I resisted any form of exercise until I'd lost most of my weight. NOT the right way to do it - I know - but like most of us I just hate exercise. At least, I used to hate it.

Actually what I found was I hate cardio but LOVE weight training ! Several other women over on the low carb newsgroup talked a lot about weight lifting and how it improves metabolism and shapes your body. I finally decided to give it a whirl in February of 2001. Within a couple months I was hooked !!

Hey ! I could do THIS !! I read and read and read and practiced proper form and over time I began to see physical changes in myself even though the numbers on the scale hadn't really moved much. Clothes were fitting better and I looked better ! Now that's incentive !!

Now before you try and tell yourself that you have no idea how to start lifting or that you can't afford a personal trainer to teach you, that is just not the case. I didn't know how either and I never consulted a trainer once. I did have the *free* orientation at the gym but that was it !! Everything else I taught myself with the help of one really great website and a lot of reading.

Let me say that proper form is essential in order to not injure yourself, so read up before you start !! I use all free weights in favor of the weight machines which sort of "teaches" the muscles balance in addition to strengthening them. Using the weight machines only allows one pre-defined line of motion which doesn't work the stabilization muscles. Several ofthe machines have value and once you study Krista's website further - you'll know which ones to focus on and why.

OK - so where's this great website you ask ? Why here it is !! Krista's Site for Women's Weightlifting

The site has a TON of info on it so please don't be intimidated. All of the info there is good and even now, over a year later, I STILL refer back to this site for pointers on form and changing my routine around when it's time.

If you still don't believe that weight training can make a difference I've provided a *before* shot of me on my honeymoon in 95. I was around 250 lbs then. Then there are photos of my arms and legs NOW! As you can see a year of strength training didn't turn me into a muscle head !! LOL LOL But I am pretty darn proud of the muscle definition I've developed !

Just so there's no confusion I did also lose almost 90 lbs via a low carb plan. Check out some of my other links to learn more about that and to see more berfore and after photos..

You can reach me here... conniems@conniems.com