I have been working out since the beginnin of January and haven't noticed much progress. I have lost about 20 pounds and want to lose about 20-30 more. I work out between 5-6 times a week and usually 3 days a week i do 45-50 minutes of aerobics and the other days about 20 minutes. I work out with teh weight machines about 3 days a week. I'm not looking to build big muscles. I really want to tone up.. have a flat stomach and a nice chest. Also I have severe arthritis in my knees and hips so I don't work my legs too much.. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do. I know it seems like and awful lot. I'm 52 and just want to look good as well as for health reasons.. Thanks every one

I'd say losing 20 pounds since January is pretty damn good progress. I say just keep at it. But you could also talk to a trainer at your gym.

And there are low impact things you can do to work your legs to at least keep them toned. Maybe make an appointment with an orthopedic for advice. Just because you're 52 doesn't mean you can't get into great shape. It just takes a bit longer than when you were 22 or 32. Metabolism and all, you know?

Wow! We have a lot in common.I'm 46 and have severe degenerative arthritis in both hips.I find the cardio machine I can handle best is the eliptical trainer because of a smoother impact.I can't swim but if you can,then you should be.It's low impact and good exercise.Losing weight does help your joints.I lost 120 lbs a couple of years ago but gained back 35 which was VERY STUPID.My arthritis really flared up after that.I started taking Glucosamine Condroitin supplements about 6 months ago,it's supposed to improve joint movement but I haven't seen much of a difference.Good luck with everything and I REALLY do feel your pain!

Thanks Eddie for the reply, Thats great you lost 120lbs. great job. I need to lose about 20-30 more so I am working on that. I tried taking Glucosamin Chondrotin and it did no good at all. Ibuprofen was making my ankles swell do the doc put me on Lodine and seems to be doing much better. here is my email address if youd like to email me.. southphoenixguy@yahoo.com or southphoenixguy@cox.net.

Thanks Gary

Try the Glucosamine, Chondroitin w/ MSM. That has helped me.

Re: flat stomach, the best thing for that would be a combo of the right diet & stomach crunches (both straight on & sideways). Only one or the other will not give you results. The right diet = high protein, reasonable to low carbs, & minimize your fat intake, plus avoid sugar & especially fast food. Disciplne for both of these is a must. I know by experience.

Re: getting a bigger chest, it's ok that you want to tone w/ machines, but for a defined chest you must do free weight bench presses & fly exercises. I would combine that w/ other machines for the chest. But the free weights & flies should be your primary focus. Make sure to have someone spot you as you start lifting heavier weights doing bench presses & flies. Push ups would be another good alternative & as I'm sure you know, the more the better. Also, trying using liquid creatine as a supplement (the powder form gives most people bad gas & sometimes cramps). Use it for a couple of months then go off it for a bit. Then repeat the same process.

Good luck & congrats on your weight loss.

Great advice, SC! I know I have a bad knee and glucosamine chondroitin has worked miracles for me.

The rest of the advice you offered to SPG is dead on. I haven't lost the gut that I've had but that's because I haven't cut out the soft drinks entirely. That's my one reward in all of the exercising. I've lowered my cholesterol to normal levels and lost six inches off my waist in the past 18 months since I started seriously working out. I'd say the healthy results that SPG gained especially after age 50 were simply amazing.

The main reason I took up strength training was to ward off depression. It worked with that and now I do it to feel good about myself, even if it doesn't always show. I think it shows in my own self-confidence, which matters more to me than anything.

If you do have access to a pool, you can use a pull-buoy between your legs and only use your arms. Tough workout but that's what a friend of mine does due to arthritis. It sounds like you've done a great job since Jan.