Help out a clueless newbie!

[househunter]

Hi ladies. I am new to working out and just started doing Zumba twice a week for 60 mins. I'd like to tone up and lose a few pounds. I can't do anything super high impact due to lupus. Zumba is about the most my knees can take, and some days that is even too much. I live in a rural area, so swimming is not an option most of the year. I'd love suggestions on what I can do to lose 5-10 lbs. I'm 5'2, 25, and currently weigh 125 lbs. I forgot to add my problem area right now is my belly. No tone there. 

[Deleted]

An elliptical is fairly low impact. I like to use it when my knees are bothering me. If you are mostly looking to tone up you should also be doing some strength training. I don't know how much is too much I like Jillian Michaels dvds. Try the 30 Day Shred. I did it when I first started working out (I had much more the 5-10 lbs to lose) but I lost 12 lbs and toned up quite a bit.

[gt7301b]

What about strength training?

[drakee]

Sept 24, 2013 19:10:16 GMT -5 @kjewell said:

An elliptical is fairly low impact. I like to use it when my knees are bothering me. If you are mostly looking to tone up you should also be doing some strength training. I don't know how much is too much I like Jillian Michaels dvds. Try the 30 Day Shred. I did it when I first started working out (I had much more the 5-10 lbs to lose) but I lost 12 lbs and toned up quite a bit.

I agree with the elliptical, but Jillian Michaels may be too high impact for you. She likes jumping jacks, lunges, knee bends, etc.

As old school as it is, Pilates may be a good option for you for toning up. You may also benefit from walking or even a C25K program (gasp).

If you want to lose weight, you have to watch what you eat. I was 125 lbs a few months ago, about the same height as you, and it is really hard to lose weight unless you are willing to be dedicated.

[Deleted]

30DS is really rough on the knees. If you're having issues with Zumba, I wouldn't attempt it.

Can you get involved in pilates classes? When I first started weights, I really liked Gilad. I think you can find segments on youtube to see if you like it. It's just classic moves, and he knows what he's doing.

[shorewife]

I agree with pp. At 5'2" and 125 lbs you are not overweight so to lose 5-10 lbs you will have to be very strict with your diet. For toning up, I second the pilates idea, or even yoga. Jillian Michaels has a 30 minute yoga video that is pretty challenging if you want to do something at home.

[sitnspin]

I am also 5'2" and 125 and it would be torturous for me to try to lose 10lbs, but I am not judging your situation.  If that is your goal, then go for it.  You might have to be very, very strict with your eating and add some strength training like the other ladies have mentioned.

[househunter]

Thanks ladies I will try pilates!