[sidonia]

I apologize in advance for this as it may be a bit of a long one!

A little background/medical: I am a 5’9, 30 year old female who currently weighs about 335 lbs. I have been heavy most of my life starting in 6^th grade when my thyroid disease was discovered. (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) I was always athletic when I was younger, playing every sport that was available, from soccer to basketball to volleyball and swimming. I have been training now for about 4 years, and have lost some weight only to gain it back again. I also have arthritis in my right knee, which is painful at times, but I know how to suck it up. Other than the fluctuating thyroid levels, I am healthy, good cholesterol, all numbers in ok ranges. I have more recently with the help of my husband, changed the way I look at food, and what role it plays in my life. The hubby BTW is PJB923!

I currently have a trainer and I do 3, 30 minute sessions a week with him. We basically do 2 days of high rep, low weight exercises, and then on Fridays we do 30 mins of boxing. In addition to my training, I also after every session do 50 minutes minimum of cardio on an elliptical. (usually the hill setting…at level 10-12) I am at the gym a minimum of 4 days a week, most of the time 5.

That’s the background! Now here’s the question…8) Initially, before this trainer, I was with another trainer who was putting me through more of a body building workout…strip sets, and much heavier weight that I am lifting now. I lost weight, but she also had me on a crazy low carb diet, which naturally I couldn’t realistically stick to, and when that failed, the water weight came back. I did however feel much stronger, and like I was on a better path towards my goal. Currently, I am losing weight, but I feel like what I am doing is not enough…I totally get the low weight, high reps approach, but I feel like maybe he is underestimating my strength and determination. Before, I was able to do a 140-150 lb seated row and 410 leg press…and now, I am pushing 90 lbs on the leg press for 2:00 mins straight. Also, I do enough cardio by myself and don’t feel like I need the aerobic benefit of the lower weight high reps. I feel like I’m running against a brick wall…and like I am missing the muscle building aspect of the weight training, which in the long run will burn more calories…won’t it? What is the best combination for me? Maybe my calories need to be upped…or lowered? I am looking to lose weight the safe way…the right way…because if one more doctor says bariatric surgery to me, I’ll knock them out!