I, for one, love classes. Try 'em all! You'll find teachers and routines you like, and having even 1 class I go to regularly gets me into the gym, which I think keeps me from slacking off all together.

Unfortunately their class schedule is pretty minimal- by which I mean they're all when I'm at work. :(

But... I used to belong to one with tons of classes that fit my hours, and I never went since it was too out of the way.

If you can stand the boredom then forget the weights and the classes and just do 1 solid hour on the cross trainer - the weight just falls off.

That's the elliptical, right? The few times I made it to my old gym I'd focus on that... it's easier on my ankle.

Focusing on cardio will help you lose weight faster. 30 minutes a day, 45 minutes every other day is pretty easy. And I love the elliptical, love it. I haven't set foot on a treadmill since I discovered my love for the elliptical. If all of the machines are busy, then I'll grab a stationary bike until one opens up.

To keep yourself from getting bored, make sure you can see a television set to a program you're interested in. Last time someone had the TV turned to House MD, my hour went by in a flash. Or grab a magazine, bring a book, something to keep your mind off of OMG-I-Still-Have-25-Minutes-Left-I'm-Going-To-Die.

But to retain your strength you could lift some (light) weights once or twice a week.

My brother trains a lot, and he suggested to me that I do any weight training prior to doing cardio because allegedly doing the weights first will use up your carb stores for energy, and so by the time you get to cardio, you'll be burning fat stores. I don't know if this is true or not, and I've only been doing that a week or so.

Otherwise, find out your target heart rate for your age, and try to aim for that number/range when you're working out.

I wish I knew more! I'll be watching with interest, though. Good luck, Kelly!

Aw, I bet you looked good in your corset!

I'm taking a boot camp class right now, which is awesome if you have the right personality type for it. I tend to be lazy if there's no one holding me accountable.

via, there's another good reason to do weights first - your form will be better before you've fatigued your large muscle groups doing cardio than after. Since form has everything to do with getting results from weight training, it's worth putting first.

Kelly, starting with cardio is a great suggestion. Establish the habit of working out 5 times a week (that alternating 30-45 minute plan is a good one) and stick with just that for a couple weeks. At that point you'll be increasing in fitness and ready to vary things up a little bit.

There's nothing like interval workouts for weight loss. On the treadmill or elliptical, this means moving for about 4 minutes at a moderate heart rate, then kicking up your pace to a difficult heart rate for one minute. Alternate between one-minute bursts of slow and fast for four alternations. Do three sets of four alternations with a 4-mminute break between each - it fits into a 45-minute workout with a walking-pace warm-up and cool-down at either end. You don't have to follow exactly that plan, but it's a basic format. Look up interval training.

You might get a lot of motivation by registering for an event. If you like walking/running, register now for a race or walk or fun run 3 months from now. It'll provide you plenty of focus (and events are really fun).

Weights. Weights, weights, weights. If you do them right, you'll lose weight fast and tone up quickly. Check out my before and after shots.

awesome.

i also recommend podcasts and or music that you only let yourself listen to when you are working out.

Whatever you do, don't wind up doing the same workout over and over again.

Here's an answer I posted to a similar question in AskMe.

Just for some counter-perspective, here is a link to Sir Mix-a-lot's "I Like Big Butts." I feel he presents a compelling argument.

I for one agree with Monsieur Mix-A-Lot, but you knew that.

"Any workout suggestions?"

Pledge today, here in this thread, that you will post a picture online at the end of April.

Pledge today, here in this thread, that you will post a picture online at the end of April.

I can do that. And I'll go one better... here's me right now.
I'm the not skinny one.

I did 45 min on the elliptical machine. I would have gone longer, but my legs were starting to ache and I knew I had to walk home and climb the stairs. ;) It was easy to keep going. They game was on, and at the breaks I watched the election coverage.

Just for some counter-perspective, here is a link to Sir Mix-a-lot's "I Like Big Butts." I feel he presents a compelling argument.

I for one agree with Monsieur Mix-A-Lot, but you knew that.

My kid sister is a size two with a size six ass, so I think even if I somehow manage to drop two thirds of my body weight I'll still have more junk in the trunk than modern off the rack clothing accommodates.

Just go every day. If you can, use an elliptical that can factor your wieght and give you an estimate of calories burned, which equate to weight lost! I take Entertainment Weekly and an MP3 player with lots of upbeat music (like, Flashdance level upbeat) and try not to think about getting off the machine.

Also I like competition, so I usually have a weight loss bet going with a cow-orker or friend.