Difference between active and exercise!?

SharayaEDill

So I find myself most days not wanting to exercise, expecially when I work. Because I need energy for work. And I'm fairly active in the day. Walking, doing errands, cleaning.
So I guess what I'm asking is what is the difference between being active and exercising. What are the benefits of exercising?

Also another thing I wonder is. Do I need to sign up at a gym. Or can I do outdoor activities like cardio. Hiking, biking. Dancing?

Should I get into weightlifting before losing weight? I don't want to get big, I want to get lean, and strong. And I heard you should lose weight first, then build muscle, is this true?

Female,5'8", weight 190ish pounds.

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Also feel free to add me. Im looking for more support, ideas, and motivation.

TeaBea

Start strength training earlier.....rather than later. When we lose weight we lose fat+existing lean muscle mass. Strength training (adequate protein, and a moderate deficit) act like muscle "insurance."

You likely won't "build" muscle, the best environment for that is a calorie surplus. Start with body weight exercise and then build from there. But you want to keep the loss to a minimum, to effectively lower your body fat %.

capaul42

Whatever exercise you like doing and will do consistently is good, whether it's in the gym or outdoors.

You will not get big lifting weights. It's incredibly hard for women to gain muscle at the rate men do, even with supplements. And you can't build muscle without a surplus of calories so you won't get big and bulky on a deficit. Your muscles may appear to get bigger but this will be because the fat around them is disappearing, making them more visible. Plus, after some workouts, they will appear to be larger due to water retention. It's temporary and goes away. After any workout with curls, for example, my biceps look huge. I'm so disappointed the next day when they're back to normal

You should be doing some strength training while losing weight. It will help you lose less muscle and will most likely help you meet your goals quicker.

lorrpb

Strength training while losing will help you retain muscle mass, get stronger--which is good for overall health, and have a better looking body when get to your weight goal. It does not make you "big". Should you somehow accidentally get "big" or look too good, it will be easy to lose muscle and look smaller or less good.

nowine4me

I personally don't like gyms. I walk and run outside every day, rain or shine and have a gym in my garage. Do what works best for you. Classes like pilates and yoga are great too. Have fun with it.

SonyaCele

don't worry you aren't gonna get big from lifting weights. find a sport or activity you like and do that. Or if you are active at work, that counts. weight lifting at a gym is just one type of activity , just find something you like that makes you get up and move. and do it now, while you are losing weight , or while you are maintaining or while you are gaining. Be active always.