elzettel

Both! Hands down running has been the best calorie burner for me. Hated it at first but can't give it up now. I have a treadmill and elliptical and use both. You really need to crosstrain with running...doing it every day can cause injury down the road plus it is easy to burn out. The elliptical is lower impact and quiet…

Weight training is a good thing to add to your routine. Helps your body burn more cals among many other benefits. Hands down running outside or on the treadmill has been the best way for me to lose the jiggles--just takes time. I will cross train with the elliptical...it is nice to mix it up sometimes but my workouts are…

You bet! By far the best 'bang for your buck' exercise for me. I love it! Do incorporate some strength training too...helps with the weight loss/toning and helps keep you injury free while running.

I hear ya! I did notice a difference though. I don't look chiseled by any means but I do see my jawline (minus that pesty extra chin). I've even had someone mention how you could reallly see my weight loss in my face.

Yay! Good for you!

Another vote for every other day. You should incorporate some cross-training/strength training on your off days to make sure you are building up the supporting muscles. Also, it is recommended you put a rest day in there. As far as the HRM...I love my Polar which I see recommended here alot. Main thing to keep in mind is…

I have a bit of different perspective. My son was born with one lung and was very ill (he's doing wonderful now). My mother was the smoker and I had no qualms with telling her to make a choice. Your grandchild or your cigs. Bottom line...I was the one in the NICU next to my child on a vent....hurting someone else's…

I can certainly understand. You can try the HRM and see how it works for you. I found my Polar FT7 on eBay for a great price. Polar also has something that you can set the HRM on to sync it to an account you create on their site. It helps track the fat burning rate etc...to help improve fitness. Check out the Polar site…

I like runningwharehouse.com. They have a good variety with competitive prices. I've been looking at some Vizipro by Saucony. Great colors and they include an led light (charged by usb I believe). You can always try your local running store or sporting goods store. I find the running store has more the the super bright…

I had a friend who used the BB and was very happy with it. She lost about 60lbs in the past year. As she has gotten closer to her goal she no longer uses the BB and has since switched to using a HRM during her activities (not all day long). One concern I would have by using a HRM all day is battery life...would you be…

"I am curious as to how the HRM works?? I want to get one but, I want to know the details of them before I buy. How do you figure out calories burned and all that stuff??" HRM monitor will take your age, gender, weight, etc (info you input when setting up) into consideration along with monitoring your heart rate (fitness…

Are you asking about total calories burned during the entire day or a specific excercise? For something specific I would go with the HRM. If you are thinking more along the lines of what you are burning day-to-day (along the lines of BMR) then I would think something like a Body Bugg would be more helpful as this is what I…

Depends on your climate. Layers are important and nothing cotton. You need fabrics that will wick away the moisture and keep you warm. You could check your local running store and expect to pay a decent chunk of change ($80-$100+) for something like a running jacket. Under Armor Coldgear is good although it just doesn't…

You don't need the Nike + shoes...they make all sorts of things to pop the pods into: http://www.amazon.com/Bean-Pod-Pk-Universal-Sensor/dp/B001M5QUPG If you do want a pair of Nike running shoes you just need to make sure they are Nike +. If you google (or go to ebay) Nike + holder you'll find a ton of inexpensive options.

Sadly, they don't really sound like friends. Good for you for having the drive to continue to try. It isn't always easy. Good luck and I know all your hard work will pay off!

Living in MI and having a small child I depend greatly on my treadmill. I love to run outside with a partner but it doesn't always happen. It sounds like you were going a little too fast maybe? I'd suggest something like the couch to 5K...it is a great program. Also, you could set up a fan in front of you and make sure you…

Check the polar site...I believe you can mail it in for them to change out. I know with certain Polar HRM's the batteries need to be changed by a dealer. I have the FT7 and was able to change the battery myself and grabbed it at my local Walgreen's.

The most important part is that you heal and remain injury free. You still got out there and got moving and yes there is are benefits. Not each and every run has to be full out. You'll learn those 'easy' runs are just as important as those in which you push yourself. I say good job on listening to your body, resting when…

If you are already running I'd say Feb is a realistic goal. I used a 12 week program for my first and felt great on race day. Giving yourself a little more than 12 weeks will allow for any 'unscheduled' things that may pop up....for example, the holidays may get hectic and your training plan may need to be tweaked…

Seeing a Dr. is always helpful. I'd also recommend getting fitted for proper shoes at a local running store...they can make a HUGE difference. If walking is more comfortable for you I'd start with that and maybe add a jog interval when you feel more comfortable. The C25K is a great program. Good stretches are helpful…

What ever you choose make sure you have a chest strap (more accurate). Personally, I love my Polar FT7...I've heard great things about the FT4 as well. I like that it is user friendly and I can look back at previous workouts. I see that Polar and Nike+ (which I use for my runs) have come together in one transmitter...'With…

Race walkers are no joke! I spent the good part of my last half marathon trying to keep up with one...sadly, she got away from me ;-) Great motivation to step it up though!

What are you eating to fuel your body for the workouts? If I'm not eating enough (or the right things) I tend to crash and burn. You could check out nutrition articles at active.com...they have helpful tips. It may take some tweaking to figure out what works best for you but hang in there...it is worth it!

The Target by me carries a Polar FT4 and I would highly recommend. You could also check out a local sporting goods store. We have a Dunham's which (if you google it you can print one) puts out coupons for 10-20% off regular priced stuff each week--they also carry Polar. I've had mine for a little over a year and love it.…

Thanks! I'll have to check this out...sounds like a fun app.

I really wish I would have used this program to get started. I was lucky to have a walk/run buddy to keep me motivated. I have done the Couch to 10K and I LOVE the program. My suggestion is make sure you have good shoes. I bought my first pair on my own and for the second pair I was fitted at a local running shop--big…

I'm not a huge beer fan but I do like Michelob Ultra.

For me it depended on how I felt. I usually do some cross-training. I try to do weights or resistance one day and then something else on another day (ride bike, elliptical, dvd, etc). I give myself one complete rest day during the week. If I did a particularly hard workout or long miles and I feel run down I'll take an…

I'm not sure which app you have but I have a Couch to 10K and it has a tab for music right in it. If you don't want to purchase a different app try starting the music first and then going into the C25K....this is what I need to do if I want to run C210K and Nike+. Keep up the great work!

Yoga or pilates. Also, ever considered swimming or water aerobics...they have great programs through local parks & rec.