I hate running/jogging. Losing weight with strength training and walking? LF Buddies

Running has never been, and will never be something I enjoy. I don't run, walking is fine, hills are fine, running/jogging? No thank you.

I have been going to the gym lately and doing a lot of strength trainign (With the help of a trainer), and actually really been enjoying it. I have a lot of fat to lose, but I love feeling stronger and seeing the inches fall off.

Any other anti-runners out there who are looking to lose weight? Want to be buddies? 30 y/o female needing to lose about 100 - 140 pounds, but want to be strong and healthy, not skinny.

Replies

  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Similarly, I enjoy strength training and never caught the running/cardio bug in any form. However, some of the best advice I've received was from a trainer who's mantra was "manipulate calories to change your weight/fat, exercise for enjoyment and changes to your body". Even while lifting you'll need to create a caloric deficit to lose fat and being meticulous about your calories will really come into play the more weight you lose and get closer to your healthy range. I'd strongly encourage getting into the habit of logging/tracking closely now (if you're not doing so already, of course) while you have a little more wiggle room, rather than have to reign things down when you get to a point where inaccuracy potentially starts to limit your odds of success.

    Happy strength training!
    I have been seeing a trainer who has been providing me with workouts that bump my heart rate up a lot, and I've been tracking my calorie intake to 1500 a day, vs the prior god knows how many calories. I should definitly be at a loss.

    I like that mantra though, exercise for enjoyment never seemed to click until I started doing basic strength exercises. I hurt after, but I feel good because I know I'm building muscles.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    jjpptt2 wrote: »
    How about losing weight with dietary control? Sign me up for that.

    True. I'm not just doing the lifting and not watching what I eat, it's just challenging to know what will work and what won't. I'd like to talk to some people who have lost weight through calorie counting and weight lifting, and see what they did that I could incorprorate into my day to day life.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    I'm mainly a walker and a strength-trainer (dumbbells. Just started squatting with 60lbs this week which is impressive for me and a yawn for a lot of other folks here). Though I did train for and run a 5K, I find that when it comes to running, I'm okay with it, but it was more about "whoa. Little ol' unathletic me can actually do this!" If I had another race to train for, I might do it again. But just to run for the sake of running isn't me right now.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    edited November 2018
    I've done it all... lost weight, gained weight, maintained weight... cardio, lifting, both, neither. If I'm not counting/logging calories, I'm not losing. That's the "trick" for me - count and log calories. Nothing else matters relative to weight loss.
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    jjpptt2 wrote: »
    How about losing weight with dietary control? Sign me up for that.

    True. I'm not just doing the lifting and not watching what I eat, it's just challenging to know what will work and what won't. I'd like to talk to some people who have lost weight through calorie counting and weight lifting, and see what they did that I could incorprorate into my day to day life.

    I lost 25 lbs about five years ago by just calorie counting and weightlifting as my only exercise.

    I ate what I wanted, used a food scale and logged everything. I focused on getting enough protein and letting the rest fall where it will.

    For exercise, I followed a progressive full body program, logged my exercise and ate all of my exercise calories. I lost at the rate I was aiming for and had a much better shape due to the lifting.

    I have since run a couple bulk/cut cycles and have been maintaining. I do run or use my elliptical now simply for stress relief and mental health. It helps with my depression.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression, lol. Right now it doesn't like the exercise, but I go anyways.
  • Panini911
    Panini911 Posts: 2,325 Member
    edited November 2018
    I lost most of my weight just walking. no gym, no weight, no running. I lost 100lbs twice where both times i lost at least 50 without anything beyond walking and monitoring calories.

    Weight loss is just taking in fewer calories than you use up over time. there is no requirement to exercise to achieve that.

    most recently i am finishing up 35lbs loss (caught myself quicker in my gaining this time). While yes, I got really really into runing the first 20-25, but i got so gung ho about it i injured myself. so for the more difficult "last 10" I have been ONLY walking. it's been three months now (i am going for slow loss). i walk and I ensure to stay at an appropriate caloric range that's it.
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression, lol. Right now it doesn't like the exercise, but I go anyways.

    For some people exercise can work wonders for depression, but for others it doesn't seem to help.

    I understand the resistance your brain gives you when you're starting out. Been there. Fortunately, you said you like lifting, as did I, and pushing through turn it into a habit. Same with logging my food. Now, despite motivation or lack thereof, I do it all anyway because it's just part of my daily tasks.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't run, but cycle quite a bit and lift.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression, lol. Right now it doesn't like the exercise, but I go anyways.

    For some people exercise can work wonders for depression, but for others it doesn't seem to help.

    I understand the resistance your brain gives you when you're starting out. Been there. Fortunately, you said you like lifting, as did I, and pushing through turn it into a habit. Same with logging my food. Now, despite motivation or lack thereof, I do it all anyway because it's just part of my daily tasks.

    That's kind of what I'm thinking. Getting myself to the gym is still a chore (Mentally), but once I get there I'm fine. I'm trying to build a habit of logging by joining a challenge to log each day for the next 30. I've been good the last 3, so why not 30 more? LOL.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression.

    Mine never did, but that's me.
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression, lol. Right now it doesn't like the exercise, but I go anyways.

    For some people exercise can work wonders for depression, but for others it doesn't seem to help.

    I understand the resistance your brain gives you when you're starting out. Been there. Fortunately, you said you like lifting, as did I, and pushing through turn it into a habit. Same with logging my food. Now, despite motivation or lack thereof, I do it all anyway because it's just part of my daily tasks.

    That's kind of what I'm thinking. Getting myself to the gym is still a chore (Mentally), but once I get there I'm fine. I'm trying to build a habit of logging by joining a challenge to log each day for the next 30. I've been good the last 3, so why not 30 more? LOL.

