Do some research into strength training and curcuit training, these are two ways to build muscle and you do need to change up your routine a bit, your body has become accustomed to it and now it is no longer challenging. BUT also remember if you start strength training, muscle weighs more than fat, so the numbers may not change, but your body and the inches you loose should. Good Luck!!!!
FERGUSONSAR 4/20/06 9:02 A
thank you all!!! yes, i actually lost 10 inches all around....leaving me at a size 4! i was about an 8, i believe. so thank you. and yes, it is hard to congratulate yourself until the end, but you are right.
bunnylove- funny about cindy crawford. i remember doing that video in high school.
i do weight training, maybe i neeed to kick it up a notch! i just figured since i did weights 3 times a week, i needed more cardio to get rid of the fat hiding those muscles?
ASHLEYUVA 4/20/06 8:57 A
Congrats on the 20 pounds you HAVE lost!!! I know that until you are at your goal it's hard to be proud and excited, but you've GOT to be!! You probably went from a 12/14 to what, are you a 6 now? That is unreal! You will be my new inspiration :)
Keep up the work, and don't stress about those last 8 pounds. If you get them before the wedding, great - if not, you are still going to make a beautiful bride!
BUNNYLOVE 4/20/06 3:42 A
Hi SRUBACK! I totally understand! I'm 28 and looking at my wedding day this upcoming November. I'm using my sister as a model. She got married almost two years ago. She went from 138 lbs to 125 for her wedding.
This sounds kind of cheesy, but she did the Cindy Crawford workout video each night. This is really good gor toning (not so much cardio). She also did a lot of jumping jacks and modified ("girly" push ups). It's funny - I used this video when I was in 8th grade! First time I ever lost weight. Now over 10 years later, I started using it again.
Oh, one thing i just realized... I normally do the ellitical between 40-60 minuts each time. One day all the machines were taken, so I started out on the treadmill. Ran as fast as I could (which isn't really that fast) and as soon as the elliptical freed up, I did my usual thing. May be because I jump started my heart rate or something, I was sweating much more than usual. I think that's a good sign of a good workout, no?
Anyway, good luck and hope you have a beautiful wedding!
ANANDAGIRL 4/20/06 12:38 A
Slow and steady wins the race! You shoudl be proud - you're doing great!
When I look at your program, it has a LOT of cardio and not much else. What I would add is some heavy weight training. Something that really challenges your muscles is going to help you burn more calories and reshape your body. I don't know what kinds of funds you have, but getting a personal trainer, joining the YMCA or a college gym, or even buying some dumbells could help (just remember not to go too light - you should not be able to do another rep after about 8-12). Good luck!
FERGUSONSAR 4/19/06 10:20 A
hi. i've been using SP for a little while now but have decided to bite the bullet and add into this newbie area to see if i could get some advice from all of your successes! short background: i'm 29 female, 5'5'', currently weigh 136. Since October, I have been steadily decreasing my weight from 158 (HOORAY!!) losing 3 lbs/month. I guess you'd say I am a 'slow loser'. I have lost 10 inches overall (2.5 chest, 4.5 waist, 3 hips). I eat 1200-1300 calories and do cardio 4-5x/week (varying intensity and duration using elliptical/tapes/running), as well as 3x / week strength training and 2 x advanced Pilates classes (using machines). I do not belong to a gym. I drink LOTS of water and take vitamins. I am NOT Looking for a quick fix as I realize this is a lifestyle change. However, I am getting married in 7 weeks :) and would LOVE to be down to 128 lbs. I have a healthy BMI, not sure on my BF% and know I am in the middle of healthy weight range, but you can definitely SEE fat on my arms, belly, chest and really would love to tone and see definition to feel successful and strong.
I know I am very close to maintaining but I am looking for a 7 week plan - maybe to jumpstart what i have been doing or find ways to define those arms for my strapless gown and for bathing suit season!! ;) I've seen people make drastic changes in 7 weeks and am looking for advice from those of you that have been so successful!!
