How Long Before Introducing Strength Training?

musicstar437

Hi all,
I have heard multiple things about this subject. I was wondering what has worked for other people. I just had a baby back in March and I reached a whopping 246 (started at 220). Now since then, I have shed off all the baby weight and more. I am down to 194.7 and I feel great. I have heard that you want to do cardio for at least 6 months before introducing strength training, On the other hand, I have heard that you want to introduce it right away WITH cardio. I'm totally confused. I understand that the muscle will take over the "fat's" area but I don't want to bulk up my fat and look fatter. As you can see in my picture, I have started seeing results in the inches coming off and I know I need to start toning. If anyone has suggestions please let me know!! Thanks a bunch!!!

MzManiak

Lifting will not make you bulk up. Especially if you are still at a deficit, trying to lose weight. Add lifting to your routine as soon as you feel comfortable with the idea and are prepared to do it. You'll preserve your muscles and look leaner.

JenMc14

Add it now. If you're eating at a deficit, with the exception of some possible small gains at the start, you will not gain muscle or "bulk up". In fact, strength training will help you retain muscle so that the bulk of you loss is from fat which will result in a shape you'll likely be happier with. Do be aware that you may see some scale gains at first as your muscle holds onto water and adapts to your new routine. It's freaky, but it will even out. Your scale loss may also slow as the bulk of your loss will be coming from fat instead of a combination of fat & LBM, this is also ok, and why it's important to take progress photos and measurements.

mandeenicoleb

Add it now. If you're eating at a deficit, with the exception of some possible small gains at the start, you will not gain muscle or "bulk up". In fact, strength training will help you retain muscle so that the bulk of you loss is from fat which will result in a shape you'll likely be happier with. Do be aware that you may see some scale gains at first as your muscle holds onto water and adapts to your new routine. It's freaky, but it will even out. Your scale loss may also slow as the bulk of your loss will be coming from fat instead of a combination of fat & LBM, this is also ok, and why it's important to take progress photos and measurements.

Pretty much the perfect answer.

Showcase_Brodown

Start with strength training now.

While you are losing weight, doing strength training (and getting lots of protein) will help you to keep the muscle that you have. This means that most of the weight loss will come from fat, not muscle. And if you are a beginner at weight training, you may be able to even gain some muscle while losing weight.

Don't be concerned about bulking up. Lift heavy in low(er) rep ranges to emphasize strength gains over muscle size if you are worried about getting too big (it won't happen on a deficit anyway).

MoreBean13

Start yesterday.

There are no legit reasons to wait. It makes everything better.

DopeItUp

You should have added it at day one. I wish I had, I wasted my time with cardio for the first year almost.

Morninglory81

Add it now. If you're eating at a deficit, with the exception of some possible small gains at the start, you will not gain muscle or "bulk up". In fact, strength training will help you retain muscle so that the bulk of you loss is from fat which will result in a shape you'll likely be happier with. Do be aware that you may see some scale gains at first as your muscle holds onto water and adapts to your new routine. It's freaky, but it will even out. Your scale loss may also slow as the bulk of your loss will be coming from fat instead of a combination of fat & LBM, this is also ok, and why it's important to take progress photos and measurements.

Pretty much the perfect answer.

Because it needed to be quoted again!

AJ_G

Hi all,
I have heard multiple things about this subject. I was wondering what has worked for other people. I just had a baby back in March and I reached a whopping 246 (started at 220). Now since then, I have shed off all the baby weight and more. I am down to 194.7 and I feel great. I have heard that you want to do cardio for at least 6 months before introducing strength training, On the other hand, I have heard that you want to introduce it right away WITH cardio. I'm totally confused. I understand that the muscle will take over the "fat's" area but I don't want to bulk up my fat and look fatter. As you can see in my picture, I have started seeing results in the inches coming off and I know I need to start toning. If anyone has suggestions please let me know!! Thanks a bunch!!!

Whomever told you that has no idea what they're talking about. If anything introduce strength training first and add in cardio if you need it for your deficit.

Slatzuk

Start yesterday.

The sooner you start, the sooner you will reap the benefits.