Dropping the pounds with group exercise.

Question
Hello,
I need some weight loss advice. I'm a 23 year old female. 5'0 and weigh 155 pounds. I've always been full in the behind and bust area. All through high school and college I was always between 120-128 pounds. I was a cheerleader in high school and middle school and ran track. When I started college my weight was up and down but never more than 130 pounds. 2 years ago, my doctor gave me medication for a medical problem and I gained 30 pounds in 2 months from it. My problem now is getting the weight off and getting back to my regular size. I've only lost no more than 7 pounds in the past 2 years. I especially want to do this because I am short and I don't want to be fat. I have rolls and love handles that I've never had, bigger arms, thighs, and stomach and of course behind and bust.

I would like to lose 30 pounds healthy and asap. How long will this take and what exercises should I do? I tried weight watchers and regular dieting which didn't work for me. I joined the gym a few days ago but haven't worked out yet. I wanted to know if I did group exercise 4-5 days a week at the gym if that would be enough by itself and trying to watch what I eat. I really don't like using the machines at the gym because I get bored and time goes by soooo slooow even with music. But if I did group exercise and then the treadmill for 30 and elliptical for 15 min at least 3 times a week along with the cardio from group exercise if that will take the weight off quick. Some classes I'm interested in are zumba, boot camp, and hi-low sculpt. I know at first these classes will be tough because I'm so out of shape. But what do you recommend for a routine exercise and diet to drop these pounds fast?

Thanks in advance!

Answer
Your current BMI is 30.27 which is considered Obese. Your max weight is 127lbs, but because of your size I would shoot for about 122 which would give you a little cousin for a little extra food every once in a while. I would also recommend that you get a complete physical from your doctor if one has not been done for a while just to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise and to see if there are any restriction he might give you.

If he gives you a clean bill of health to start exercise then I would say for you you to start of slow so as not to hurt yourself. The amount of exercise needed is between 30 and 45 minutes per day of cardio, meaning 7 days. You also need 3-4 days a week of weight training for 20 -30 minutes each day. I recommend light weight high repititions for toning.

As for your diet you need to have your RMR taken at one of your local gyms or through a nutritionist. This is important because you need to know how many calories your body is burning a rest. Knowing your RMR will help you better manage your weight. While you are losing weight you should not try to lose more then two pounds per week. Losing more weight then this can get you sick.

Dieting or should we say life style change is a process of highs and lows. I found that a vegetarian diet seems to produce the best results. Eliminating fried foods ,Trans fats,and as many saturated fats as possible and limiting carbs helps . Intake plenty of fiber this will help to keep regular. Do not eliminate carbs just eliminate the empty ones. Also stay away from sweet treats.

Good Luck And Stay Healthy

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