So, I'm almost 5 months into my new lifestyle--lost 40lbs, still no smoking,
and I feel great! I've started something recently, and now I'm really
wondering if it's the right time:  lifting weights.

Here's some facts, in no particular order:

1. I now weigh 222lbs at 5'7" and I'm 40yo.  I would like to get to 160 and
then see how I feel about more weight loss from there. I started, 10/04 at
262lbs.

2. I have a nice set of free-weights here at home, and a good bench.

3. I exercise aerobically 5 times a week, 20 - 40 mins. I do this in the
morning when I have the best energy for it. I find it much, much harder to
motivate in the afternoon. I have to lift weights in the PM due to time
and...other stuff.

4. I have big muscles, for a girl. ;)  Seriously, I'm pretty sure I'm an
"easy gainer" when it comes to building muscle. Just with barn/horse work,
my biceps are bigger than a lot of the guys I know.

5. When I started in 10/04, I told myself I'd get to 200lbs and THEN start
lifting.  However, a friend moved to Canada and I got this nice set, cheap.
It sits there and calls to me.

6. I am motivated more by the scale moving than by my clothes fitting
differently. Just the way it is, and I am okay with that.  Muscle weighs
more than fat. The 3 weeks of lifting has changed the rate of weight loss,
though my body is changing. In other words, I know it's doing me good, but
it's not helping me to... well, stay at the high end of motivated, which I
still seem to need when it comes to changing all the old, addicted,
compulsive habits.

7. In terms of food my philosophy is "all things in moderation. some things
must be more moderated than others."  There's nothing on my "can't have
that" list.  I work hard to have 3 meals and 2 snacks each day, keep it low
fat, varied, lots of veggies/fruits, little to zero "white stuff."  I aim
for 1200-1500 calories a day. I have a hard time getting much protein into
my diet.  Fitday shows that  I average about 65g of protein each day.

8. I find I really have to fight with my head to get myself to DOING it
(lifting), and then it's...okay.  I've been lifting 3x a week. I'm following
the "beginner weight lifting" program as outlined in the book Getting
Stronger by Bill Pearl. Lifting as a workout sounds great, until its time to
actually time to start doing it.

Soooo...I know lots of you folks are into all kinds of fitness and I thought
perhaps some of you might have some advice.  I'm still a heavy lady. In the
long run, I want to be very fit.  I think there's an athlete inside me,
actually--someone who loves marathon bike rides, handball tournaments, and
has a green belt in Aikido (she's in here, really!).  Eventually, I KNOW I
want to lift weights! I like to be strong, I like to look good, I like
muscles. :)  I just don't know if, at 222lbs, it's such a great idea when at
times I find myself still... well, at times I'm very aware that my old
WOL/WOE is not so far away from me. It's kind of scary and I don't want to
over do it so that I lapse big time.

So..what have some of YOU done in terms of timing for the addition of
fitness activities, in particular, for weight lifting?

Heidi
262/222/221
Losing 100lbs.  1 lb. at a time.
Start 10/24/04