more pounds but primarily focus on toning up so increase my strength work. I will also be informed by my scales which include BF and Muscle measurements.

Really interesting to read all the variations of weights and goals which just goes to show how we're all different! I've been having a similar dilemma (see separate post) and for me it's a balance between losing weight and building muscle to look better - and getting that balance right. Incidentally I'm 5'4 and currently…

Many thanks. The look good naked guide sounds good. I think I also need semi-independent (ie my other half!) advice as I never like the way I look and don't want to lose the curves!

And you look so much happier and healthier too! Congratulations - fantastic work. Have a great Christmas.

I use protein powder in my morning porridge which works well. You can also stir egg whites into all sorts of things - shakes, stews, porridge - to add protein. You can buy protein cookies and bars but they tend to be high in added sugar and calories.