So, I think I change my routine as often as I change clothes, but I spent two hours tonight with a degreed personal trainer. First she did a fitness assessment and she was surprised at how fit and strong I am because I don't look nearly as healthy as I am.

My new routine will be six days a week with alternating 30 and 60 minute cardio sessions. On the days I do 30 minutes of cardio, I'm going to work specific muscle groups daily, plus do abs 5 days a week. On the non-weight days, I'll be doing 60 minutes of cardio, probably 30 on the recumbent bike and 30 on the elliptical. I'm also teaching myself to swim, so I'll do that at least three days a week, working my way up to laps once I have more confidence in my ability to swim.

Tonight I added squats and exercise ball to my routine and she pulled me off the weight machines to go to weight cables because the cables apparently give a better workout. I'm also adding free weights and barbells to my weight lifting...and I found out that I can do leg lifts on the "chair". I'm not sure what else to call it, but it's a frame where you stand up, holding your weight on your arms, and lift your legs free from the floor.

In six weeks, we will reevaluate. My goal right now is to jump start my weight loss once again, plus tone and tighten everything I can regarding my skin. The trainer is skeptical that I'll be able to take another 70 pounds off my body, but she's willing to help me work to reshape everything possible.

There's nothing to change diet/water wise, so it's got to be my workouts that increase. I'm hoping to see major results by the end of six weeks, or at least see that things are shaping up towards major results in that time. So, it's early to bed for me. I have a 5 am appointment with an elliptical and weight cables tomorrow! Today I am at 241. In six weeks, I'd like to be at 221 or lower. It's time to get deadly serious about this routine!!!

Lisa's, you sure are getting serious! I'm exhausted just by reading what your new routine will be. Well now you've also made me feel guilty, so I better get to working out. I'm four weeks post op and have been so low on energy...but now I 'm going to try:) good luck to you!

Sounds fun. Good luck.

I like it! The idea is to never let your body get used to your routine. Once your body gets used to whatever you're doing, it gets complacent. Mixing it up is a good idea. And yes, I became exhausted as well just reading your routine. But that's a good thing. Maybe I'll finally get off my lazy ass. It's been about 5 weeks since my surgery, so I should start hitting the gym again.

Once I completely changed my workout routine I lost 7 pounds in a week! It's good to switch it up! Good luck on the weight loss!

Sounds like an adventure and a fun one at that. I can't afford a personal trainer but with my doctor's advice and planning I could do some of things you're doing, just in moderation (I'm 8 weeks post op on Sunday (26th) so my doc says not so fast. But I can do cardio as well as my walking and maybe add a bit of weight lifting (2-3lb weights).

Much success to you and keep us posted.

Sounds like an excellent routine, I am sure it will melt the pounds off....

CoolBreeze, I started out exactly where you're at! You'll be amazed at how fast your fitness level improves!

What is everyone doing today for a work out? I want to change things up because I'm getting bored with treadmill and elliptical. It kicks my butt but would like to add in something else .

Are you doing anything with weights Susie?

Are you doing anything with weights Susie?

I'm waitin to lose 10 more pounds before I do.

I'm waitin to lose 10 more pounds before I do.

Why? Lifting weights will help burn fat and make you feel great.

Do you have access to a pool?

Also, a couple of my coworkers do cross fit and they love it.

Why? Lifting weights will help burn fat and make you feel great.

Do you have access to a pool?

Also' date=' a couple of my coworkers do cross fit and they love it.[/quote']

I did crossfit 2 weeks ago. It kicked my booty to the moon. Didn't think I was going to be able to get outta bed for a week.

Why? Lifting weights will help burn fat and make you feel great.

Do you have access to a pool?

Also' date=' a couple of my coworkers do cross fit and they love it.[/quote']

I was just trying to focus on cardio, there's a pool at my gym but I'm too embarrassed to put on a swim suit ;/. I guess I'll try the weights, thanks butter bean

So I plan on lifting weights tomorrow but today I ran for three minutes on the treadmill, I'm going to build it up 1-2 minutes a day, yay me!

If you're running on the treadmill, consider downloading one of the many C25K apps and following that running program. I have "Ease Into 5K" but there are several different apps. Basically you start the app, and it tells you when to run and when to walk. You start out mostly walking but every week the running increases slightly and the walking decreases. It's a well laid out plan and you don't have to think about. I can listen to my music on the Iphone even while the app is running. I like it alot.