I started this woe on 10/20/03 and have lost 26 1/2 pounds. Went shopping yesterday and was able to wear size 14 jeans (formerly tight 18). Still had to have 16 top, though, although I was able to wear a size smaller in bra. Have been doing push ups, waist-whittling exercises and different arm exercises while walking. I do not belong to an gym or have much in the way of home exercise equipment. I do have a small set of dumbbells and some ankle/wrist weights. Please suggest some good upper body exercises so that I can tone up the upper part of my body more quickly. Thanks.

Hi, Cinelu. I'm a video workout gal, so I'll suggest a video that's pretty generally available: Kathy Smith's Secrets to a Great Upper Body. I don't happen to own this one, but it gets good reviews at www.videofitness.com

I use Gilad's Men of Steel Arms (out of print, but widely available on bestcom or e-bay.) I also love Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms and Shoulders, but not everybody does.

You might also check the newsstand for recent issues of just about any women's fitness magazine, like Fitness or Shape. Almost every issue has an exercise routine that includes upper body and arm work. Of course, any bookstore and many libraries will have good exercise guides--such as Weight Training for Dummies (which I like).

Hope that helps! Arm work is very satisfying, because you can usually see results pretty fast. Congrats on your success so far!

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130

Cinelu, here's a link I posted a few days ago My exercise routine

This is my routine with my 5lb dumbells.

HTH

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
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Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
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