Question about weight lifting and body fat percentage
JoshuaL86
Posts: 403 Member
In 2012, I had much success with MFP, losing a total of about 125 pounds. I am 5'11", 165 lbs and sitting anywhere between 12 and 16% Bodyfat (depending on the calculator I use). Unfortunately, during my weight loss, I didn't lift weights, I just ran. If I could go back and do things differently, I would have lifted from the beginning. The remaining fat I have is in my love handles and my lower stomach (the dreaded spare tire). I want to bulk, but I feel like I should cut just a little more to flatten my stomach out the rest of the way. I have recently began to lift weights. My question is this: Will lifting allow my body fat % to drop enough to flatten out my stomach, without losing as much weight as I would have to lose if I didn't lift at all. Thanks!
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Replies
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You are on stage body recomp which is a slow process.0
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it's really your only option. It takes a lot of time so focus on your weight routine and stay consistent with that before bulking. Or....the spare tire stays and might inflate with a bulk now0
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What those two said. Recomp to great success.0
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Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both effectively so pick one and implement it appropriately.0
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Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both effectively so pick one and implement it appropriately.
You're right, it is my indecisiveness. I am indecisive because this is new territory and I am not exactly sure what to do. However, each of you gave me some solid advice that I am going to follow. Thanks!
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Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both efficiently so pick one and implement it appropriately.
fixed it... but I agree with the point about being decisive.
But to your question... Yes, with enough patience and consistency, you can/will lose the last big of fat by lifting and eating at maintenance/slight deficit.
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Hi! It's been my experience, that I do best with eating at maintenance and lifting, when I want to shed fat.
If you have just now reached your weightloss goal, the most difficult part will be maintaining your weight in the first place. If you start lifing now, without changing your food intake, you can observe how your body reacts, and then gradually add more food to support your muscle gain. If you just start eating more now right from the start, you will most likely gain fat first.
Take some progress pictures on the way, so you can see how your body changes when you have lifted for a while. If you have some visual prove how the flabby areas tighten up over time, the weight gain that will come with lean muscle gain, won't be as much of a shock, but more of a pleasant surprise....
Good luck! Happy safe lifting!0 -
Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both efficiently so pick one and implement it appropriately.
fixed it... but I agree with the point about being decisive.
But to your question... Yes, with enough patience and consistency, you can/will lose the last big of fat by lifting and eating at maintenance/slight deficit.
How much of a deficit do you recommend?
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Hi! It's been my experience, that I do best with eating at maintenance and lifting, when I want to shed fat.
If you have just now reached your weightloss goal, the most difficult part will be maintaining your weight in the first place. If you start lifing now, without changing your food intake, you can observe how your body reacts, and then gradually add more food to support your muscle gain. If you just start eating more now right from the start, you will most likely gain fat first.
Take some progress pictures on the way, so you can see how your body changes when you have lifted for a while. If you have some visual prove how the flabby areas tighten up over time, the weight gain that will come with lean muscle gain, won't be as much of a shock, but more of a pleasant surprise....
Good luck! Happy safe lifting!
I have been in maintenance for about a year and a half now. The progress pictures are a great idea, and I am going to try the eating at maintenance and lifting bit. I know it's different for different people, but typically how long would it take before I see some kind of results? (It doesn't have to be major, just noticeable)0 -
Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both efficiently so pick one and implement it appropriately.
fixed it... but I agree with the point about being decisive.
But to your question... Yes, with enough patience and consistency, you can/will lose the last big of fat by lifting and eating at maintenance/slight deficit.
How much of a deficit do you recommend?
Assuming your body fat % is reasonably accurate... minimal. Basically just enough to make up for all the estimating we do and ensure you aren't overeating.0 -
Your training isn't really the issue here. It's your indecisiveness. Do you want to lose the fat now? Or do you want to build muscle now? You can't do both efficiently so pick one and implement it appropriately.
fixed it... but I agree with the point about being decisive.
