[mantra]

hi all,
This is mantra and I was looking for some fitness forums & W4f came first in my search.Read through couple of posts and should say this forum is really good & helpful.
I've a body which is below average ( i hate it ) and want to get into shape, atleast a decent one.I aint sure if this forum can offer advice to people like me ( a beginner) .
Pl let me know and i'll give more insight on what iam & what kind of information iam looking for.

[ttuPrincess]

hey babe! welcome! ask away.. some one will be able to help you !

[mantra]

Thanks for the reply!

Well iam 5 feet 1" tall and weigh 120 pounds, think my BMI is normal.I've small shoulders and my waist is 28" .Iam happy with this.
My problem starts below my waist.
I've a tire of fat on my HIPS,BELLY & at the THIGH JOINTS (where the thighs joins the upper part of the body).In between the hips and thigh joints...theres 1" gap where theres absolutely no fat/mass of flesh.(weird isnt it?)
So my body appears like a WAVE on my sides & its YUCk.I feel very ashamed of it and want to get rid of this.Ready to slog my butt out.

I've tried walking & dieting.Though I had lost considerable weight ,I didnt lose it around my hips, belly & thigh joints.My face became small, my cheeks were gone, my boobs became 32 from 34, that was all.Was almost frustrated!

I've just started gymming,its been 2 weeks.Iam doing 30 min cardio (threadmill) everyday & i need some guidance on strength training.

INFO THAT I NEED:
1.Is threadmill good enough or should i switch to cycling/stepper.Which one is best for me and how long should i do.
2.Strength training-What all i should do and how many sets

And for my tummy, iam doing normal & side crunches.

Any advice would be very helpful and much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.