Not only is it very important to start doing something aerobically for the listed reasons, it is equally impor- tant to lift weights. If you don’t want to worry about gaining weight as you get older, you MUST lift weights. I am not talking about two-pound dumbbells here; I am talking about some serious weights that can change your strength and your body. As you get older, you lose muscle, which means you can gain weight faster than you do now. Furthermore, lifting weights is the only way you can truly change your body shape. It isn’t just taking your current body and making it smaller. Over the long term, lifting weights for a while can cause you to catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and see that your body has changed literally before your eyes. Lifting weights is also a great way to see progress and increase your emotional and physical strength. When I first started lifting, I was weak and sore most of the time. But as I kept lifting heavier weights I felt stronger and stronger and literally saw my muscles grow. No, I did not bulk up and start looking like a man. Big muscles make your body smaller not bigger. Fat makes your body bigger because it takes up room; muscles take up less room and make your body look lean and firm, so please don’t be afraid to lift heavy weights. Get someone to show you how to lift proper- 71 • If IAm So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight?