I am very interested in strength training but...

[DarlingNiki1977]

I'm not too sure how many reps/sets I should aim to do and how often. I try to go to the gym at least 5 x's a week and do 30 to 45 mins on the elliptical. Since I am doing a lot of leg work on that machine, I try to work on my arms 2 xs a week with the row machine, bench press and the lat pull down (I think thats what its called.) I want to get in shape by the 4th of July, or at least much better than I am. I would like to lose 20 lbs by then, but honestly, I just want to look slimmer. So...I see that many of you ladies are doing really well and do a lot of strength training, what is your routine? What do you do and how often...and...what results have you seen?

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

[kbragg]

I follow the ChaLEAN Extreme Program because I'm a home exerciser (and am actually looking better than a lot of the gym rats but I digress:grin:) but I hear that the book "The New Rules Of Lifting" and The New Rules Of Lifting For Women" are good structured workout plans for gym use. Also "Shape Training" recommended by Nonie on here is a good one:yep:

[Chromia]

I'm doing the workouts in The New Rules of Lifting. I finished Break-In last week and now I'm doing Fat Loss I.

Also check out www.stumptuous.com (http://www.stumptuous.com/) for workouts and info on sets/reps.