Should I lift for weight loss?

annabellemayh

Hi, I'm 5'6 and currently weigh 11st 6lbs (was 11st 9lbs when I started), the nhs website says I should lose 2 stone to be in my healthy weight range but I've always been a curvy girl and enjoy being slightly bigger so I'm aiming for 1.5st with my ideal weight being 10st.

I've been dieting for about ten days now, eating 1200 calories a day and trying to do an hour of cardio everyday. This has consisted mainly of using the cross-trainer at the gym for an hour but I've read loads that I'd see quicker results with strength training or lifting?

I'm terrified of the weights section at the gym its just full of really muscular men who all seem to look at me confusedly if I walk in, plus I have no idea where to start, technique or anything.

What are your experiences with lifting and weight loss? Is cardio and dieting enough or should I be doing more i.e lifting?

It'd be great to hear your thoughts Thanks, Annie

_lyndseybrooke_

First of all, you're not eating enough calories. 1200 is not the "magic number" that many women (including me, at one time) seem to think it is. If you're working out for an hour every day, I really hope you're eating those calories back at least so your NET calories add up to 1200. Even if you are, I'd up that to 1500 calories per day, maybe even more if you plan to add strength training to your routine.

Strength training is how you tone your body. I've known plenty of girls on here that hate cardio and ONLY to strength, and they still get great results. Strength training burns less calories, but it's fantastic for your muscles. I'm looking to be fit, not skinny, so I'm currently trying to design my own strength training routine. If you're going to lift heavy, you'll most likely need to up your protein intake. Anywhere from .7-1 g of protein per pound of weight would be good.

The most important thing for YOU is to eat more. Your body has needs and 1200 calories per day with exercise isn't going to cut it. Calculate your TDEE, subtract 15-20%, and eat that many calories per day. THEN you can start strength training if you want to. As for the guys at the gym, forget about them! Go in there and show them that girls can lift, too. There are girls in the weights section at our gym quite a bit, and they rock! Own it!

JoRocka

the answer to all life's questions is MOAR SQUATZ.

So yes- don't wait to lift- the goal is to optimize fat loss and minimize muscle loss- which means- lifting to preserve muscle mass.

Go forth- lift all the things and be fabulous.