How do I get the best out of my limited training time?

As a single mum I rely on babysitters and relatives for me to go training, I desperately want to lose 12lb. I have about 80 minutes in the gym (3-4 times a week) which I spend on Cardiovascular work. eg. running 30-40 mins, 10-15 cross trainer, 10-20 bike and up to 10 on the rower. I spend about 10 mins stretching and doing ab work. I am not losing any weight or it appears fat. In fact I have gained weight. Would I be better off cutting back on cv work and doing some weight stations? I don't do any at the moment as I try and do as much cv in my limited time as possible. I eat a healthy, low carb diet (although I do maybe have a little too much wine and chocolate) and desire a lean, toned body and a good level of fitness and stamina. Please help!

How do I get the best out of my limited training time?
Your gym program looks pretty optimum to me given your goals and the time limitations. Lifting is a nice-to-have, but won't do much for weight control. Or perhaps you can run to the gym on days you wish to do strength training? Kill two birds with one stone?



I would look for things you can add-in at home while the kids are there that don't require a trip to the gym. Maybe pushups, situps, purchase a couple different hand weights, an exercise ball. I'm sure the trips to the gym are part sanity check, so you'll want to keep those.



Don't totally give up the wine and chocolate. If you can't enjoy yourself a little, what's the point?