New from Georgia

I am 45, trying to get BACK in shape after leaving a stressful job several months ago. The stress wreaked havoc on my health. I gained weight, my blood pressure and cholesterol were up, I lost my energy.

In my late 30's I ran regularly - about 20 miles a week. My highlight was running the Peachtree Road Race in 57 minutes. I don't really expect to get back to that level (although who knows!) but I do want to get my weight back down and control my health issues without having to resort to medication.

My current workout regimen is 40 minutes on the elliptical trainer OR 45 minutes brisk walking with intervals 6X/week. No strength training yet, but I hope to add that after the first of the year.

I'd like to meet others in my age range/fitness level.

Hey Mary! Glad you're trying to get back in shape. If you have any questions or need help, just post in any forum -- we have a lot of gals here ready to help!!

[charlotte]

Sorry to hear about your recent troubles. Ironically, your stressful job made you quit exercising.... yet exercise has shown to lower stress.

In any case, glad you're with us... hope to lose weight together.

Hi Mary,
Welcome aboard !
You have a strong spirit to exercise. That's the first thing you need. To lose weight effectively, i think you must combine weights training and cardio or aerobics in your daily exercise, and keep that spirit...

Yeah, Jovie is right. A good combination. It not only gives your body a good balance of exercise, it also keeps you from getting bored.

Welcome to the forum, Mary! Take a seat and stay a while