Lifting weights vs. cardio/HIIT

s520244

I have about 20 pounds to lose. I used to lift weights a few years ago and loved it! However now that I’ve gained the extra weight I am wanting to know if I should start with cardio to lose the weight? I don’t want to look bulky by turning all this fat into muscle because some of the fat needs to go.

h1udd

Don’t understand the either / or questions ..... do both !!!!

AnvilHead

1) You can't turn fat into muscle. They're two separate things.

2) You lose weight by eating less calories than you burn. Weight training burns some calories and helps you retain what muscle you have, cardio burns some calories and improves your cardiovascular fitness. Do whatever workouts are best for your goals, but losing weight all comes down to calories.

3) Most of what people call HIIT really isn't HIIT. And HIIT isn't any more effective for weight loss (in terms of calories burned) than any other form of cardio.

jjpptt2

You should focus on your diet/intake to lose the weight. Fat doesn't turn into muscle... the body doesn't work that way.

Do which ever you like better and are more apt to stick with. If, as you lose weight, you don't like how you're looking (too bulky, not enough definition, whatever), change your exercise accordingly.

AnvilHead

To add to the above:

4) Getting "bulky" doesn't happen easily or overnight. You're not going to 'accidentally' get bulky. There are millions of people lifting weights every day who wish it was that easy to suddenly wake up one morning looking like the Incredible Hulk. Getting 'bulky' requires a calorie surplus (gaining weight), heavy, dedicated lifting on a routine specifically tailored to hypertrophy (muscle growth) and lots of time - we're talking years, not weeks or months.

sardelsa

Weight loss will come from a calorie deficit. Cardio is great for health and can help you burn calories to get there. However lifting weights will help you better retain muscle you have as you lose, so your body composition will look better when you get to goal. Fat doesn't turn into muscle, and I wouldn't worry about getting bulky unless you are eating in a surplus (even then it takes years to pack on the muscle, especially as a female)

Nama_Slay38

Good Nutrition+ Strength train + Cardio= Healthy Bod!