What do you think the weight of this woman is in both pictures?

[nappyaddict]

She is 5 foot 4 inches.

Pictures

BodyPump :-)
excellent way to learn the basics

Women lifting heavy objects can cause prolapse of the womb, and other internal organs - my female Gyny said that was the reason for my prolapse in my early 40s. What had I done? Just carried small block paving bricks, one in each hand. But then I am delicately built and never had much muscle in my arms/shoulders - unlike my sister who was born with them.

8.5 stone and 8 stone?

Nappy - body pump class is good, but by far the best way to start IMO is to get a personal trainer, (or at least someone who you are sure knows what they are doing) even if only for one or two sessions (most PT's will give you a free "taster" class if you ask them). He or she can show you exercises best for your goals and ensure you know the correct technique. Would that be possible?

Exercise and diet wise - I eat a healthy diet, am normal weight (BMI 24) and run 3 / 4 times per week. I lift 2-3kgs for perhaps 24 reps a couple of times a week and have noticeably big biceps. Fact. You might struggle to believe it but it is true.

Although I rather like what has happened to my shoulders (I do reps to exerise other arm muscles)

sleep
I pay so much for my gym that I avoid paying for the trainers!
The current BodyBalance has a small stack of pressups hidden in it - and combat friends have commented that sun salutations are a FAB way to build upper body strength without bulking

I do pump once a week, just to remind my muscles that there is life beyond yoga!

There is a local personal trainer that is charging £10 an hour for new clients until the end of Jan. Don't know how much he charges after that.

sleepwhenidie How much are the PTs at your LA gym?

Hi nappy, they are approx £40 ph so £10 is a great deal! I would definitely get a couple of sessions now if you can, then maybe a follow up one in Jan to review your progress.

I don't use a PT anymore, but I did for a while a few years ago. I think once you get used to weight training you can feel if you are doing it correctly, the important stuff is keeping your core stable, knees don't go beyond toes during squats/lunges. Stop your reps when you feel you are losing good form. There are plenty of great websites to show you new exercises when you want to get specific results or just change things about over time.