Can I build muscle

RainaL1987
RainaL1987 Posts: 25 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ive only been working out for a week or two but the workouts do not seem to be getting easier. I am cutting calories to loose weight so is that why? I see a lot of people say you can't build muscle while cutting calories so will the workout continue to be this difficult to get through? I am doing the same workout 25 min of cardio mixed with a little strength (push-ups and squats and such).

Replies

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,102 Member
    It will probably improve as you adapt. Even though it's difficult to impossible to gain muscle mass in a calorie deficit, you should be able to increase strength via neuromuscular adaptation (basically using the muscle mass you currently have more efficiently and effectively).

    If you're new to exercise, I'd suggest considering working out every other day at first. I'd also suggest working out every other day permanently with any significant amount of strength training of the same muscle groups. You may find it helpful in general to switch up what you do, like do gym cardio one day, and walk the next, just to build in a bit more recovery.

    It's supposed to be fun, not brutal or exhausting! ;)
  • andreaen
    andreaen Posts: 365 Member
    As a beginner and overweight you are lucky because you can actually gain muscle while cutting. However, to do this you should do mainly weight training, preferrably with heavier weights, but bodyweight can also work as long as you challenge yourself :)
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    RainaL1987 wrote: »
    Ive only been working out for a week or two but the workouts do not seem to be getting easier. I am cutting calories to loose weight so is that why? I see a lot of people say you can't build muscle while cutting calories so will the workout continue to be this difficult to get through? I am doing the same workout 25 min of cardio mixed with a little strength (push-ups and squats and such).

    your workouts will get easier as you get in better shape, you barely just started.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    SonyaCele wrote: »
    RainaL1987 wrote: »
    Ive only been working out for a week or two but the workouts do not seem to be getting easier. I am cutting calories to loose weight so is that why? I see a lot of people say you can't build muscle while cutting calories so will the workout continue to be this difficult to get through? I am doing the same workout 25 min of cardio mixed with a little strength (push-ups and squats and such).

    your workouts will get easier as you get in better shape, you barely just started.

    Amen to that. Check back in 3-4 months and tell us if you have progressed at that point.

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