Can I take a break from lifting ?

jaga13

Ok, I've heard it many times: you need to do strength training while
In deficit to minimize muscle loss. I've been pretty faithfully sticking to a lifting program throughout my weight loss. Now I'm roughly 10 lbs from goal and have no motivation to lift. As it's getting harder to create a deficit so close to goal, and my schedule recently changed, I try to maximize my free time with cardio (so I can eat more!). I know I should keep up with lifting but im not motivated right now.

How important is it at this stage? I'm losing less than .5 lb per week now. Is there a bare minimum I need to do or can it slide for a while without any major hindrance to my weight loss?

dhimaan

I too am losing motivation for heavy lifting especially with hour cardio. However since I am still seeing results with respect to my stomach I somehow find a second wind for the lifts. Don't stop lifting otherwise all that hard earned muscle will be gone and it will be that much more difficult to get down to lower body fat.

stevencloser

If you stop when you're not motivated that might lead to you not getting motivated again later on.

CSARdiver

I haven't lifted in 3 weeks due to an audit at work and finishing up a DIY basement renovation. I'm doing calisthenics when I can to maintain, but really missing it and looking forward to my session tonight while the kids are in swim lessons.

Take a break and see if you can't find your motivation.

middlehaitch

Following this hoping someone will post on how long it takes for depletion to start.

Jaga, if you are really needing a break, and want to up your cardio for the last few pounds, try switching to a rowing machine. It is a full body work out. Although it won't replace your lifting programme, it will at least keep your muscles active while you are in a break.

Cheers, h.

lindsey1979

Do you ever take rest or deload weeks? Most people have to incorporate that into their programs to avoid overtraining and injury. Sometimes I'll do light weights for a deload or just take the week off and focus on things like yoga. I usually do one every 6-8 weeks and I find that helps with avoiding burnout (in addition to injury/overtraining).

shrcpr

I personally like workouts that combine strength and cardio. Insanity is my favorite. Intense cardio but also heavy on building strength with lots of body weight movements. It's not technically lifting but seems like it would help to maintain muscle while getting in cardio. If you don't want to do a certain program you could just alternate intervals of cardio and body weight movements of your own.

jaga13

I appreciate your perspectives. I haven't really deloaded. I took a week off recently for vacation and have stuggles the last 2 weeks getting back to it. I hope that twice a week is better than no times (originally it was 3 times a week). I'm not sure if I'm really even at risk for losing muscle at such a small rate of weight loss now, so I'm not compelled convinced lifting is helpful at all right now.

urloved33

you can take a break. we blossom during the rest periods.