Do you gain strength while losing fat?

Jasmine_simone23

When I say strenght I don't mean will I gain muscle. I know it's next to impossible or at least very difficult to gain muscle while losing fat. Just wondering if strenght training will get easier? I'm only doing the basics right now and using body weight and I feel pretty weak. I'm not THAT out of shape now, I've just usually focused on lots of cardio to lose fat so I'm not use to strenght training at all.
Anyway will I gain any strenght at all while losing weight ?! Will it at least give me a better shape while I'm losing fat? Currently 125lbs and 5'4 if that matters.

TavistockToad

Yes you can gain strength if you're following a programme that has progressive overload

not_a_runner

Yes, you can definitely gain strength while losing weight. Getting on a structured program is a good idea.
But as far as "does lifting get easier" I'd say yes and no. As you get stronger you should still aim to lift with weights that challenge you. You may find as you get in better shape you won't struggle as much with getting out of breath etc though.

Unknown

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DasItMan91

TavistockToad wrote: »

Yes you can gain strength if you're following a programme that has progressive overload

TresaAswegan wrote: »

Yes, you can definitely gain strength while losing weight. Getting on a structured program is a good idea.
But as far as "does lifting get easier" I'd say yes and no. As you get stronger you should still aim to lift with weights that challenge you. You may find as you get in better shape you won't struggle as much with getting out of breath etc though.

mralexjones wrote: »

If you are new to lifting, you will gain strength. If you deadlift 500lbs and that took years to accomplish, you most likely won't add any weight when you're dieting.

All of these, I gained strength even on a *kitten* program I just made up even when I lost weight.

AnvilHead

Jasmine_simone23 wrote: »

Anyway will I gain any strenght at all while losing weight ?!

Yes, if you're providing a progressive overload (making the weights heavier over time). The body adapts to the increased load being placed upon it by becoming more efficient at using your nervous system and muscles to handle the load (called neuromuscular adaptation). As a beginner/novice trainer, you can gain considerable strength while losing weight.

Jasmine_simone23 wrote: »

Will it at least give me a better shape while I'm losing fat?

Strength training (along with adequate protein intake and a reasonable/not excessive calorie deficit) helps preserve your existing muscle as you lose fat - so yes, your body composition will be better than if you don't strength train.

DopeItUp

TresaAswegan wrote: »

Yes, you can definitely gain strength while losing weight. Getting on a structured program is a good idea.
But as far as "does lifting get easier" I'd say yes and no. As you get stronger you should still aim to lift with weights that challenge you. You may find as you get in better shape you won't struggle as much with getting out of breath etc though.

Good explanation. If your lifting gets easier then you're basically wasting your time spinning your wheels.

DancingMoosie

You can definitely increase strength while losing weight. I did 30 day shred, ripped in 30, some of the firm and Denise Austin workouts(all incorporate strength and dumbbells). I also did extra push-ups, pullups, and ended up stronger at the end of my weightloss than when I began.