I am new to this board, but have been strength training on and off for 25 years, have been cocsistently for the last 7. Use the bowflex as your primary exercise, dont worry about what the scale says, as long as the inch's go away, what the number on the scale says does not matter so much. Use the cardio machine to warm up for your strength training and you should do just fine. I dont do any cardio at all, but due to the intensity level I am able to achieve with my strength training, I get a very good workout. I can play with my kids all day long, 11 yr old son, 9 and 7 yr old daughters, I wear them out before I wear out, not for long though they have youth on their side. Dont worry you wont bulk up and build large muscles, you will just become very toned and fit.

Thanks

Richard