Starting a new w/o routine

sanrdj

Looking for advice. I'm just starting a new w/o routine after losing 50 lbs this past year. I'm easing into it as I have not been very active the last 10 or so years. I mainly want to tone and get a bit stronger. Note I do cardio each session and walk on my off days. I started by going m/w/f/su doing upper on m/f and lower body weights on w/su. Is that enough to sculpt or do I need to be doing full body lifting each time I go as I'm only going every other day? Is there too much waiting in between each body part to actually sculpt? Just starting out so not expecting quick results but want to do it so it's beneficial and not a waste of time! Thanks!

DancingMoosie

Are you following a program or just making something up? Are you increasing your lifts over time? Are you still losing weight?

sanrdj

Not an official program but I've tried to spend a lot of time planning and researching different exercises for beginners online. I do plan to increase overtime as the reps become easier. I do still plan to lose another 10-15 lbs.

DancingMoosie

Strength training in a deficit will help you retain muscle as you continue to lose weight. Losing the fat will help uncover the muscle you have. That is when you will know if you have the "sculpt" you want, or if you will need to run a bulk/cut cycle, or a recomp.

AnnPT77

Following a proven program is likely to give you better results than a "design your own" mode.

There's a great thread here about strength training programs others have found effective (it includes more than just weight lifting, such as bodyweight programs, despite the title):

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you

NorthCascades

The reason it's better to follow a program than to design your own (at this stage) is because there are a lot of muscles, and it can be hard to work them all. But if you work some and not others, you'll develop an inbalance which can lead to soreness, injury, and not looking at great as you could. Also good ones tend to help you with things like schedule, rep scheme, etc.