Hi, I'm a new member seeking to find more weight loss enthusiasts, any takers?

I have noticed I'm having a more difficult time losing weight than I remember. Are there any people out there that have had similar experiences? And are there any success stories that would care to share how they were able to lose a substantial amount of weight? I have been taking the same boxing classes for years, but realize it's way past the time I push up my work-out a knotch. Recently, I've gotten into elliptical work outs, but I think I should try running, which I totally hate. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I really like the elliptical/cross trainer for a vigorous workout. Running outside or on a treadmill isn't as strenuous. Don't try to put too much pressure on yourself, though. There's a heart-rate range in which you will be doing your best fat burning.

How old are you? What's your level of fitness?

Thanks for responding to my posting. I am 37. As for my fitness level, I think, cardiovascularly, I'm in alright shape. In boxing class we have to sprint 10 times around the room, do various cross training workouts in between punching the bag or sparring with the instructor, such as 50-50-50: 50 squat thrusts, 50 push-ups, 50 leap frog jumps. I pride myself on keeping up better than some of the guys, but I need to challenge myself even more. Perhaps another form of exercise. I am glad you are happy with the elliptical. I usually have it at resistance one and the other choice at level 12. Now, I was always told as an endomorph body type I should always keep my resistance low. Is that not true? 

Keep your heart rate between 110-146 bpm for optimal fat burning. Pushing yourself to the brink isn't the best way to lose weight. If you're trying to get into top-form athletic shape, you can exceed that heart rate.

However, low-resistance aerobic exercises are great for shedding those pounds. I try to go for a good amount of time until I can actually feel the weight shedding.

Thanks for your advice. So far I really love this site. I get to learn from people who have gone through the very things that I have been through. This is the first time I am making the resolution to lose weight BEFORE New Year's Eve. The problem is with Thanksgiving and the holidays, it feels more like Doomsday than Happy Times! Ha! Ha! Thanks for your helpful advice. My Bpm was a consistent 120 the whole hour, so, I guess I'm doing alright. Keep the advice comin'! Thanks again!

No problem! That's certainly what this site is for. Sometimes it's a little difficult to tell good advice from bad advice, but, if you ever need anything else, just send me a message!

Good luck! Hope you meet all your goals.

At 55 I have tried various methods over the years. This past year has been my most succesful. Lost 20+ pounds by using the calorie counter and ...just watching calories. I have also changed the types of food but still have an occasional burger or pizza or whatever as long as it fits in the plan. I have stopped soda completely and drink a ton of water. Nearly 3 quarts per day in 8 oz servings. It keeps me full. Also have 3 to 4 meals a day of reasonable portions. If you fill out the CC goals and follow the recommendations here you can do it. I did Atkins, which worked, but too hard to maintain over time.

I have also started walking again for 2-3 miles at least 3-4 times a week. And do a morning routine of situps, leg raises, etc to tone up. I have never felt better.

I love being a success story.....I have lost and gained the same 100+ lbs many times....................... 

I have never found the right mindset--lifestyle before cc...........   it changed my life. 

All the friends, the support, the education ----  made everything easier.  

I started at 230 in June of 07.   I am 154 today.   I run or bike every day.  I eat right and drink lots of water.   This is a LIFESTYLE FOREVER for me, not just a diet.   I will never be obese again because my outlook is changed forever. 

The body gets used to the same workout.  You need to keeping tweeking your workout.  Yes running may not be your favorite, but I find that I never "cheat" on the treadmill or track the way I can on the elleptical..ie don't trust the calorie burn, go by the way of your heart rate.  Plus you need all types of physical workouts to keep the body healthy and strong.  Lifting, Yoga, Different types of Cardio..etc.  It's kind of like this... you wouldn't want to have the same meal everyday for the rest of your life...  Why would you want to do the same thing for exercise the rest of your life.  When you surprise the body, it reacts!  Good Luck

Hey, just a suggestion, if you want to try running what really worked for me was the couch potato to 5k.  I'm the guy who almost had to walk the mile run as a kid, and things didn't get better since..  I'm 290 lbs and was able to go to running the whole way and I only had to repeat 1 of the 9 weeks.. so if you want to not dread running so much, this that is a good way to do it.  Also what really helped me was that there are podcasts/mp3s out there that have music and then tell you when to switch from walking to jogging and vice versa.