weights/cardio debate

[bambam]

HI...
The other day, my aerobics instructor told us that if we're trying to quick slim down a bit for spring break- next week- we should just do extra cardio since weights won't tone you up in such a short time. Is this valid? I know you can't really make a huge difference in a week.

Speaking of spring break, I'm going to London (thank gosh- no bikinis!). Has anyone ever been there - any tips?? I know this should probably be in the general forum but I didn't want to take up more space.
THANKS!!

 

[boule]

London

Hi!
i don't know the answer to your fitness question (i wish i did!), but i LOVE London!

i don't know what you are interested in, but the things i liked were: the Victoria and Albert Museum -- the costume exhibit was fabulous! Harrods department store (which is near the V&A museum). The British Museum and British Library which are connected. The John Weseley house. Covent Garden open air market. The Rock & Roll Circus at Picadilly (it's hilariously cheesey -- a wax museum of rock stars). Having tea at Fortnum and Mason department store.
It's good to take a double decker bus tour first thing to get a look at the highlights and a little history instruction. i can't think of anythig else off the top of my head, but London is really great. my fave city of all times! have a GREAT time!
-julie

 

[Joanna]

Also been to London...

...in fact my parents are British and I was born there (moved to U.S. as a baby, tho

). I'd also try a trip on the Underground called "The Tube," Marks & Spencer Department store (not expensive, just very typical), any restaurant in SoHo, and the 'biggest toy store in the world' called Hamleys. Shopping around Oxford Circus yields a lot of fun options and I also agree that a bus tour is nice. Buses take you near Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul's Cathedral (where the song in Mary Poppins 'Feed the Birds' was filmed). Depending on where you are, these could be walking distance.

Of course, if you want a taste of the 'real' England, get on a train and ride out into the country...it is just beautiful.

Enjoy!

 

[audrey]

London

In addition to the other suggestions you've received, if you'd like some MILD exercise, visit Hampstead Heath. It's a popular place to walk on Sundays (sort of the London equivalent of Central Park, but more low-key), and accessible by Tube. Harrod's is definitely fun (great food hall, if I remember). My only trip as an adult was on business with limited sightseeing time, so I have not seen many of the historical sites (Tower of London, etc.) since I was a little kid and my recollections are pretty hazy. But I definitely would have seen those again.(Though my undergrad major was British history, so I may be more interested in that sort of thing than most people. I just grooved on the National Portrait Gallery while my colleagues politely bowed out.)

People in London are pretty "normal looking" and not skimpily dressed, given the weather, so I wouldn't worry too much about trying to get in shape at the last minute. Have a great time!

Audrey