stop overdoing cardio and hit the damn weights!!!
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overdoing cardio: hours and hours of slow, low intensity, steady state cardio without barely breaking a sweat day in and day out. and this would be their only type of exercise PERIOD!!! another definition would be....either hours and hours of high/moderate intensity cardio without incorporating ANY type of resistance exercise. hence.....one of these will cause the person to look exactly the same (they would be better off staying home or walking to the corner store..which would be damn near equivalent), or they end up doing so much that they burn away the muscle that they already had. WHICH could POSSIBLY result them in having a higher fat percentage then they originally had.
If they are not taking up a machine that you want to use, I don't know why these people concern you.
Now, if they were PASTRY CHEFS... (heeheehee - reference to another thread)
i enjoy hearing how women go hard in the gym. i like to hear that women aren't shy/intimidated to bang with the fellas in the gym.
it's something that i believe would help push them harder. it would allow them to set a higher bar for themselves so they could reach their goals!!!
Nothing wrong with inspirational stories. Nothing wrong with wanting to see pictures of hot girls, either.
There's just no reason to judge others who make other choices. Not everyone has the same goals or idea of fitness. I hope you got that from this thread.0 -
Umm, no. I will not hit the weights. And not because I think it'll make me bulky.
1. I don't want to.
2. I reeeaallly enjoy walking and jogging.
3. I have no intentions of paying for a full gym membership to have access to weights.
4. I'm still working on losing fat, toning is for when I'm closer to my goal. I can barely do many squats or lunges right now.
I don't get why so many people think everyone should lift. People are going to do what they enjoy.
I don't feel that anyone has to hit the weights (reasons 1-3 make sense), but your fourth reason for not doing it is that you're going to to do it eventually..? So why not start now if you're going to be doing it anyway? And not being able to do squats or lunges is more motivation to work on them so you can actually do a few.
I said I'm going to tone eventually. Not that I'm going to lift. I have no intentions of lifting. That would be a $62/month gym membership.
I am starting to do body weight excerises, I only started last week. Which is why I can't do much yet. And I'll do the 30 day shred. Lifting isn't the only way to tone.
So you are starting now?
As stated before...you want to start toning now, if "tone" is a goal. Strength training maintains muscle mass while you eat in a caloric deficit and lose fat. If a person doesn't strength train and only worries about losing weight, they lose both fat and muscle mass. So if you're worried about getting to a number on a scale and "toning" after, you're setting yourself up for a much harder path to tone. If you lose the weight (both fat and muscle), you'll need to put that lost muscle back on after getting to your goal weight to obtain "tone", which is extremely hard and then would require some heavy lifting. As a female, you're already behind the 8 ball when it comes to putting the muscle back on. It takes painstaking time in the gym to put the muscle back on that you just lost so you can have the "tone" you want. Why not just maintain it now so you have it once the fat is gone? Just my 2 cents.
Edit: 30 DS is more of a cardio program. There are other bodyweight programs out there that are better for maintaining muscle mass.0 -
To be fair, the OP said stop OVERdoing cardio, not stop altogether. And he was clearly referring to women who think running themselves ragged is the best way to lose fat.
Cardio is fine if that's what you enjoy, and cardio is fine for creating a bigger calorie deficit when kept to an appropriate level of intensity, duration, and frequency. But there is a positive correlation between women who claim they "just want to tone"/"don't want to bulk up" and women who create enormous daily calorie deficits. The effect of all that cardio and lack of food is losing a lot of lean mass, which is the opposite of what you want if your goal is to "tone."
Yeah, you should do things you enjoy. And if you don't have goals other than personal enjoyment, then go right ahead and do those things to the exclusion of everything else. But if you do have a performance goal or a body composition goal (if you're trying to "tone," you're in this category, whether you realize it or not) or a strength goal, you are very likely going to have to do some things you will find unpleasant. I don't know how anyone makes it to adulthood with the mindset that you can achieve your goals by only doing things you like to do.0 -
Firstly, "tone" is a noun, not a verb. Trained muscles have tone, you cannot "tone" them. "Toning" is a BS term marketed by the fitness industry to attempt to trick women into actual strength training. The "toned" look? It's only accomplished by having well trained muscles and low body fat. The only way to achieve well trained muscles is by a solid strength training program.Umm, no. I will not hit the weights. And not because I think it'll make me bulky.
1. I don't want to.
2. I reeeaallly enjoy walking and jogging.
3. I have no intentions of paying for a full gym membership to have access to weights.
4. I'm still working on losing fat, toning is for when I'm closer to my goal. I can barely do many squats or lunges right now.