    That's a good attitude to have.

    After all these years, I could actually cut back on weighing and logging and probably be fine, but the monumental task of creating habits like this through the veil of depression (even well treated depression) was hard. I don't want to have to do it again. It's really not something I think about much anymore unless I'm talking about it on the forums.

    Congrats on getting started by the way!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    jjpptt2 wrote: »
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression.

    Mine never did, but that's me.

    me either
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    Thanks for the welcome and congrats.

    It's crazy how many people are depressed. As someone who has suffered from depression for over 15 years, and medicine is starting to help but it isn't perfect, it's amazing that I ever felt alone.

    Hopefully I can keep this up and everyone here reaches their goals :)
  • JBanx256
    JBanx256 Posts: 1,479 Member
    I don't run unless I absolutely have to. There's plenty of other forms of cardio that I find more enjoyable but lifting weights is #1 for me.
  • Zimm7
    Zimm7 Posts: 44 Member
    I don't run because of two foot surgeries.
    My workouts are with an elliptical and also weight training.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    You might want to read one of Lou Schuler's books, like New Rules of Lifting for Women, or Strong. He talks about why lifting is important and a little about nutrition, especially protein. I found Strong to be interesting, even if the lifting program doesn't suit me. You might be able to find a free version online or at the library.
  • sungoddess337
    sungoddess337 Posts: 62 Member
    I have been with home health since a recent surgery. At this point I have increased my steps per day by 1000 steps. I also do band exercises. I am working on building strength and stamina. Examples of exercise: standing push ups, bands for biceps etc. and of course walking. I probably get my heart rate up for 10 mins at a time up from 2 mins 2 months ago.

    Pretty sure this is not a lot of calories burnt but how can I log what I am doing now until I can move to more intense activities?
  • aokoye
    aokoye Posts: 3,495 Member
    I wonder if there's a certain point my brain will click and start helping with depression, lol. Right now it doesn't like the exercise, but I go anyways.

    Mine definitely never did, that's why I go to therapy (well it's one of the many reasons). If I wasn't seeing a therapist, exercise would be out of the question realistically.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    I have been with home health since a recent surgery. At this point I have increased my steps per day by 1000 steps. I also do band exercises. I am working on building strength and stamina. Examples of exercise: standing push ups, bands for biceps etc. and of course walking. I probably get my heart rate up for 10 mins at a time up from 2 mins 2 months ago.

    Pretty sure this is not a lot of calories burnt but how can I log what I am doing now until I can move to more intense activities?

    I log all the strength exercises, though it doesn't state if any calories are burned. I figure in a month I can look back and see how much I've improved.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    You might want to read one of Lou Schuler's books, like New Rules of Lifting for Women, or Strong. He talks about why lifting is important and a little about nutrition, especially protein. I found Strong to be interesting, even if the lifting program doesn't suit me. You might be able to find a free version online or at the library.

    I'll check those out. I haven't been in a reading mood lately, but I'm pretty sure I have some Audible credits available to use.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I have been with home health since a recent surgery. At this point I have increased my steps per day by 1000 steps. I also do band exercises. I am working on building strength and stamina. Examples of exercise: standing push ups, bands for biceps etc. and of course walking. I probably get my heart rate up for 10 mins at a time up from 2 mins 2 months ago.

    Pretty sure this is not a lot of calories burnt but how can I log what I am doing now until I can move to more intense activities?

    I log all the strength exercises, though it doesn't state if any calories are burned. I figure in a month I can look back and see how much I've improved.

    You need to log the strength training under cardio to get any calories (it won't be many)
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    I have been with home health since a recent surgery. At this point I have increased my steps per day by 1000 steps. I also do band exercises. I am working on building strength and stamina. Examples of exercise: standing push ups, bands for biceps etc. and of course walking. I probably get my heart rate up for 10 mins at a time up from 2 mins 2 months ago.

    Pretty sure this is not a lot of calories burnt but how can I log what I am doing now until I can move to more intense activities?

    I log all the strength exercises, though it doesn't state if any calories are burned. I figure in a month I can look back and see how much I've improved.

    You need to log the strength training under cardio to get any calories (it won't be many)

    Was just coming in to say the same thing.

    The Strength Training option under cardio has worked well for me over the years. I get about 150 calories per hour (including rest periods) and those few calories do make a difference in my energy levels which has allowed me to progress better in my lifts.
  • newhopeind
    newhopeind Posts: 34 Member
    As a lifter, I can tell you that you will certainly lose weight with just weight training and calorie counting. The only thing I recommend is checking your macros and making sure you’re getting enough protein. Protein is what builds muscle, but also is a thermogenic food meaning It stokes your metabolism. So just make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet, or else your body will start using muscle instead of fat for energy (the opposite of what you will want). So just do your utmost to track every calorie, drink a WHOLE lot of water, and if a weight becomes easy to do, increase the weight!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    newhopeind wrote: »
    As a lifter, I can tell you that you will certainly lose weight with just weight training and calorie counting. The only thing I recommend is checking your macros and making sure you’re getting enough protein. Protein is what builds muscle, but also is a thermogenic food meaning It stokes your metabolism. So just make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet, or else your body will start using muscle instead of fat for energy (the opposite of what you will want). So just do your utmost to track every calorie, drink a WHOLE lot of water, and if a weight becomes easy to do, increase the weight!

    If OP uses MFPs protein goal as a minimum they should be fine.
  • OnlyDragonQueen
    OnlyDragonQueen Posts: 75 Member
    What's the minimum protein goal? I changed it in the past when I was trying Keto. I've been trying to get to at least 35% (which I think is like 130ish g) of protein, but I usually hit around 25% on a daily average. Granted, right now I'm eating what we have in the house because money's tight until pay day.