Cardio vs Lifting
crystalstinson7
Posts: 101 Member
Which method will get you the fastest results? I'm so eager to see what y'all have to say!
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Replies
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neither.
calorie deficit.
Exercise for your health and specific training/image goals you might want/have.0 -
Calories are the most important part.
Exercise would depend on your ultimate goals (although I think most people would benefit from both cardio and lifting).0 -
Fastest results in what?
Cardio will give you the fastest results in improving your cardio.
Lifting will give you the fastest results in improving your strength/size.
Diet will give you the fastest results in losing weight/body fat.
Some combination of all three are generally recommended for optimum fitness/results overall (depending on goals).0 -
Calories ARE the most important part, but definitely do BOTH lifting and cardio. Focusing on only one or the other really isn't the best in the long run. Might as well make a habit of both now.0
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For losing weight, obviously. If you were to combine a calorie deficit with one of these, which would make the fat melt faster? I apologize for not being concise in my original post.0
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Okay. I understand that the more calories you burn, the better, so, logically, you should combine the two, but, hypothetically speaking, say you had to choose one. Which one?0
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »Okay. I understand that the more calories you burn, the better, so, logically, you should combine the two, but, hypothetically speaking, say you had to choose one. Which one?
I find lifting more enjoyable, so that's my choice.0 -
crystalstinson7 wrote: »For losing weight, obviously. If you were to combine a calorie deficit with one of these, which would make the fat melt faster? I apologize for not being concise in my original post.
Fast is not a good, healthy approach. You should go for 1 - 2 lbs of fat loss per week, which equates to a calorie deficit of 500 - 1000 per day. Exercise can burn calories or help retain muscle, but which one you choose really depends on your overall fitness and health goal.
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »For losing weight, obviously. If you were to combine a calorie deficit with one of these, which would make the fat melt faster? I apologize for not being concise in my original post.crystalstinson7 wrote: »Okay. I understand that the more calories you burn, the better, so, logically, you should combine the two, but, hypothetically speaking, say you had to choose one. Which one?
It really depends.
If you just care about the scale? Cardio.
If you care about losing mostly fat instead of fat and lean mass? Lifting.
For most people to get great results? Both.0 -
Both? I like lifting better, so it's what keeps me going back to they gym. I find that for *me* I'm able to lose faster when I incorporate cardio because with the extra calories that I burn I'm better able to stick to my deficit (plus the time I spend in the gym I'm not sitting around the house and mindlessly eating).0
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »Okay. I understand that the more calories you burn, the better, so, logically, you should combine the two, but, hypothetically speaking, say you had to choose one. Which one?
Easily lifting. I hate cardio and it's not conducive to my goals (which is maintaining lean mass while losing weight). I'm cutting weight right now and it's all about the diet and the weights.0 -
So ... um. Okay. I see I'm going to get some people telling me how I should do it, but this isn't for me. I'm less than half a pound from goal weight (YAY). This is for a friend who is getting married soon. She's wanting to lose about 2 dress sizes in 3 months--which I think is doable, but she's not been very successful in the past. She's a fan of lifting. I've lost all my weight (50+ pounds) through cardio, with minimal bodyweight training. But if I suggest more cardio, she, well, she isn't on board.
I was just curious as to what the consensus is regarding a preference or to see if anyone could provide me with a scientifically backed explanation why one works better--if, in fact, one does work better. I don't personally need any advice. But thanks to those who offered it! I appreciate when someone takes the time to help another out.
To me, it would seem that cardio would be the way to go. It gets your heart rate up, and isn't that when you get the better burn? Lifting can, too, but don't you have to go b*lls to the wall? Isn't it harder to get an appropriately elevated heart rate with lifting? But then I've heard that muscle burns fat so you should lift to gain muscle which will, in turn, burn fat.
See, I do cardio so I'm completely clueless regarding lifting. Thus, my query!0 -
She should do the exercise she enjoys; it's the one she'll be able to stick with for 3 months. The exercise you do consistently is the best, and that usually boils down to what you like to do.
And the answer really is calories in, calories out for weight loss, so she wouldn't necessarily have to workout at all.
