>But women need to come at this thing from a different angle, right?  It has
>to do with basic differences in strength and body shape, and hormonal stuff
>that causes women's bodies to hold onto fat more tenaciously than men's
>bodies do.
>
>I am very out of shape.  I need to lose twenty percent of my current body
>weight.  I definitely need an increase in physical endurance.  However, I
>know from experience that I am going to have to take a "kinder, gentler"
>route to the top.  Where are the signposts that I can follow?  Trying to
>follow the "guy" signs I've found so far will be nothing but discouraging.

Hi Edith - have you considered yoga as a gentle entry to physical and
mental culture? I would recommend any style with static asanas
(postures) for starters and then perhaps graduate to more rigorous,
dynamic schools like ashtanga.

Another option is tai chi, maybe the yang short form (24 movements)
from which you can derive great benefit quite quickly.

Neither activity will give you the intensity you need to develop
above average strength and power and yet through their focus on self
(and breath), they may help to normalize your diet, reduce body fat
content and prepare your muscles for something more strenuous.

Cheers,
Jo

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