I checked out your blog and it’s great that you’re blogging about your weight loss and fitness efforts, especially for women over 40. I like your About page: “In the eight weeks since I joined the gym – I’ve lost 12 pounds but more importantly, in the right light and at the right angle…there are places you can see a muscle flex”

That is so cool and I know what you mean – I like seeing the small “cut” I’ve developed in my shoulders. That is, if I flex a certain way and the light is right!

I had to add weight training in my mid-30s. I was running and running and still gaining weight! I really disliked doing weights but knew that I had to begin because 1) I’m small boned and there’s the whole osteoporosis thing 2) injury prevention 3) avoiding arm flappage.

I just use 10-lb dumbbells and routines from the Joyce Vedral books. I also like “The Body Sculpting Bible for Women” by James Villepigue and Hugo Rivera – good photos and descriptions.

I am not going crazy with the dumbbells – I figure it’s all maintenance! As I’ve aged, I’ve become a high maintenance woman – Running, Weights, supplements, and more and more organic foods.

But back to the fat monitor scale – it IS a bit of brutal honesty. Might be nice to know your fat percentage just so you can compare and know your progress!

Someday, I will get up the nerve to try one. For now, I am focusing on cardio and strength training, core work… hoping that I can shed the fat that’s lurking deep inside.

Brutal honesty… that’s why I don’t ask a question that could get a brutally honest answer. Self-preservation.

Other times, being supportive and guiding the person to change is the way to go.

I like the way you handled the fragile friend. No lying and you were supportive.

FRIEND: Do you think I look fat?
UT: Do you think you look fat?
FRIEND: I’m asking you.
UT: I think you should come with me to the gym. We all need to get fit for the summer.
FRIEND: So you’re saying I’m fat?
UT: I’m not saying you’re fat. I’m saying you can afford to trim up a bit.

I don’t consider her fat, she is thick. She can afford to firm up but I don’t think she should lose weight. She is also emotionally fragile so how I speak to her is different compared to most.

As for the other two people. I’ll lay it down for you:

FRIEND: Do you think I look fat?
UT: You look fat because you are fat. You want me to help you lose weight?
FRIEND: You didn’t have to say it like that.
UT: You asked me so I told you. Let’s be real about it. If you want to change things up lets get it crackin. If you want to lay up and be fat then stop asking me about it and be fat.

That’s just me. You can’t talk to everyone the same way but the point is still made.

I think it’s a good way to gauge an improvement in fitness. It’s not for everyone. I haven’t invested in any heart-rate monitors with respect to improving my fitness levels – that’s not my deal.

One thing the monitor can be is entertainment. When people come over and learn I have a body fat monitor, they want to try it out!