I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and offer some advice, so thank you in advance.

I am a twenty-two year old female who over the past two years has gone from weighing 180 to my current weight of 117 (I am 5'5"). I still have a lot of work to do on my body, as I lack muscle tone all over. My losing weight has resulted in a lot of loose skin and more cellulite, and I do know that gaining muscle can help with both those problems, which is what I'm trying to do now.

Unfortunately, I am a poor college student and joining a gym is not an option right now. I'm quite interested in trying out pilates, but I'm not sure if that'll produce the results I would like (more muscle tone). If not, I do have access to five and eight pound weights..

Any advice would be helpful, I really do not want to lose any more weight (I don't like the gaunt look, and I'm fast approaching it) so I would prefer to stay away from cardio.

Thanks,
shiva

Pilates will help a great deal. I finally bought the Winsor Pilates from the TV infomercial and they are great.

A cheaper way would be to check out a pilates workout tape or dvd from your local library.

You can also get one from Wal-Mart for about $15.

I do about 3 to 4 workouts with them every week and it really does develop muscle tone and flexability.

Good luck

Snookdude

A video/dvd would be a great place to start. Check into your school's gym. Often free or very cheap for students.

Shiva,

First how did you loose your weight? That's great!!I just took my first Pilates class last night and I love it!! It really work with your "core" that's what they call the abs!! I just did a few basics last night and my abs are sore!! I recommend it!!

Hi Noelle!

I lost the first thirty pounds through diet change and by using the FIRM exercise tapes. I'm actually friends with one of the girls in the infomercial, she got me into them. Last year I sold my tapes after thinking I wouldn't need them anymore, so I can't use them now. Hrmph. The last thirty pounds I lost through only diet change, which is why I'm looking to really tone up now.

Thanks to you, and everyone else for the pilates advice. Sounds like it is everything I hoped it'd be. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Shiva,

I tell you what, I havn't done Pilates since Tuesday and my abs are still sore.I'm going to start doing it at home once I know all the moves! I'm trying to loose 50 pounds... I want to atleast loose 20 by thanksgiving.. I have a hard time saying no to certain foods. I'm currently taking adipex then I'm going to get trim spa. it really helps with controlling my apetite and helping me eat only when i'm hungry and little portions!

Good luck with the pilates, i know you'll enjoy it!!