biggest loser??

Hi guys,
I have just discovered this forum and there is a lot of really great posts. I like it here very much. So I have just started a weight loss "contest" if you will with some friends at work. Its kind of a friendly version of the biggest loser. Whoever has lost the highest percentage of weight by April 8th, wins a spa day that the other ladies purchase.

Heres my question: I am female and weigh 185 pounds. I have been hitting the gym pretty hard. I initially thought I should focus on cardio - to burn off the calories. But a few people tell me that I need to be building muscle along the way too in order to maximize my results. Is this true? I know ideally I want to firm up along the way, but I also don't want to pack on too much muscle considering that this is a weight loss contest, you know??
I know I will get responses about not racing to a goal and all that, but Im really excited about the competitive/game-like quality my weight loss has now taken on. Also - I know myself and this will kick my butt into gear. Im really just looking to find out how you guys would approach this if you were in my shoes

: )

just go crazy with the cardio and burn the calories? or add in some weight training and build some muscle (and probably therefore some muscle weight?)
thanks!

I understand where you are coming from. It makes sense to spend an hr or so on the cardio machines, cranked up to its highest intensity just burning the calories. I have read in many places that building muscle actually boosts your metabolism which will allow you to process foods more quickly. Try to think of lifting as toning your muscles and not becoming big and bulky. To tone, you can do higher reps on lower weight. place the machines on a weight that will make you work, but you will be able to do as many as 3 sets of 15 reps. Use the machines to work the muscles that you don't use on a daily basis, this way they become firm and not bulky.

I do the cardio everyday and the weights about 3 times a week. I hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!!!

thanks bma!!! appreciate the feedback.
I really like the idea of focusing on cardio and doing light weights 3x per week....

We did this contest at work http://wonder.3v1l.com/contest . It ended this last Tuesday. I lost 28 lbs and am very excited to keep going with a diet plan, thats why I joined this site, to maintain a journal and keep going with my weight loss goals. This contest definately gave me the push I needed to get started.