Is resistance training as effective as weightlifting?

JadeCrusader

I've really been taking to the idea that in order to burn more calories and lose fat, you need muscle under there! So I am wanting to gain muscle, and have been thinking about getting some sort of home gym like a bowflex. I have noticed that those are usually resistance training and not weight-lifting. Will I be building muscle mass with a bowflex? Has anyone tried there MAX trainer and gotten good results? How about that T25 workout video set? Any advice would be great!

rybo

Weight training is a form of resistance training. Whether the resistance comes from weights, bands, plates, body weights, sand bags, or gallon water jugs. Its not as important where the resistance comes from, just that you do it and use the correct program. That said, free weights and bodyweight training are better than machines.

Huffdogg

The most important thing to get the effects you are talking about is to be able to train with progressive overload, meaning increasing the resistance (intensity) as your strength improves. As long as whatever method you're using can do this, you'll be ok.

That having been said, you can get a power rack and olympic barbell/plate set for around $500 or less; I'm not sure what a Bowflex costs, but I know that a rack and oly barbell set would be a much better long-term investment.

csmccord

I do a group training session at my local gym twice a week. We concentrate on lower weights, higher reps with a mix of body weight, machines, and elastic bands. The key to burning the calories during the workout is the fast pace. In a 45 minute session we do 15 minutes of core, then 30 minutes of everything else. The core workout also functions as a warmup. We'll do a set or two of pushups or squats during it.

The main workout consists of about 6 or 7 stations, depending on how many of us there are. We will do two sets on each station before switching. Each set is a minute. You work until the minute is up, or your muscles fail. In between each set we'll do some kind of body weight leg exercise. Jump squats, squats, leapfrogs, mountain climbers, etc. It's very fast paced, but I've gotten so much out of it in just a few shorts months. I've notice my body change more over the last 12 weeks than I have during any other time except my time in boot camp.

Huffdogg

I do a group training session at my local gym twice a week. We concentrate on lower weights, higher reps with a mix of body weight, machines, and elastic bands. The key to burning the calories during the workout is the fast pace.

Not to belittle what you're doing, because it sounds like it is doing wonders for you, but it should be noted that the object of resistance training isn't generally to burn calories. Specifically if OP wants to build muscle. Calorie deficit is the enemy of muscle growth. What you're doing is resistance cardio. For the absolute beginner, of course, any type of resistance training will create a favorable training response. If you continue training in the same weight range, however, the training goes from a strength building exercise, to a hypertrophy exercise, to an endurance exercise.

Match the training to the specific goal for maximum efficiency, IMO.

oc1timoco

Which ever one you do is better than none at all. 3 years ago I bought a Total Home Gym ( The one in the Chuck Norris infomercial) for $100 at a yard sale. I use it 2 times a week. I bought 180 lbs. of steel weights and bench at a yard sale for $50 last year that I use 3 times a week. If you can look for something used and in good shape. Many people buy new and only use it as a clothing rack. Then sell it cheap to make space or because it reminds them of something they didn't follow through with . Move forward and be happy.

LishieFruit89

Which ever one you do is better than none at all. 3 years ago I bought a Total Home Gym ( The one in the Chuck Norris infomercial) for $100 at a yard sale. I use it 2 times a week. I bought 180 lbs. of steel weights and bench at a yard sale for $50 last year that I use 3 times a week. If you can look for something used and in good shape. Many people buy new and only use it as a clothing rack. Then sell it cheap to make space or because it reminds them of something they didn't follow through with . Move forward and be happy.

I wanna move where you are!
Damn those are cheap!!

OP, I agree with the other poster stating that it doesn't matter where the resistance is come from.
Pick the thing you're going to use the most so you don't end up with an expensive coat rack

Love4fitnesslove4food2

T25 won't do it for you. It's mostly cardio based with some lifting. It's not a "lifting" program and I don't think you'd see any appreciable muscle growth.

nicoleisback

I would suggest spending your money on free weights instead of machines if you have to pick one. The reason for this is machines, no matter how good they are, will limit your range of movement. They are designed to be used in a certain way, and you can damage either the machine or yourself if you vary from this. There is a lot more flexibility with free weights. I have picked up a new set of (lighter) weights with 2 dumbbells and a barbell for under $70. I can do so many exercises with these and can utilise my full natural range of movement while using them

dbm037

I thought about buying some sort of machine even thought about getting my own elliptical, but then when I saw prices of new stuff and even some used. I took a look around my living room and thought to myself. That's stupid...I have a gym membership for $29.00 a month with no contract. Just use the things there! I feel inspired when I go and see all the work people are doing to improve themselves. I watch how others work out and I learn. I know once I walk in the gym I am going to get a work out. A machine at home might end up as a clothes hanger after a while..

JadeCrusader

Thank you for all of the information! I am obviously a newbie and I appreciate you all being kind and helping me to understand everything. Except for "dbmata". You are a jerk.

Anyway, moving on, I will look into getting into the local gym to utilize their equipment and hopefully get going!

JadeCrusader

Okay, I revoke my "jerk" comment but it looks like I can't edit posts so I'll have to say it here instead. The guy deleted his post so that comment makes no sense now, lol. No worries .

coolbranch

I setup my new Max trainer M5 Monday. Used it last night for first workout. If cardio or weight loss is your goal, this machine will do it. The machine makes a treadmill feel like kindergarten. You will burn calories and lower your resting heart rate if you use the built in programs as prescribed, if it doesn't kill you first. The machine gives a brutal workout.. Looking forward to getting 20 lbs off quick.

nicoleashleyfit

resistance is a form of weight lifting yes and yes getting a bow flex will contribute to the muscle gains you are looking for however I do believe everyone should incorporate free weights (dumbbells, bars, etc) to recruit all those muscle fibers it takes to keep a free weight still.

WalkingAlong

Craigslist here is FULL of bowflex machines. That would be my last recommendation for getting your toes wet with resistance training. There are so many cheaper, smaller ways!

coolbranch

The Boxflex Select tech dumb bells are great. You can do a lot with them and isolate a lot of muscle groups. Great for muscle definition.