Obese people who lift-I have questions!

ckemmis

For those of you that were obese when you started strength training, how long did it take you to see results? How long did it take for the scales to drop? Did you do a program or hop to machines/free weights all nimbly-bimbly like? Are free weights better to start out with or are machines?

Yeah, can you tell I'm a complete noob?

hearthemelody

Don't worry, we all start somewhere!

Free weights are much much better, and if you want a super simple program Stronglifts 5x5 is great!

Link: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

Let me know if you have more questions!

ThinLizzie0802

I've been weight lifting for 6 months. I have been up and down on the food part of it so major weight loss has not happened. However, my flexibility improved quickly. The other morning I stretched my arms and scratched the upper part of my left arm and felt a lump. I thought "holy **** why am I swollen" then kept feeling. But alas, it was just a more defined muscle in my arm! I was psyched!

usmcmp

I was obese when I started lifting (it was the best decision I made for weight loss). A great place to start is New Rules of Lifting or New Rules of Lifting for Women.

Vonwarr

You'll notice that scale loss slows down (i.e. quantity of weight loss) BUT you start losing inches faster (quality of weight loss). In general, 3 weeks is about the amount of time it will take to begin to notice the changes, depending on how observant you are. 3 weeks is also the amount of time it takes to form the habit and keep going!

Free weights are much better. You need a program, just hopping about "nimbly-bimbly" isn't going to help much. I second the recommendation of Stronglifts 5x5. Starting Strength is another great program.

luckydays27

I started at 206 in Jan of last year. The weight came off once I started eating my calories from MFP and my exercise. I started to see results in losing inches right away but it took 30 lbs or so to get rid of enough fat to see any sort of definition. I am down almost 70 lbs and I can see definition in my arms and legs but not in my belly or back.

Still have more fat to get rid of.

Personally, the machines were a great place to start but free weights are better. Form is key though so dont go heavy unless your form is stop on.

I have a trainer that I use to help me with my program.

But I have read New Rules of Lifting For Women and Starting Strength. Both are great books to help get you started. Strong Lifts 5x5 is also great from what I have seen.

No matter what you do, pick a up a weight and start.

navyrigger46

I was obese when I started, any program that focuses on heavy compound movements is recommended. Some already mentioned here such as SL5X5, Starting Strength, and New Rules are great. I stay away from machines most of the time, an olympic bar bell is the best equipment in the gym.

As for results, get a tape measure, that's where you'll notice the biggest changes in the shortest amount of time.

Rigger