I don't get why so many people think everyone should lift. People are going to do what they enjoy.
I don't feel that anyone has to hit the weights (reasons 1-3 make sense), but your fourth reason for not doing it is that you're going to to do it eventually..? So why not start now if you're going to be doing it anyway? And not being able to do squats or lunges is more motivation to work on them so you can actually do a few.
I said I'm going to tone eventually. Not that I'm going to lift. I have no intentions of lifting. That would be a $62/month gym membership.
I am starting to do body weight excerises, I only started last week. Which is why I can't do much yet. And I'll do the 30 day shred. Lifting isn't the only way to tone.0 -
My trainer has told me that doing strength training (weight machines) has an overall longer effect of burning calories. She called it EPOC?? whereas the Cardio u go on the treadmill, burn calories and that's just it. you burned it off.
do people agree?
No, both cardio and strength training have an afterburn. How great it is depends mostly on intensity. Muscle burns more caloires than fat though, so the more muscle you have the more calories your body burns at rest. But weights are just one way to build or maintain muscle.0 -
At the end of the day: lifting is challenging. It's supposed to be.
If you are being put off from doing it because you are bothered by the looks that you think other people are giving you, well you're going to have to get over that real quick if you are going to make a go of it.
Man, women, girl, boy. There's someone out there stronger than you. There's someone out there faster than you. There's someone out there who knows more than you. You're getting older and losing what you had, they're younger than you and getting better. Welcome to life.
Time to get out of the pity mindset and just move the damn Iron. Get into a relationship with it. Forget about the rest of the bullsh!t that's either already in the weight room, or you bring in with you.
Get it done for yourself. Other people and your thoughts on them are irrelevant.
^^this.... I usually go to my gym late at night, because I just don't like being seen with all my nearly 500lbs of fat flabbing around. You'd think fitness minded people would actually think it's cool that a fatty is trying to do something about it, but there are a lot of people who are there to put on a show and flit around looking at themselves in the mirrors and admire how they look, and I'm not talking about the women at my local gym acting like that, it's the dudes. The other night, I was in a situation to go early, or not go at all and I didn't want to miss, so I went. Sure enough, it was semi-crowded and some of those types were there and I really didn't want to go in, but I decided to suck it up and do it. I did get quite a few of those "eww, what's your fat *kitten* doing here" looks and attitude but I climbed my mountainous self on the treadmill and did my 30 minutes.
I almost skipped my weight training all together, because I didn't want to leave the relative isolation of the cardio area, I say "relative" because other than people coming in and out or going to the water fountain, you're separated rated from view of the gym floor. Bad part, a couple of the ones who kept giving me the ugly looks when they'd come to the water fountain were EMT's, hopefully my life never depends on them lol, but anyways, I digress. I decided to suck it up and do my weight training. I actually hate the cardio and love the lifting weights, so I wasn't going to skip it because of attitude. I'm really glad I did and I think it will actually make me more comfortable going again when I'm not guaranteed to be alone. In the end, I'm doing this for me and don't give a damn what people think, so I shouldn't care what they think while I'm in the process.
I applaud you!! I was one of those very large people once & know first hand where you're coming from. And as I whittled away at the fat & chiseled the muscle I watched those looks change & that made me stronger & push even harder. I used the nasty looks as motivation to keep going at first & then I used the looks of "whoa" to go even more. Regrettably, I've avoided the gym for the last 7 months due to my pregnancy & the fact that I wouldn't be able to resist weight training, but still been working out at home where my max dumbbell is 10lbs & main weights packed away by my Husband so I can't find them so I can avoid doing something stupid to hurt me & our soon-to-be-Son. However - as soon as I get clearance I am SO back on the weights!!
Anyone who is afraid of "looks" seriously needs to take a good look around. EVERYONE JUDGES YOU, no matter what you look like or think you look like. Suck it up, suck it in, do whatever you need to do to be healthy & that's what counts in the end.... along with who has the most toys still dies 0 -
i understand cardio is important(depending on what kind you're doing), but where are women getting the idea that lifting weights will make them aminly and bulky from? for the ladies that do lift...can you PLEASE share with us how lifting weights have made a difference to your physique and health?
i lift weights!! it made a huge difference! i wouldnt call myself bulky in any way, shape or form! i just have a nice muscle definition for example in my arms. other parts of my body, such as my stomach im still working on my lines to show. but lifting does notmake us ladies bulky- firstly it takes such a long time to bulk up and secondly ladies we do not have enough testosterone to get "massive" (im not talking here about competitions- this is hardcore stuff and very hard work). i would say lifting makes my body less "wobbly" and more "content" if that makes sense. nicely defined ie- hamstrings seprated from quads on the side of the leg- not bulky at all but i believe it is a nice look!!
