Weights or weights + cardio?

ckemmis
ckemmis Posts: 51 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So I've recently gotten into weight training, and I'm LOVING it so far, I feel like I'm going to die while doing it, but I feel like a badass when I'm done. But my question is, do you get more results from weight lifting plus cardio or is weight lifting enough on its own?

Replies

  • __freckles__
    __freckles__ Posts: 1,238 Member
    Bump - I'm interested in this too!
  • sunseeker100
    sunseeker100 Posts: 90 Member
    bump :)
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    What are your goals?

    How much cardio you do is really down to personal preference. It burns calories and therefore if you are trying to lose weight it can be used to create a calorie deficit. You could also do that simply by eating less if you prefer.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Please define what "results" means to you
  • mssierra2u
    mssierra2u Posts: 86 Member
    If you incorporate weight training, more of the weight loss will be fat, rather than also losing muscle. Also, muscle is metabolically active, so the more you have, the more calories you burn. But it's hard to give up the addiction to seeing the scale change. I'm working on the latter.
  • ritchiedrama
    ritchiedrama Posts: 1,304 Member
    Weight Training + Diet.
  • kathleennf
    kathleennf Posts: 606 Member
    Please define what "results" means to you

    Yep. As I understand it, to the extent that your goal is to lose weight, do cardio (AND WEIGHTS).
    To the extent that your goal is to maintain or build muscle, focus totally or mostly on weights.
  • Faery_Dust
    Faery_Dust Posts: 246 Member
    I am trying to lose weight so I do weights plus cardio (usually weights first so I have the energy for proper form and to work at my max). But I love eating (obviously lol) so I like to use cardio to create some extra calorie burn so I can have a bit of extra food :)

    In my head, I think of cardio to help the weight come off, and weights to make sure I look good once the flab comes off :smile:
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    So I've recently gotten into weight training, and I'm LOVING it so far, I feel like I'm going to die while doing it, but I feel like a badass when I'm done. But my question is, do you get more results from weight lifting plus cardio or is weight lifting enough on its own?

    Cardio is good for just that, your cardiovascular system. It helps with endurance and stamina for normal daily activity and the like. However, you can get by without cardio if you don't really like it, but it has many benefits. For many people, there are very few cardio activities they can perform due to back, knee, etc. Therefore, they stay fit, healthy, and in shape with weight lifting only.

    For results, cardio and weight training will get you more results...depending on what your goals are. If you are trying to get bulky, then only very light or small amounts of cardio should be done. If you want to lose weight and be fit, a good mix of both is great. If you want to amazing definition and to be lean...then you need weight lifting. Keep in mind, your macro-nutrition will play a role in this as well.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    As with most things, it depends.

    What are your goals?
    How is your diet?

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