Need to know pros/cons re weight training

[doreenk2z]

Hi, I'm totally new to this forum. Hope someone can help me. I'm in my 50's, about 20# overweight and need to know what is the best way to exercise. I also have sciatica. I used to do aerobics, but found it agrivated my sciatica.I have a gym membership that I'm ashamed to say I have not used much.I think what would be of great help is to know what weight training can do for me?? Can you really lose weight just by using weight resistence equipment??I was told you actually can lose weight quicker then you can doing areobics.
I'd like to try using the gym 3-4X per week. I do not have time available to go
every other day, but can go M,T,W & F. I have been told you just can't do it everyday, only every other day?? This completely discourages me because I simply have just those few days available for me to get to the gym? Why can't you use the equip. on consecutive days---since I'm not going to use heavy weights and would never do anything to cause strain. The 5 core group + a couple of other weight machines I would be using take about 45min to complete(2 reps of 15 each) . Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[stimilus]

First off, did your doctor tell you that it is alright to do weight training?
Second, if you're going to do cardio, you should do something that is low impact, like the eliptical machine, biking, or swimming. This will help you lose weight. Try to stay away from foods with sugar, and make sure you stretch a little before, and for about 20 min. after your exercising. Stick to this routine and do it 3 or 4 times per week. It doesn't need to be every other day, but 3 days in a row might make you feel burned out in the beginning. Try to space it out if you can. Good luck.