Stumped! Please Help.

[Starling20]

What is a good workout schedule to help burn fat and increase body tone and a good calorie intake? I am 5'6 tall female, 20 years old (nearly 21), and weigh 168. I weight lift 3 times a week for about an hour, and random activities throughout the week. I would say that I am a moderately active person.

So I have questions:

1. I eat healthy, but how many calories should I be taking in?
2. Should I add aerobics to my workout as well, or will weight lifting do the job in helping me loose the weight that I need to and gain tone?
3. I have knee problems so I can no longer run, etc. What aerobic exercises are good to do for people with knee problems?

[Cort]

Swimming is great. You really need to get some type of cardio in, it'll help your metabolism quite a bit and help you burn off some extra calories.

[threenorns]

you say your knees are shot - how? in my case, my knees were so bad i couldn't go up stairs without severe pain and forget climbing ladders or onto chairs or even driving. that's gone now, ever since i started lifting heavy.

otherwise, aqua aerobics (water fitness) is excellent, as is the elliptical trainer.

[fitlett]

If its the impact that bothers your knees, you might consider spinning or stationary bicycling. Otherwise, the other suggestions for swimming/water aerobics and elliptical are great.

For fat loss goals, aerobics is a great addition to your workouts - I do 45 minutes 5-6 times a week at moderate-high intensity. Watching the diet (quantity as well as quality) is key also.

As far as figuring out your calorie needs, the stickies in the nutrition section and the "search" function are your friends...