If anyone is interested, here is my life story (as it relates to weight training). I am a 37 y.o. female, and I've been training off and on since college. But I don't really count that, because it was mainly just "toning". (Do I see some eyes rolling?)

In my younger years I was fortunate to have a lean body (I'm also a former anorexic, but that's another story). I always got plenty of exercise competing in equestrian competitions. I gave that up a few years ago when I married and moved too far from a decent horse trainer. I kept doing my usual workout of running and occasional weight training, but I was slowly getting fatter, and my motivation to do any exercise was marginal at best.

At my wit's end, I signed up with a personal trainer in December '99. I'd worked with trainers before, but this was the first to encourage me to lift heavy (for me). My bodyfat was 23%. I couldn't believe it because I'd always been around 15-17. I was a skinny pear - skinny everywhere except for jiggly and expanding butt and thighs. After the 6 week session it was 17% and everything was looking better. I was so psyched by the change that I bought myself a training log, started reading books (and message boards) and haven't looked back!

I've been training on my own ever since. For some reason, having that training log (and following this board) has been my key. I'm sure people at my gym think I'm dorky with it, but I don't care - it works for me. I just had my bf tested again last week and it's 12%. I have no idea what I weigh, and psychologically cannot bring myself to get on a scale. All I know is I'm finally beginning to like what I see. Even at my lowest anorexic weight, I still hated my body.

Coming to this board has been inspiring. I am ready to push myself to the next level. Over the last few months I've been making small changes to my diet. This is very tricky, as eating disorder veterans will attest. I'm slowly coming to realize that without good nutrition, I'm just shooting myself in the foot as far as all my training. Whenever I feel doubts about eating more, I just scroll back through the pictures posted on this board to remind myself how important nutrition is to achieving my goals. If anybody is still reading this, a big thanks. Normally I'm not so long-winded!

Could not think of a handle!?!?! Heavens, I can think of one or two just from your post and horse riding back ground! MustangSally, ArabianRider, DancesWithHorses, (hehe) EquesrryLady.... the last one is my fav. Handles are very important - will help folks remember you.

Long winded??!! NOT!. Hey, we have to read Bmom's posts ;)

Glad to see you decided to participate. You'll like it here.

I always enjoy getting good background info...thanks for sharing where you've been at. It can only get better. I too rely on this board and my exercise/food logs for motivation and inspiration.

12%bf - damn! How tall are you?

(oooo Lobo - those are some good handles...)

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Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit.

I am 5'5". No idea on my weight though. I shut my eyes at the doctor when they weigh me. I'm small-boned and want a bit more muscle. I see now that I'll never have to worry about getting "too big". (Well maybe if I ever decide to try gear, but I'm not there yet.) Don't really want to take body fat any lower because I'm comfortable here (don't feel deprived) and no problems with the female systems.