If you are a true beginner, and feel overwhelmed by a lot of the books out there, here is a simple, basic, foundational book to help you get started:

Some people would rather have a video to work out to. This one has gotten good reviews. You may also look for other DVD's and VHS options through the link below.

When you are ready to get serious about buidling your strength, you will need a good set of dumbells. You can go to a local store, or simply order a good set on line, and have them delivered straight to your home. Click here for a nice

Neoprene Dumbell Set.

Later on, as you get more comfortable with your lifting, you may want a more advanced workout plan. Here are my two all-time favorites. I have done these two programs several times over the past few years, usually alternating between the two:

For aerobic exercise, I love to run. I had always thought that running was something "others" did. Then I discovered Jeff Galloway and John Bingham, and have completed several short races and three half-marathons! Both these authors/runners encourage you to combine walking and running, for injury-free workouts.

Our bodies are marvels of mechanical engineering.

It is our responsibility to take care of them, strengthen them.

Regular care and maintenance applies not just to your car... your body needs regular tune-ups and check-ups, too!

Weight training is one of the best ways to get to know your body.

As you work with increasingly heavier weights, you will get stronger. No, you will not look like Arnold Schwarzenager, most women simply cannot build muscle the way men can. On the contrary, you will get slimmer, firmer, and your clothes will fit better.

Do you ever feel like your body is older than you are?

I try to eat right, no sodas or candy, careful with what I snack on, try to avoid fast food as much as possible. It is not easy, especially with a busy lifestyle and no time for elaborate home cooked meals. If food shopping is becoming a chore, or if you are having a hard time finding healthy options, here is a link to Amazon's Natural and Organic grocery page: Healthy Eating

But it wasn’t always like this. Growing up I was the last one picked for any sport activity. I was the chubby kid in the too tight bathing suit. And in my teens, I had a hard time keeping up with my more active friends.

Then, when I turned 19, I discovered modern dancing, and I was awed with what my body could do when it was trained. For the first time, I felt what it was like to have strong legs… strong arms… and I loved it! Sadly, the love didn’t last. Nothing like college and the dreaded extra weight from living off bagels and cream cheese!

But I already knew what it felt llike to be strong. And so, for the next several years I would exercise on and off, never feeling totally out of shape, but never again feeling that same strength I had in my early 20’s.

Finally, when I turned 35, I made a new commitment to myself and to my body… I would take my health seriously. I realized that my body was a gift from God, and that I would be held accountable for taking care of it. How could I expect to be a good witness for Him, if I was weak and out of breath!

I started taking some classes at the local gym, and slowly moved on to light weights and more disciplined programs. Today, I am once again a strong woman. Strong in body, mind and spirit!

As you exercise with weights, you will discover your body. When you work out, you get to know different muscle groups. For example, the triceps never feel like the biceps... and your abs are the key to your posture, and even to the health of your lower back.