Bit lost after changing routine

VickiLogan11

Hi
After nearly a year of doing 10k a day on road bike or stationary plus stepping it up in the last month to double the distance, I got a bit disheartened with cardio because of negative comments on here. After looking for something else I've settled for strong curves 3 times a week/HIIT 3 times a week and a few shorter rides with 1 day off. My weight is all over the place at the minute and I fear as I'm stepping into the unknown I could end up gaining. My other routine was serving me well if I'm honest and had maintained for a good while at the low end of my range. My question is am I likely to gain as I'm already at top end of my maintenance range ? Thanks in advance.

jemhh

It's really impossible to say for sure because we don't know your calorie burn, diet, etc. However, if you are just starting out with weightlifting, you will be likely to see some weight gain but it will be water, not fat. When you lift weights, you make microtears in your muscles. Your body repairing them is what makes you stronger. The muscles will retain water in order to help with that repair process. So you may see that at the scale but it's not fat gain.

If you really like your biking routine, there's no need to stop it. Even if you want to do SC, you can do that an bike on the cardio days rather than doing HIIT. HIIT is a very "in" thing to do but it's not for everybody and it's certainly not superior to all other cardio no matter what. I am very strongly of the opinion that the best exercise is the one that you like and will stick with.

I, personally, do not like to do HIIT more than once a week max. I far prefer LISS cardio like walking. Other people loathe LISS and would rather do HIIT. That's fine. Bottom line, do what makes you happy and makes you feel good.

JenMc14

As long as you're not eating more than you're burning, you won't gain.