Hi,

I am trying to figure out the best excercise program to help me take off 20 to 25 pounds. I am really out of shape, mind you.

I like riding bikes, and swimming. I also like to walk. I have had some success lifting weights. I also have the Tao Bo tapes.

Is there anyone here who can suggest a work out program? How many dyas do you think I should work out?

I really have to get back on low carb way of eating as well as excercise.

Wish me luck!

All the activities mentioned sound like winners. I'm no expert, but most of the information I've seen say which activity you choose isn't as important as simply choosing something . As the commercials say-- Just Do It! Also, I've heard to shoot for a minimum of 3x/week. More than that is OK but you want to start slow if you're out of shape.

Good luck!!

You are going to want to get into a weightlifting regimen. I'd say, since you don't currently lift, start out with a full body routine (chest, back, shoulders, abs, legs) 3x a week, 10 reps for 3 sets. Do that for a few weeks, until you stop seeing gains. you'd be suprised what newbie lifters can gain when they start, its great.

Good luck

As the trainers at my gym are so fond of saying: The best exercise program is the one that you'll actually do.

You have to pick activities that you like (or can tolerate) well enough to actually get up and do. Someone can hand you an excellent program, but if you hate every minute of it, you're likely to give it up. Your best bet is to key in a few activities and commit yourself to doing them several times a week.

Also, think about your goals--outside of simply taking off 20-25 pounds. Resistance/strength training will give you the most bang for your buck for re-shaping your body and giving you a fit, "toned" (hate that word) appearance, as well as help in increasing your metabolism (muscle uses more calories than fat). Cardio activities like running and biking will improve your cardiovascular health and certainly burn off some calories, but won't do much to change the shape of your body.

Some combination of the two--resistance training and some sort of cardio--is usually the best bet. But there again, the amounts of each you do depends entirely on your goals. If muscle development is more important to you, you'll want to go more with the weights and lighter on the cardio. If cardiovascular fitness and performance in endurance activities are more important, you'll probably want to go more with the cardio and less with the weights.

Everyone you ask will give you a different answer, so you kind of have to experiment to figure out what's best for you.