But to your question... Yes, with enough patience and consistency, you can/will lose the last big of fat by lifting and eating at maintenance/slight deficit.
How much of a deficit do you recommend?
Assuming your body fat % is reasonably accurate... minimal. Basically just enough to make up for all the estimating we do and ensure you aren't overeating.
Thanks, I appreciate it!0 -
Hi! It's been my experience, that I do best with eating at maintenance and lifting, when I want to shed fat.
If you have just now reached your weightloss goal, the most difficult part will be maintaining your weight in the first place. If you start lifing now, without changing your food intake, you can observe how your body reacts, and then gradually add more food to support your muscle gain. If you just start eating more now right from the start, you will most likely gain fat first.
Take some progress pictures on the way, so you can see how your body changes when you have lifted for a while. If you have some visual prove how the flabby areas tighten up over time, the weight gain that will come with lean muscle gain, won't be as much of a shock, but more of a pleasant surprise....
Good luck! Happy safe lifting!
I have been in maintenance for about a year and a half now. The progress pictures are a great idea, and I am going to try the eating at maintenance and lifting bit. I know it's different for different people, but typically how long would it take before I see some kind of results? (It doesn't have to be major, just noticeable)
Well, that's great! In this case, you won't struggle as much with the 'fine-tuning' of your food intake.
As a beginner lifter, you might be able to see a noticable change very quickly. Try to practice good form with your lifts, while lifting 'heavy for you'. Your mission should not be a race for personal records, as far as lifting goes, because the best progress will likely be reached with a consistant training, uninterrupted by injuries. Play it safe!
After a healthcare professional has cleared you for weight training, find a trainer for a few practice sessions, or an experiences fellow lifter, to assess your fitness level. Set up a plan, including frequency of lifting sessions, muscle groups or body parts to be worked, and rest days. For best results, allow 1-2 days of rest for each muscle group. Muscles don't grow in the gym, they grow during rest and healing time.
Slow and steady pace, and consistant training should bring you results within 3 months.
Later, the progress will slow down a bit, and it might get harder to maintain lean muscle mass, or add more muscle. In my experience, enjoying the process is a big part of success!
0 -
Hi! It's been my experience, that I do best with eating at maintenance and lifting, when I want to shed fat.
If you have just now reached your weightloss goal, the most difficult part will be maintaining your weight in the first place. If you start lifing now, without changing your food intake, you can observe how your body reacts, and then gradually add more food to support your muscle gain. If you just start eating more now right from the start, you will most likely gain fat first.
Take some progress pictures on the way, so you can see how your body changes when you have lifted for a while. If you have some visual prove how the flabby areas tighten up over time, the weight gain that will come with lean muscle gain, won't be as much of a shock, but more of a pleasant surprise....
Good luck! Happy safe lifting!
I have been in maintenance for about a year and a half now. The progress pictures are a great idea, and I am going to try the eating at maintenance and lifting bit. I know it's different for different people, but typically how long would it take before I see some kind of results? (It doesn't have to be major, just noticeable)
Well, that's great! In this case, you won't struggle as much with the 'fine-tuning' of your food intake.
As a beginner lifter, you might be able to see a noticable change very quickly. Try to practice good form with your lifts, while lifting 'heavy for you'. Your mission should not be a race for personal records, as far as lifting goes, because the best progress will likely be reached with a consistant training, uninterrupted by injuries. Play it safe!
After a healthcare professional has cleared you for weight training, find a trainer for a few practice sessions, or an experiences fellow lifter, to assess your fitness level. Set up a plan, including frequency of lifting sessions, muscle groups or body parts to be worked, and rest days. For best results, allow 1-2 days of rest for each muscle group. Muscles don't grow in the gym, they grow during rest and healing time.
Slow and steady pace, and consistant training should bring you results within 3 months.
Later, the progress will slow down a bit, and it might get harder to maintain lean muscle mass, or add more muscle. In my experience, enjoying the process is a big part of success!
Thank you, I appreciate all the input! This is very encouraging!0
This discussion has been closed.
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