As an aside, you are more likely to preserve muscle mass with resistance training, which may mean that she could like her shape better as she loses if she continues weight training.0 -
If she's "not been very successful" in the past you need to find out her methods before and make sure she doesn't go that insane this time.
Unfortunately, she probably should have just started long ago and slowly lost the weight. If she does a crash diet for 3 months and lots of cardio she could reach her goal, plus she'll feel like crap on her special day.
I suggest she log her food accurate while doing a mix of cardio and strength training. She may not lose 2 dress sizes, but she'll make improvements and actually look healthy instead of sick on her wedding day.0 -
What about her doing a mixture, like 30 Day Shred? It might not help her lose tons of weight but it will certainly help her lose inches, which is probably what she really wants to do.0
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »So ... um. Okay. I see I'm going to get some people telling me how I should do it, but this isn't for me. I'm less than half a pound from goal weight (YAY). This is for a friend who is getting married soon. She's wanting to lose about 2 dress sizes in 3 months--which I think is doable, but she's not been very successful in the past. She's a fan of lifting. I've lost all my weight (50+ pounds) through cardio, with minimal bodyweight training. But if I suggest more cardio, she, well, she isn't on board.
I was just curious as to what the consensus is regarding a preference or to see if anyone could provide me with a scientifically backed explanation why one works better--if, in fact, one does work better. I don't personally need any advice. But thanks to those who offered it! I appreciate when someone takes the time to help another out.
To me, it would seem that cardio would be the way to go. It gets your heart rate up, and isn't that when you get the better burn? Lifting can, too, but don't you have to go b*lls to the wall? Isn't it harder to get an appropriately elevated heart rate with lifting? But then I've heard that muscle burns fat so you should lift to gain muscle which will, in turn, burn fat.
See, I do cardio so I'm completely clueless regarding lifting. Thus, my query!
If your friend dislikes cardio but likes lifting there's no sense trying to make cardio her main method. Most likely she'll give up. Personally, I enjoy heavy lifting and I've seriously reduced my cardio (due to boredom), so once or twice a week what I like to do is lift much lighter weights, higher reps and do NOT take breaks in between sets. I also do a couple planks to begin and end with. This keeps my heart rate up fairly well.0 -
If she's had difficulty in the past, 98% of her focus should be on her diet. I have no idea how much weight it will take to lose two dress sizes but I'm assuming it's fairly significant. 3 months isn't a whole lotta time so it's all going to come down to a significant calorie deficit. She can exercise for multiple hours a day but it's still not going to help as much as getting her diet under control.0
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If she's "not been very successful" in the past you need to find out her methods before and make sure she doesn't go that insane this time.
Unfortunately, she probably should have just started long ago and slowly lost the weight. If she does a crash diet for 3 months and lots of cardio she could reach her goal, plus she'll feel like crap on her special day.
I suggest she log her food accurate while doing a mix of cardio and strength training. She may not lose 2 dress sizes, but she'll make improvements and actually look healthy instead of sick on her wedding day.
I completely agree with you, but I don't see it happening. She's on MFP, but she doesn't log consistently. I've told her to get back to it. She could see where her eating is getting off track and logging her exercises--cardio or lifting--will make her feel accomplished.
And, to be honest, I'm not sure that she prefers lifting; I think she'd prefer doing neither! lol But ... oh, I don't know. I just want her to get good results. We started this weight loss journey together a year ago. I feel bad that she's still where we were when we started. I want her to be successful and happy. Especially since I am. It would be easier to share the joy, you know? Instead of feeling guilty or helpless.
I just thought I could, after reading some posts, give her better advice. You all have been great and I appreciate the input! It's kinda neat to see, after all the debate, that most of you say a combo of the two. I know I've heard a lot say one or the other is better and smack talk the other--"Cardio is the way to go. Lifting makes you bulky," or "Women, lift heavy! You won't bulk. Muscle burns fat. Cardio is the devil." I know I've been given some flak for preferring cardio, but, as some have said, that's what I enjoy and because I enjoy it, it's given me some good results. So while I asked for an either or answer, it's nice that I didn't get one! lol
Still curious about preferences, though, so keep letting me know!! Thanks!0 -
Tell her if she doesn't log you can't help her. Stick to it. Calories in is the most important part of the equation. That's the most important piece of advice anyone could give you or her.