LIFT, SQUAT, LOVE
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I have NOT read through every page of responses yet, so what do you experts suggest?
Lose weight first, then add weights, or compromise and do both at the same time?
For those of us that want to know . . . .0 -
I love the way some people say the best way to burn more calories is to add more muscle, by lifting weights. Then others say, women don't bulk -- that is, they really do not put on much muscle when they lift.
Maybe a better way to burn more calories is to increase your brain activity. Seems the brain burns somewhere between 20 percent and 25 percent of our daily calories, and that using your brain, through greater concentration, increases its energy utilization.
Why can't women just do what they want to do? If they want to run, fine. If they want to lift, fine.
I happen to think it is pretty arrogant to create a thread admonishing women on how they should exercise. I've had complete strangers critique my form, and choice of exercise, in the gym and I hate unsolicited advice.
THIS!0 -
Lose weight first, then add weights, or compromise and do both at the same time?
Doing both at the same time is generally more efficient.
It takes far less effort and time to maintain your existing muscle mass than to lose it and then try and rebuild what you you have lost by going through the supercompensation cycle multiple times.0 -
Lose weight first, then add weights, or compromise and do both at the same time?
Doing both at the same time is generally more efficient.
It takes far less effort and time to maintain your existing muscle mass than to lose it and then try and rebuild what you you have lost by going through the supercompensation cycle multiple times.
+10 -
Lose weight first, then add weights, or compromise and do both at the same time?
Doing both at the same time is generally more efficient.
It takes far less effort and time to maintain your existing muscle mass than to lose it and then try and rebuild what you you have lost by going through the supercompensation cycle multiple times.
Agreed.
It is also not really a compromise - strength training is metabolically beneficial.0 -
Wish I had time to read this now.....so BUMP to read later.
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Lose weight first, then add weights, or compromise and do both at the same time?
Doing both at the same time is generally more efficient.
It takes far less effort and time to maintain your existing muscle mass than to lose it and then try and rebuild what you you have lost by going through the supercompensation cycle multiple times.
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at 300+ lbs, and a former cardioholic..i say lifting>cardio anyday. I have seen people literally look like someone else in a little over a year by losing weight doing nothing but lifting and eating at a deficit. one woman in particular on my FL lost 120 lbs, and maybe did cardio once a week. She doesn't even look lik eshe carried tha tmuch weight on her. I believe her Success Story was on MFP.
I have lost a total of 8 1/2 inches since I started lifting. I am down a pants size, but weigh exactly the same as when i started. The issue there is with my calorie counting. Which i have hopefully worked out. I have lost and gained the same 10 lbs since starting in september. It is frustrating but that is on me. Not everyone wil llike lifting..but its proven that it can help. I tried running.walking. Treadmills are mind-numbingly boring. And I literally have zero time to walk outside after or before work (when its pitch dark out)
I lift with my boyfriend 4-5 times a week now. he sees improvements, i see improvements and hell, it simply makes me feel like a BEAST. I can deadlift more than some men at my gym! :P
Do what works for you, but i have read article after article about how stale cardio isnt the best option. And for the girl who said she never sees runners with the kind of problems obese people have.. thats just because you cant see it doesnt mean they don't have issues... Read up on Cardiac issues with Marathon runners, knee, joint and tendon problems etc. I know people who are overweight and are perfectly healthy aside from being overweight. I am 300+ lbs, i have normal blood preassure, no Diabetes (nor am i near having it), no heart or liver problems. The only issue i have is my knees, which can mostly stem from a Softball career, and then the extra weight. Overall though I feel great. Id probably feel a hell of a lot better with 100 lbs off me though.
Lifting is giving me my strength back, I don't want to lose 100 lbs and THEN decide its time to start toning..Why can't i just tone WHILE i lose weight..so when i get to my GW im fit and toned. Seems like a win win to me!
Best of luck to everyone no matter the route they choose. Everyone deserves to be healthy and Happy. Find your own way and make your Jouney about you! 0 -
No, no-- women will get bulky in like, days.
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cardio has a purpose. so does lifting weights. i personally enjoy weights more.
Also to the ladies making cracks about my look good naked goal. That is one of MY goals. It doesnt have to be yours. I feel I personally look fine in clothes, I want to look good out of clothes as well (naked... bathing suit...) and be confident in myself. I as well spend most of my time clothed but look good naked = looking even better in clothes.0 -
From a body sculpting perspective, lifting weights is probably more important because it allows you to retain lean body mass.
