Well I have begun doing the step aerobics again. This will be the means of my weight loss. I have done it in the past, and I was very successful...so I will stick to what works. The routine is approximately 30 minutes, but I can modify the work out since its one of the Firm DVD's that lets you customize your workout. I was debating of doing the weight training everyday, because I can handle it, and I wanted to customize the first month with weights, then regular cardio, next month. I'm not sure though if this would be healthy, because I know your suppose to let your muscles rest. I'm using 3 lb. dumbbells, and they dont seem to strain my muscles to much, like I dont feel exhausted using them...but my muscles feel like they are getting a good workout. Plus I want to use the weights because I sweat more, and feel like I'm losing more...thats pretty sad I think...but I guess I want to get this weight off me as soon as possible within a healthy reason. So does anyone have suggestions as to the weights? Should I do it every other day, or is it safe to continue doing it everyday.

I would say, go ahead and continue to do it every day. Last January I started a daily 45 min aerobic (Walk Away the Pounds) - 5 different steps, with light weight. I used 3 lbs dumbbells. For one month, every morning, before breakfast with emtpy stomach I had this same 45 min exercise. I lost 8 lbs, without ANY dietary changes.
I do not think that your muscles need so much rest, if the weights are light.
(Of course if you feel pain, skip a day, but it seems to me you are in much better shape:-))

Thanks for the advice. I don't want to loose the weight to fast, because if I drop even 5 lbs. I would be back in my weight range, so if I was to loose 8 lbs. the first month I would be super glad.

Also congrats on your weight loss and your acheivement of obtaining your goal!!!

I've been keeping on track, and feeling good. Its only been a couple of days, but I guess when you have a mind set on what you want to do its really hard to change the thoughts. Tomorrow is the last day of the month of January, normally the day I would weigh in, but I'm gonna hold off till Feb. 1st, then I can see how much I lost for this week. I'm kinda excited, I feel good that I'm working out again...the only thing that I'm not doing right is drinking enough water. I'm trying to drink filter water, since NYC water is pretty contaminated with chlorine...supposedly its the best tasting, but I surely beg to differ. lol. anyways, I'm drinking about 1 cup to 2 during and after my workout...but I have to get in a routine of drinking more...I know this will also help with the weight loss...

Today I took off a day for rest. The true reason was not because I really wanted to take the day off, but I was watching a movie and it was getting late so I decided that missing 1 day wasn't going to kill me. Anyways, I've been a good girl...I have not been bingeing and have been exercising daily...so I deserve a day off.
Back to the salt mines tomorrow anyways...I peaked at the scale today, and to my surprise I've lost 4 lbs. since I last weighed in...thats a bit to much I would think...in one week at least. Eh, I can't complain as long as I know I'm doing the right thing for my body, and goals then it should be alright...

Congratulations both to your weight loss and to your exercise routine. Way to go!

I have just read your journal, I am happy to see how the tone is changing. And I am happy to see you could post your picture. Yes, it was very hard for me too when I first tried, but believe me, it worths the effort, when you can post in progress pics:-))

Cheer
Eva

Today I did well, I sweated my ass off...but I did well. I'm so excited, I'm glad im doing this for myself...only 21 more pounds to loose...just in time to look sexy again! lol

So I've decided to increase my workout. I raised the step to the 4th rung. I also decided to add more layers, the more I sweat the more water weight I loose. The workout is only for 25 mins. anyway, so I don't think I'm really over doing it. As for yesterday I added 5 pushups to the regime. I unfortunetely have to build up to military style, because right now all I can do is modified "girlie" pushups. Hopefully this will strengthen my chest, and it will look better in the long run. I figure that each week I can add 1 more pushup to the regime. So for this week I do 5 at night, and next week do 6 in the morning and also at night...this should get me into better shape faster...even if I have to force myself...

I'm not in the greatest mood, so I need to punish myself! lol

I guess I'm really anal retentive, because I am really concerned with taking the 2 pounds off each week. I weighed myself today and I gained more weight? Like what the hell? I haven't been eating enormous amounts of food, and I have been exercising daily...so what exactly is the deal? Maybe it was because I did it in the evening, but I didnt eat much. blah! I'm weighing in again tomorrow, hopefully its back down to 146 lbs. at least.

So I work out with the Firm's Super Cardio, and I cant increase my workout more then 1/2 hour, I want to make my workout longer...I shouldnt have to buy another video though...blah! lol

I bought a set of 5 lb. dumbbells today and did some of the Super Cardio with them. Unfortunely they are a bit to heavy, so i replace them with the 3 lb. weights so that I could complete the workout. I guess I still need more weight training and to advance more before I move up in weight. Otherwise the workout was good...still looking forward to Taebo.

Oh well. I did recieve the Tae bo workout after waiting for almost 3 weeks, and I had to send it back because it wasnt what I ordered! argh!!! It was suppose to be a 2pac, but I only recieved one video. Oh well, I guess I'm not going to worry to much about the video. I still have the super cardio, I have been lax on that for about 3 weeks, yes Ive gained weight...but I started it back up again. I have been exercising every night, and boy! my legs have been feeling it! Also I started Atkins, Im doing Induction right now, and I truly feel great! I havent had any cravings for anything sweet, and Ive only been on it for 3 days. I have also increased my water intake, now I drink 1 gallon where as before I was only drinking 1/4 of a gallon. I thought it would be harder to consume so much fluids, but Ive noticed that while I break the time up throughout the day, that it is quite feasable to drink, and not feel like Im forcing myself to do something I really dont want to. I also found out that water is second to oxygen in keeping me alive! Wow!!! I have been depriving myself of this for way to long!!!