Second most important is for her to do an activity she'll enjoy. Walking, hiking, lifting, swimming, etc.0 -
If she's had difficulty in the past, 98% of her focus should be on her diet. I have no idea how much weight it will take to lose two dress sizes but I'm assuming it's fairly significant. 3 months isn't a whole lotta time so it's all going to come down to a significant calorie deficit. She can exercise for multiple hours a day but it's still not going to help as much as getting her diet under control.
Will her personal trainer tell her this? She says she's going to ask her PT for a "go hard" plan for the big day, but, as you said, that might not be the answer. I just want to be there to help and support. If she needs to go seriously low cal, I want to be prepared to be there to say, "What are you having for lunch? Did you log that? Are you hitting your goal?" She may hate me for a bit, but maybe it will be worth it when she fits in her dress--that she's getting delivered tomorrow!!! And the reason I ask if her PT will tell her, she tends to listen to professionals more than me. lol Which is okay and smart, but I really try not to give advice that can be shady!! I mean, look, I'm in here doing "research." 0 -
Most people have the best results when they do both...
But really, and the point everyone is getting at is diet for weight control, exercise for fitness. For example, I train quite a bit...I ride a lot...I lift a lot...and I have lost weight, maintained weight, and gained weight doing that...the difference between those three weight control objectives has simply been my consumption...I eat a little less to lose weight, that's it...I don't do more exercise or change my exercise...I simply eat a little less.0 -
I know she's your friend and all, but if she's hiring a trainer and going with their plan...why would you want to put yourself in a bride's line of fire?0
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »If she's had difficulty in the past, 98% of her focus should be on her diet. I have no idea how much weight it will take to lose two dress sizes but I'm assuming it's fairly significant. 3 months isn't a whole lotta time so it's all going to come down to a significant calorie deficit. She can exercise for multiple hours a day but it's still not going to help as much as getting her diet under control.
Will her personal trainer tell her this? She says she's going to ask her PT for a "go hard" plan for the big day, but, as you said, that might not be the answer. I just want to be there to help and support. If she needs to go seriously low cal, I want to be prepared to be there to say, "What are you having for lunch? Did you log that? Are you hitting your goal?" She may hate me for a bit, but maybe it will be worth it when she fits in her dress--that she's getting delivered tomorrow!!! And the reason I ask if her PT will tell her, she tends to listen to professionals more than me. lol Which is okay and smart, but I really try not to give advice that can be shady!! I mean, look, I'm in here doing "research."
Well, what her PT says is going to be impossible to guess but I'm guessing most PTs focus on training movements or workouts in general. I doubt most PTs are very qualified for nutritional involvement. But who knows how that will go down. If I had to guess I'm going to assume her PT will probably prescribe lots of conditioning/endurance/circuit training type work.
Having said that, I hate to be Debbie Downer but REAL TALK here for a second. If she's on MFP but can't be bothered to log her food or even make this very thread for herself, what do you think her chances at success really are? I know you are trying to be a good friend but as someone who has been down this road many times, you're probably wasting your time and/or may even hurt your relationship with her. The chances of her listening to you and/or actually dropping two dress sizes in three months seems very slim, knowing the full story now. I can honestly say that between all the friends and family and coworkers who have needed/asked for advice in the past few years, exactly zero of them have followed my advice or achieved anything. So I don't waste my time anymore.0 -
always lifting > cardio if you're going to strictly pick one...but being in a calorie deficit and doing both will be best.0
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »Which method will get you the fastest results? I'm so eager to see what y'all have to say!
I prefer lifting as it is more "fun" to do. I get tired running and my legs hurt, but with lifting I never have a problem. I also have great results from just doing sit ups everyday. I also very firmly believe in drinking a lot of water. Hope this helps.0 -
crystalstinson7 wrote: »Will her personal trainer tell her this?
Depends on the competence of the trainer. Some are generators of pure BroScience, some know what they're on about.
Standards are very variable.
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crystalstinson7 wrote: »If she's had difficulty in the past, 98% of her focus should be on her diet. I have no idea how much weight it will take to lose two dress sizes but I'm assuming it's fairly significant. 3 months isn't a whole lotta time so it's all going to come down to a significant calorie deficit. She can exercise for multiple hours a day but it's still not going to help as much as getting her diet under control.
