For the past 5 weeks I have been going to the gym at least 5 days p/ week... mostly 7 days though, doing NO LESS than 1 hour cardio. I have NOT seen any results aside from my increased endurance. I have also been trying to keep my calories in the 1200-1600 p/ day range. Yesterday I decided to change up my workout since it hasn't given results thusfar. My new routine is: begin w/ 10 minutes elliptical (doing intervals), 40 minutes on weights focusing on 1-2 muscle groups per day, finishing my hour workout w/ 10 minutes on treadmill (walk 1 minute, run 2) + 5 minute cool down. I am going to do this 4 days p/ week + 1 day per week I will do cardio only + 1 day per week I will do intervals on a hill in my neighborhood = workout 6 days p/ week
GOAL ~
I want to lose 20 pounds by May 17!!

Will someone PLEASE help??? I am trying VERY hard to not get discouraged, but it's very difficult when I have put forth so much effort already & haven't lost a single pound. Does my NEW routine sound like it is better modified to show results, without a doubt?

Thanks!

What is your weight / height / gender? Also, what kind of foods are you consuming in your diet? It sounds like you have a nice exercise routine so you may need to track your diet more closely... How are you measuring your food intake? Are you writing everything down or tracking your food intake online?

If you are only consuming 1200 calories per day and doing all that cardio, you are not eating enough. I have learned that the hard way!

ABBA

weight = 161
height = 5'7"
gender = female
foods I am consuming in my diet:
I try to, and do well at, maintaining a healthy diet... though I have the occassional slip up. A typical day for me would be:
B - 1 pk plain oatmeal w/ 4 egg whites
S - apple or yoplait fat free yogurt
L - salad & usually a small portion of dinner leftovers (always light cooking)
S - apple, granola bar, or 100 calorie pack
D - a lean meat w/ veggies (don't eat bread, noodles are always whole wheat, no fatty mashed potatoes...)
S - this is where I probably mess up! It's usually late when I eat once more & it has been a small bowl of cheerios or 1/2 8" whole wheat tortilla w/ 1 tbsp peanut butter.
measuring your food intake usually is me eyeballing it, not necessarily using measuring cups and I record in a journal.

Hmm your exercise routine seems fine. Altho you were only doing cardio before, as long as you stay in calorie deficit, you should be loosing weight.. but adding some weight and resistance works too.

I think also that the problem probably lies in your diet altho your diet seems perfectly healthy
If you must, buy a food scale, sometimes one's idea of 100g can be really different than the real 100g.
Else i actually record my food online too: using fitday and it's free!

so good luck and dont get too stressed. I know it's hard not to, but stress never helps!

Hi - I agree with ABBA girl, make sure you eat enough. I know, I know, goes against what your thinking. But, with all that working out, your body may need a little more fuel!

You can do this! Take it one day at a time, and remember, life is truly a journey, not a destination.

thanks so much for all the great advice!! I am still working hard & weighed this morning. I am completely motivated again after losing 3 lbs!! Thanks again!

Yeaahhhh ! ! ! !

Just a little update... as of this morning, I have lost 4.5 lbs. Weights + cardio 5 days p/week, cardio only 1 day, then a day off has seemed to be just what I needed! Adding a yoga class starting next week so I can hopefully have a little better result from the weight training... We'll see how it goes & I'll keep updating.
I have to say that sticking to the 1200 calorie diet has been quite difficult for me this week though!! I have eaten healthy, just more than I should. Thanks for the support! You guys are fabulous