However, from a fitness perspective cardio is very important, too.
I don't think this is the either/or dichotomy people make it out to be. Do cardio as hard as you can for 30 min, then lift for 20-30 minutes. Done.0 -
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.
+1
http://is.gd/5ANVCy0 -
Personally I don't like weight training. It isn't that I don't enjoy it, I have done it in the past and it resulted in me gaining a substantial amount of muscle. For a woman I have a naturally muscular body. I didn't look huge and bulky by any means but I did look masculine from weight training. Instead of weight training now I use my own body weight to tone and strengthen. I get a much nicer lean toned body that way without the extra muscle mass.
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.
Freaks? Wut?0 -
Personally I don't like weight training. It isn't that I don't enjoy it, I have done it in the past and it resulted in me gaining a substantial amount of muscle. For a woman I have a naturally muscular body. I didn't look huge and bulky by any means but I did look masculine from weight training. Instead of weight training now I use my own body weight to tone and strengthen. I get a much nicer lean toned body that way without the extra muscle mass.
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.
1) It seems like you do not have a basic understanding of how one gains muscle mass. It is not from lifting weights alone.
2) Ditto what Sara said- Freaks? Wut? :huh: Body-shaming is not okay, even when you're referring to people who are extremely built.0 -
Personally I don't like weight training. It isn't that I don't enjoy it, I have done it in the past and it resulted in me gaining a substantial amount of muscle. For a woman I have a naturally muscular body. I didn't look huge and bulky by any means but I did look masculine from weight training. Instead of weight training now I use my own body weight to tone and strengthen. I get a much nicer lean toned body that way without the extra muscle mass.
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.
No you didn't, and no they didn't.0 -
I like deep water aerobics because we are moving for an hour! Don't like the weights!!0
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Tom Platz could do the splits....soPersonally I don't like weight training. It isn't that I don't enjoy it, I have done it in the past and it resulted in me gaining a substantial amount of muscle. For a woman I have a naturally muscular body. I didn't look huge and bulky by any means but I did look masculine from weight training. Instead of weight training now I use my own body weight to tone and strengthen. I get a much nicer lean toned body that way without the extra muscle mass.
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.0 -
I have found significant improvements from doing weights. I'm really sick of this idea that women get bulky from doing weights. The women that DO get bulky from doing weights are because their goals are to become that way (ie: body-building comps etc)
I love doing weights and have found that my arms, butt and thighs are starting to look more toned. I'm also starting to see the start of a six pack abs and I am still maintaining a feminine physique. You're not gonna look like a dude and all bulky and manly if you start lifting. Its just doesn't work like that.0 -
Lifting weights doesnt make you big ....lifting cakes on the other hand ......
Heh heh. Indeed.0 -
Step 1: Go to fitness site
Step 2: Call body builders freaks
Step 3: ???
Step 4: profit
It's a foolproof plan, really.0 -
Personally I don't like weight training. It isn't that I don't enjoy it, I have done it in the past and it resulted in me gaining a substantial amount of muscle. For a woman I have a naturally muscular body. I didn't look huge and bulky by any means but I did look masculine from weight training. Instead of weight training now I use my own body weight to tone and strengthen. I get a much nicer lean toned body that way without the extra muscle mass.
Some ladies look great from using weights, some do not. On the other end of the spectrum it annoys me seeing men that just do weights and no cardio. They end up gigantic muscle freaks with no flexibility. A good balance of strength and cardio is the key to a healthy body.
1) It seems like you do not have a basic understanding of how one gains muscle mass. It is not from lifting weights alone.
2) Ditto what Sara said- Freaks? Wut? :huh: Body-shaming is not okay, even when you're referring to people who are extremely built.
Also seems to think that if you do cardio you are flexible. Brb getting all bendy on the elliptical,0 -
Well I do both! Just love how I feel after running and weight lifting... Powerful BEASTRESS!!
+1 I have found an enlightened balance between them so I don't have to choose!!0 -
I was a cardio junky, and it served it's purpose, I lost a fair bit of weight. Then my trainer took me in the 'big boy room' and introduced me to Mr Barbell and Mr Dumbbell. Best thing ever, I am still new to it all, but I can now deadlift just over 1.5 times my body weight, love anything weight training related and only spend about 15% of my time in the gym doing cardio.
Below is a pic of my back/arm/shoulder progress since I started lifting heavy, the pic on the bottom was taken at the beginning of sept, the top one was taken at the end of Oct. If I concentrated more on my diet I would probably see more progress, but overall I am happy with the progress so far.
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