More Cardio or More Weight Lifting or both

gingerraema1

I really want to lose 40lbs. I have been doing about 45 minutes to an hour of cardio a day and was curious if doing some weight lifting would bulk me up or actually help burn fat. My ultimate goal would be to lose weight and tone up. Any suggestions?

JenMc14

Generally speaking, one will not build significant muscle while eating at a deficit. If you are brand new to lifting, you may see some gains for the first few months, but nothing that will turn you into a hulk. It is great to lift while trying to lose fat because more of your loss will come from fat, you'll retain more muscle than with cardio alone, and you'll likely like the way you look better than if you hadn't added in strength training.

gingerraema1

Thank you JenMc14

jmt08c

The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn at rest and while exercising. I would advise doing at least toning exercises (lighter weight higher reps) in addition to the cardio. In addition, what you eat before your workout will have an impact on how you burn calories. Most people will disagree with this and thats fine, but i've found eating something about 50/50 protein fat calories like a hard boiled egg before a workout will put my body more into "fat burning mode".

gingerraema1

Thank you jmt08c

sjbtiger

I decided at the first of the year I needed to lose about 20 pounds, Since January I have almost purely stuck with weight lifting (3-4 times per week). I'm also eating at about a 500 calorie deficit (1700 calories/day) and have lost weight and toned up better than I expected! I've lost weight with cardio in the past, but I don't think my body has ever tightened up, it was just smaller and still kind of flabby. From my own experience, I'd definitely dive into weight lifting.

TiberiusClaudis

The more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn at rest and while exercising. I would advise doing at least toning exercises (lighter weight higher reps) in addition to the cardio. In addition, what you eat before your workout will have an impact on how you burn calories. Most people will disagree with this and thats fine, but i've found eating something about 50/50 protein fat calories like a hard boiled egg before a workout will put my body more into "fat burning mode".

^^^JM...sound advice. You have my vote!

Do both. And watch your diet like a hawk.

Diet is the 800lb gorillla when it comes to losing weight. You master it and the gorilla will turn into a friendly chimp. :happy:

lili61

I decided at the first of the year I needed to lose about 20 pounds, Since January I have almost purely stuck with weight lifting (3-4 times per week). I'm also eating at about a 500 calorie deficit (1700 calories/day) and have lost weight and toned up better than I expected! I've lost weight with cardio in the past, but I don't think my body has ever tightened up, it was just smaller and still kind of flabby. From my own experience, I'd definitely dive into weight lifting.

This!

gingerraema1

Thank you, I am convinced that cardio and weights are a good blend for me. It's a little overwhelming trying to decide how to start with all the different weights.