Will her personal trainer tell her this? She says she's going to ask her PT for a "go hard" plan for the big day, but, as you said, that might not be the answer. I just want to be there to help and support. If she needs to go seriously low cal, I want to be prepared to be there to say, "What are you having for lunch? Did you log that? Are you hitting your goal?" She may hate me for a bit, but maybe it will be worth it when she fits in her dress--that she's getting delivered tomorrow!!! And the reason I ask if her PT will tell her, she tends to listen to professionals more than me. lol Which is okay and smart, but I really try not to give advice that can be shady!! I mean, look, I'm in here doing "research."
Well, what her PT says is going to be impossible to guess but I'm guessing most PTs focus on training movements or workouts in general. I doubt most PTs are very qualified for nutritional involvement. But who knows how that will go down. If I had to guess I'm going to assume her PT will probably prescribe lots of conditioning/endurance/circuit training type work.
Having said that, I hate to be Debbie Downer but REAL TALK here for a second. If she's on MFP but can't be bothered to log her food or even make this very thread for herself, what do you think her chances at success really are? I know you are trying to be a good friend but as someone who has been down this road many times, you're probably wasting your time and/or may even hurt your relationship with her. The chances of her listening to you and/or actually dropping two dress sizes in three months seems very slim, knowing the full story now. I can honestly say that between all the friends and family and coworkers who have needed/asked for advice in the past few years, exactly zero of them have followed my advice or achieved anything. So I don't waste my time anymore.
This is so perfect, I put it in bold...0 -
Great to hear you lost weight doing cardio (congratulations!), but the fact your friend didn't lose weight doing weights doesn't mean she would magically lose weight doing cardio. If she's not losing weight, that means she's not in a caloric deficit.
Diet first. If she wants to reduce weight, she needs to reduce calories. Nobody can outtrain a bad diet. If she eats less calories than she spends, she'll lose weight. If she eats more, she will gain weight. If she eats enough to stay on her current weight, that's what's going to happen. Simple laws of the physics.
Now, while exercise does help burn some calories (less than most people imagine), it's more about directing the way your body will change by sending your body those signals. Lifting can help her maintain lean body mass while burning fat and keeping her metabolism high - but only if she is on a caloric deficit. There's no secret exercise methods, superfoods or anything else that will allow someone to evade this fact.
If someone eats too much and tries to overcompensate by overtraining, that usually doesn't work too well. Especially when you consider that people typically vastly underestimate their food calories and overestimate how much they burn via training.0 -
Having said that, I hate to be Debbie Downer but REAL TALK here for a second. If she's on MFP but can't be bothered to log her food or even make this very thread for herself, what do you think her chances at success really are? I know you are trying to be a good friend but as someone who has been down this road many times, you're probably wasting your time and/or may even hurt your relationship with her. The chances of her listening to you and/or actually dropping two dress sizes in three months seems very slim, knowing the full story now. I can honestly say that between all the friends and family and coworkers who have needed/asked for advice in the past few years, exactly zero of them have followed my advice or achieved anything. So I don't waste my time anymore.
That. Unfortunately....you really can't help someone along this journey. They have to make the steps for themselves.0 -
crystalstinson7 wrote: »To me, it would seem that cardio would be the way to go. It gets your heart rate up, and isn't that when you get the better burn? Lifting can, too, but don't you have to go b*lls to the wall? Isn't it harder to get an appropriately elevated heart rate with lifting? But then I've heard that muscle burns fat so you should lift to gain muscle which will, in turn, burn fat.
See, I do cardio so I'm completely clueless regarding lifting. Thus, my query!
It's not that cut and dry. Cardio generally burns more calories minute to minute than lifting, but lifting and HIIT will burn more calories post workout, and lifting will help build muscle which will make you look better and burn more calories by boosting your metabolism (in theory).
So most people will say weight training all the way. But my problem with that is I can't lift for long periods of time and do it every day. With cardio, it's boring but I can do it for as long as I want, and then come home and still be active. If I lift too much my muscles are mush and I can't really do much else.
That's why I do both. I just have to do both. And the only way I really lose weight is eat at a calorie deficit, exercise, and stay as active as I can.0
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