Strength training??

kellyanne4210
kellyanne4210 Posts: 18 Member
edited November 26 in Fitness and Exercise
You will all have to forgive me I am very new to the fitness world and exercise for that matter! I am currently 220 lbs and have lost 19lb so far. Mainly through diet and a calorie deficit but also walking nearly every day. I have seen many posts about strength training to avoid loose skin so am looking for some advice!
Is it better to loose the majority of the weight first before you start strength training? Or is it better to begin now! (I was only thinking of buying some dumbells and doing some simple exercise at home). Obviously at the stage I want to loose weight not gain in and am not sure how strength training works? Thanks in advance everyone

Replies

  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    edited April 2018
    Start strength training... Yesterday!

    It's not going to help loose skin, but it will help you maintain muscle as you lose weight. When you lose weight, you will lose both fat and muscle - muscle is good though, and hard to gain back, so minimising the loss is a good idea. Eating sufficient protein will help too.

    There is a thread in the gaining/bodybuilding section on lifting programs, including programs you can do at home - check that out if you can
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    This is the thread mentioned: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited April 2018
    If you want to lift weights to get stronger and improve your fitness, start ASAP.

    However, if you expect to eliminate loose skin resulting from weight loss and/or old age, don't bother. In my experience as a 67 year old lifter, weight lifting will not fix that problem.

    There's a long standing thread recommending various weight lifting programs for people at various stages of training posted above. The list of programs w/links is posted at the top of the thread.

    The beginning program that women on MFP seem to mention and like most are Strong Curves and Stronglifts. Check them out to start.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Start now. You will be happier with your body when you get to goal and you will be stronger and more fit for e everyday life. I started at 300 lbs.
  • cq8642
    cq8642 Posts: 2 Member
    Start now and don't worry about the number on the scale so much when you do. Most people will gain several pounds of water weight immediately after they start lifting but that doesn't mean they aren't making progress. If you do a program like starting strength or some other full body strength program, it's good to use metrics like your waist measurement, body fat % measurements, and your appearance in the mirror in addition to the number on the scale.
  • generallyme2
    generallyme2 Posts: 403 Member
    cq8642 wrote: »
    Start now and don't worry about the number on the scale so much when you do. Most people will gain several pounds of water weight immediately after they start lifting but that doesn't mean they aren't making progress. If you do a program like starting strength or some other full body strength program, it's good to use metrics like your waist measurement, body fat % measurements, and your appearance in the mirror in addition to the number on the scale.

    This. I've recently incorporated a more consistent strength training routine (and less cardio). The scale has gone up slightly which is frustrating but my stomach and butt already look better and I feel stronger. From what I've seen, it's a stick with it type of thing.
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