WHEN do I start lifting?

verhunzt · April 2014

So I have lost around 20 lbs the last couple of months, and now at a weight of 144 lbs at 5'7'' (so that's a BMI of 22.6, I have no idea what my body fat % is though).
I would love to get started in lifiting weights and tone up, but I seriously do still feel like I need to lose way more fat before I could possibly see any muscles at all.
When did you guys start lifting weight? Should I wait until I'm at 130 or something? I'm really unsure.

ljmcf · April 2014

Start now! I'm also 5'7 but a lot heavier than you...I've been lifting for the past couple of months and what a different I've seen even in that time, my body is tightening and toning and it feels great. Don't delay!

asciiqwerty · April 2014

some folks love heavy lifting

i would say start some form of strength training (resistance/bodyweight/weight) as soon as you can
i'm not building muscle as i'm still losing, but feeling more toned is really nice

SuperC_85 · April 2014

START TODAY!

harphy · April 2014

Now! Your weight probably won't go down any more with lifting, but your inches sure will. It takes a couple of weeks before changes can be seen and summer is coming. Weights burn fat like cwazy.

Mummysskinnymission · April 2014

Start now! I'm also 5'7 but a lot heavier than you...I've been lifting for the past couple of months and what a different I've seen even in that time, my body is tightening and toning and it feels great. Don't delay!

This but once you start lifting focus on inches etc you may see a weight gain but you dont walk around with you weight on your shirt you will loook smaller tighter and stronger xxx

Healthy_4_Life2 · April 2014

Now is the time! ????

mymodernbabylon · April 2014

I'm 5'6" and 152 lb and I lift and I have some gorgeous muscles coming out after a few months of lifting. Do it! I honestly have changed the way my body looks just by lifting and I miss it when I don't do it (like this week).

scubasuenc · April 2014

I agree with the others. Start now!! Lifting helps preserve muscle mass as you lose. You may not see the muscle definition while you have body fat on top to lose, but you will still lose inches as things tighten up.

SezxyStef · April 2014

Start now! I'm also 5'7 but a lot heavier than you...I've been lifting for the past couple of months and what a different I've seen even in that time, my body is tightening and toning and it feels great. Don't delay!

This but once you start lifting focus on inches etc you may see a weight gain but you dont walk around with you weight on your shirt you will loook smaller tighter and stronger xxx

This...or if you have a time machine 2 months ago...

I am also 5 ft 7 and 157lbs...I've been lifting for almost 7 months...my body is not as tight as I want it but it's getting there...I still wear a size 5/6 tho...

mcibty · April 2014

YESTERDAY.

FredSetToGetFit · April 2014

YESTERDAY.

Yep....

MSeel1984 · April 2014

I hate lifting.
Pole dance all the way.
I started doing weights and I got so bored with it I couldn't do it consistently.
Started doing pole...now I have definition in my back and arms...I can do rock climbing without a problem. LoL-I'll always be an advocate of finding a strength training that works for you...whether it's weights or something else.
But I agree-I didn't start to see changes in my body fat % and muscle tone until I added strength training.

Mischievous_Rascal · April 2014

Right away! My body fat 5 didn't really change before I started.

weightloss12345678 · April 2014

you should ALWAYS have some type of strength(this could be weight lifting or some type of HIIT circuit training like Insanity) training in your workout regimen, the lean muscle mass is whats going to sustain and accelerate your cardio fat burning.

if you have the time, do a quick cardio warm up before you do your strength training then finish out with cardio, this is prob one of the best combos for fat loss

o yeah make sure your protein intake is on point also

adrianhelen · April 2014

Weights are a great way to help you lose. Building muscle helps burn fat. It sound like you are worried about bulking up. Remember less weight and more reps/sets. Also in the first 4 to 6 weeks you will notice a little more bulk, this is normal. Also when you first lifting your muscles may retain some fluid. On days you do weights get a little extra protein to help your muscles repair themselves.

FoxyLifter · April 2014

ASAP!

Although, it would be wise to do a little homework first. Find a lifting plan free online, watch a few videos, practice your form using very little (if any) weight, while adding a little weight each time you workout.

But in response to the idea that it's "great for weight loss", that's misleading. It doesn't have as high of a burn as cardio (weight loss is achieved by a calorie deficit), BUT it's great in the fact that it helps preserve lean body mass while on a deficit. In other words, maximize fat loss and minimize muscle loss. Plus your weight may even go up a couple pounds while your muscles retain water to repair themselves.

Best of luck!!:drinker:

gypsy_spirit · April 2014

Weights are a great way to help you lose. Building muscle helps burn fat. It sound like you are worried about bulking up. Remember less weight and more reps/sets. Also in the first 4 to 6 weeks you will notice a little more bulk, this is normal. Also when you first lifting your muscles may retain some fluid. On days you do weights get a little extra protein to help your muscles repair themselves.

No. More weights/less reps.

katro111 · April 2014

Start now! You can still lift while eating at a deficit and lose fat. It may be slow going, but it's definitely worth it!

coolblondenerd · April 2014

Start now! Keep eating at a deficit and you'll still lose fat, but you'll also gain muscle! And more muscle is better for fat burning!

BlueBombers · April 2014

NOW

cwolfman13 · April 2014

yesterday...

climbing_trees · April 2014

Start now!!

onefortyone · April 2014

Yeah I'm 210lbs and I already started lifting, what exactly were you waiting for?

peejay34mason · April 2014

Do not delay. Begin lifting NOW. Gaining lean muscle mass raises your metabolism, plus lifting keeps your body burning calories longer than cardio! So anyone wanting to lose fat should be lifting weights/resistance training. It is such a common misconception that you need to get to your ideal body weight, then tone up. WRONG! There are so many benefits to lifting, and not limited to: increased energy, boosts libido, and you will have a nice tight body! I would strongly suggest utilizing free weights focusing on form and squeezing the muscle during your reps, which will yield optimal results! Depending upon your goal with lifting (whether to just tone up or to seriously bulk up more). You will want to be working the muscle to failure! Meaning that you should be struggling to finish out your reps. If you want to bulk you will be really maxing out the weights you can push at lower reps. If you desire to just tone up, you will use lower weights and higher reps. I hope this helps! EITHER WAY GET LIFTING NOW

Gearjammer71 · April 2014

I followed the path you're contemplating and wish I hadn't. I should have started lifting last year, but I waited until I lost better than 100 lbs. Lifting make a huge difference! Like everyone said, don't worry about the scale so much... I haven't lost much more than a few pounds in months but I've gone from 3X to 2X shirts so... yeah.