Should I include strength training in my routine?

joshuaratliff

First time long time here. Hello all!

I have started and I am heading up a biggest loser style competition at work. We are into week 8 now, and I'm down 26.3 pounds. I haven't wanted to do much strength training (other than calisthenics) in fear of gaining muscle weight that would kill my % lost per week.

After reading an article yesterday, I feel I'm taking the wrong approach to my exercise routine in regards to the competition. I want to win, and I want to loose weight in the most efficient way possible too.

Here is the article... http://gizmodo.com/the-science-of-fat-1517247620

There is a $250 1st, $125 2nd, and $75 3rd place prizes for the contest. Currently I'm in 2nd, and the guy in 1st is way ahead of me with 15+%. I'm at almost 10%. I'm proud of what I have done/will do, but I'm competitive.

I was planning on starting strength training after the 12 weeks of the competition were done. Perhaps I should start now with 5 weeks left? I'm still losing weight at a good pace (~3 lbs a week).

Should I add muscle building exercises into my routine? What do you all think?