work out/fitness question....cardio/weights?

[misspinch82]

Im 25, 5'6'' 140lbs. I want to tone up and burn the layer of fat that covers my muscles. I began going to the gym 2 weeks ago, today kicked off my 3rd week. I do 2-2.25 miles (however far I get in 18 min) on the eliptical runner Mon-Fri followed by 25 min. of upper body and abdominal strength training. Will this be enough to start noticing changes? Is this enough to drop a few inches from my waist and hips? Also, I was doing no exercise and not being very active before I started this routine a few weeks ago. Thanks!

[Jared]

All i can tell you is, alongside your excercise routine, you need to cut back on calories (and especially so of fats). Your meals should be mainly low fat, and you should reduce your calorie intake as well. As I'm sure you've noticed, it's a lot easier to "burn" calories by reducing your consumption, than it is to over-indulge, then go to the gym and burn it off. For example, it would take you 30 minutes of running on a treadmill to burn just 200 calories (the calories in 2 or 3 bars of kit kats). It would've been easier to just not eat those nasty (albeit delcious) chochlates.

[Matt W]

That will be plenty of work to START to notice changes.Familiarize yourself with the gym and your body, and do not overdue it as this will discourage you from wanting to return or keep up with your routine.The big complement here to your workout is DIET!You may eat plenty of foods, but you must eliminate non-nutritional foods from your diet, most notably- carbohydrates- especially refined sugar.A great example of a diet to complement your workout would be:7am- egg whites/whole fruit/oatmeal10am- protein drink or protein bar12pm- grilled chicken w/fibrous vegetables2pm- lowfat yogurt530pm- grilled fish(canned tuna would even work) over bed of lettuce/spinach with cheeses and lowfat dressing830pm- protein bar or protein drinkThe key to burning fat is not necessary eating completely fat free, but eliminating sugars and excessive carbohydrates.Carbs spike your insulin levels every time they are ingested into the body. Insulin is a hormone/enzyme that triggers fat storage. Protein will help your muscles develop and tone; the more presence of muscle fibers in the body, the more calories your body will burn to maintain them.Also, think of your problem areas- I know a lot of women have problems in the buttocks and thigh area. Weighted lunges are the best way to help tone up those areas too.Hope this helps, good luck!