Strength or weight loss first?

amandadunwoody
amandadunwoody Posts: 204 Member
edited December 1 in Motivation and Support
I just want to be healthier and stronger. I originally wanted to lose 50 lbs but after some setbacks (a car wreck in November and the holidays) I'm down 20 and not feeling motivated to lose.

I have been exercising and want to gain strength and stamina. I have made progress in those areas already. I do believe that if I eat reasonably and push myself I'll continue to see the slow but rewarding physical changes. My legs and arms are a little leaner, stronger my abs and glutes have a long way to go for visible progress but I can tell. I'm trying to focus on doing a chin up as a success marker.

Any tips? Success stories? Naysayers?

Should I be trying to lose the weight first and then build strength?

I'm 5'1" and 168 lbs by the way.

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Strength train in a calorie deficit.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
  • sunflowerhippi
    sunflowerhippi Posts: 1,099 Member
    ^^ Yup yup. Lift now.

    First time I lost weight while lifting and following a program (stronglifts 5x5) and at 155lbs was 3-4% lower body fat then I am now at the same weight. Was "toner" because of that obviously and looked a lot better in the mirror. Did a slow 1/2lbs -1lb a week goal and was able to progress with my lifts slowly as I went.

    Due to giving birth though did diet only for 6 weeks due to doctors orders and all and now am lifting again but no where near the look I want to be at and wish I would have just did body weight stuff for those first 6 weeks instead. I honestly hate how I look now with diet only.
  • amandadunwoody
    amandadunwoody Posts: 204 Member
    sunflowerhippi wrote: »
    ^^ Yup yup. Lift now.
    Did a slow 1/2lbs -1lb a week goal and was able to progress with my lifts slowly as I went.

    1/2 lb per week might be okay. I'm trying to get back to logging everything! I was at least doing that even without a calorie defecit but now I log breakfast and quit lol.

    I've heard stronglifts 5x5 is a good program. I'll have to look into it. I don't have a gym and may need to get some equipment.
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