From Denise Austin

Lift Weights, Lose Fat

For years, the common knowledge has been that if you want to lose fat, you have to do aerobic exercise. But while it is in part true, that belief unfortunately led many women to think that they could skip strength training. A study changed that way of thinking.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics recently found that strength training — or weight lifting — plays a key role in controlling a woman's weight. They discovered that women who lifted weights just twice a week were able to avoid the slow, one to two pound weight gain per year that's so common in middle age. While that might not sound like a lot, over the years it can really add up. Another plus? Women who lifted weights had healthier hearts.

So how does lifting weights help keep you slim? It's simple — strength training builds muscle, and muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, 24 hours a day — even when you are asleep! So if you aren't already, make strength training a part of your fitness program. Your efforts will pay off for years to come!

Thursday weigh in - 189.6

Oh, I like this one much better. 189.6 - back in the 80's! YEAH! I woke up early when my husband left for work, then felt a migraine coming on, so I took some meds and went back to sleep. When I got up at a little after 11, I had the lower weight.

Wednesday weigh in

Well, my weight stubbornly refuses to go below 190 again. 190.0 was my weight yesterday. So that's down .2 from last week. Big whoop. Wasn't a great weekend for eating. Haven't missed any days of exercising other than taking the usual Sunday off.

A new goal line

Just found out my 30th reunion is in August this year. I'd really like to be at my goal weight, but at my usual 2 pounds lost a month, it isn't likely. Not sure what I should change to get there. I am NOT willing to starve myself and be miserable. I want to be FIT and HEALTHY and the number on the scale is just a number.

My overall goal is to definitely be at my goal weight by the time I hit my 50th birthday, which is in 2 years. I KNOW I can do that, even if I do just lose 2lbs a month.

Post Easter health

Hey all! Go to Tales from the Scales to learn how to win the Skinny Songs CD or a beautiful painting by Jan.

Wednesday weigh in - 190.6

Ugh, it's been a bad week of upswing in weight. At one point I was up to 195!!!! So I'm glad to be back down to 190.6 this morning. That's up 1.2 from last week. (And considering my birthday was over the weekend, I guess that's allowable?) ;-) Took measurements this morning, too and I've lost 3 1/2 inches since last measuring in late January. So progress is still happening.

Amendment: weight is 190.2 post BM, pre-breakfast. TMI, I know, but I'm going to claim it. LOL So that's up .8 from last week. I'll be back in the 80's next week.

Wednesday weigh in

I'm using Monday's weigh in again. :-) So that's up .4 since last week. That's not bad for that TOM. Started my exercise schedule again this week since my cough is finally going away.
(Make sure you scroll down to see my gala dress!) ;-)