starfish - i've been working out for about 3 years now, but i'd have to say seriously working out since November, and very seriously since May... and nah... i had my stint with gymnatstics but other than that i've always been a really skinny gal with high bodyfat (you know skinny but squishy
)
Fonz - thanks... the legs are there (well the pics are anyways... did you not see??
).. they aint my best feature, but i'm working on them
(check me in a month or two... i'll have some kick ass legs from my squats and lunges and deadlifts and stairsprints that i'm doing...)... have a great time on your trip... make sure you get lots
akil (blondi) - as far as the fitness lifestyle is concerned, consistiancy and small moves are the key... don't do anything drastic, your body will just rebel against you.. you have to make small changes to your day to day routine and start slowly... these types of changes are more likely to be integrated into your lifestyle and get you away from the 'quick fix' mentality... start by going to the gym and following a simple 2-3 day a week routine (cardio + upper body or lower body) and then just read, watch, learn and adjust from there...
as far as diet goes - just make sure you get lots of clean food in moderation... carbs are not your enemy, just try to stay away from the processed ones... eat sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat breads/pastas, lots of veggies... eat lots of lean proteins and some healthy fats (all natural peanut butter, flax seed oils ect)... don't deprive yourself of your favorite foods (sugary or fatty ones), just have some at the end, a little can go along way when you're already full... (often its just the taste of chocolate)... try to find healthy alternatives... my chocolate protein shakes always curb my chocolate cravings... (i actually crave my chocolate, peanut butter and banana shakes
)
specifically for legs/glutes, learn proper form on squats and use it... they'll do a number on those legs
deadlifts and lunges are also good... start with light weights and make sure you're doing the movements correctly and safely, once you get it down, add some weight and challange yourself... (you won't get big if you lift heavy weights, you'll gain some lean muscle mass which will help burn fat and tone your body)....
keep reading the boards and working hard, you'll get there