Losing Weight and Toning Up

My advice would be to try a bunch of different options at the gym, and see what you like to do. You will be more likely to stick with a workout plan that you enjoy.

It might help to see if you can get a few sessions on 1-1 training, or have a more experienced friend come with you to explain how the machines work. Classes are great, too, because you have a built-in instructor.

If you've never worked out before, be sure to alert the gym. They will have someone help you with the equipment.

other basic tips-
1. stretch before hand and afterwards.
2. do some cardio (start slow and build to a speed where you could talk, but couldn't manage to sing).
3. do some weights/ classes. (but don't target the same muscle groups two days in a row, they need a day to recover).
4. go regularly. figure out how you are going to work it into your routine and stick with it.

Also, while you can aim to get into better shape, and even to get into downright great shape, you might never become the same shape you once were before babies. i.e. you might regain 6 pack abs, slender legs, toned arms, etc etc, but your hips might forever be a little bit wider, and your feet might forever be a little bit longer, and your arches a little bit flatter.

I say, its an OK tradeoff, and no reason to be dissuaded from exercise.

Best,
F. B.

Strength training will be the most important thing for you. If you are not sure about correct form then see if the gym can hook you up with a trainer to help you out in the beginning. Proper form with lifting is super important to prevent injury.

Don't worry about pounds because muscle tone is heavier than flub. You may gain weight or plateau but still get smaller and firmer.

Magic formula: Eat healthy food in healthy mounts-heavy on the fresh vegetables and fruit, and Exercise in a consistent way that is strenuous enough to work your cardio and muscles, but not so grueling that you quit and dread doing it.

You do need some muscle training like weights -ask someone at the gym to walk you through the machines- and/or classes that incorporate muscle resistance. This will be what burns fat. Cardio alone (spinning, jogging in treadmill, Zumba) won't do it. You need those cardio things too-whichever ones you like- but you also need strength training, especially if you are over 30. Some classes are really fun and push you to lengths you wouldn't go to yourself.

I'm 43 and in the best shape of my life. i've done every form of work-out under the sun my whole life. Right now my favorites are yoga, Zumba, Bodyattack, Bodycombat, Step, CXWorks core training (all at Gold's but most gyms have comparable options). I do weights and treadmills if I have to. I LOVE long fast walks on cold days more than anything. I change it up so I don't get bored. And most of all: I eat healthy fresh food. 75% raw fresh produce, 25% healthy carbs and protein and a little junk. I take holidays and splurge days, but I'm on track most of the time. I exercise a few times per week at gym for an hour and fit in natural walks, yoga etc whenever I can. Because my diet is good, that's all it takes and I don't gain weight. When my diet is not good I gain weight and have to work out much harder to get it back off.

Be friendly at your gym! I have some really good "gym friends" in certain classes which helps me stay motivated to show up. Learning new exercise techniques is FUN and builds confidence and so does looking good in your clothes!!

Good work getting this going! Do as many different things as you can until you have your favorite things.

The key (in my experience) is to find something you like to do. With little ones too, it's beem my ME time and I've found it to be just as mentally, emotionally and spiritually healhty as the physical side. And diet is important too. I cut sugar and carbs (almost all) out and like someone else, eat mostly fruit, veggies and lean protein. I LOVE barre classes, swimming and run/walking - 2-3x a week and it's worked. The barre classes take care of the all important muscle work out - building muscle is what will get you toned, which is what you sound like you are looking for. Good luck and enjoy!

Toning up and building muscle may put on a few pounds since muscle weighs more than fat. But you'll look and feel better, which is what it should be about. Particularly since you're at a relatively low weight already.

Make sure you incorporate weight training into your regime. Hopefully, your gym will show you how to do a weight circuit.