Should I start strength training?

asimonep
asimonep Posts: 47 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I know NOTHING about strength training, but I think it might be the way I should go. I've lost 30 pounds by running on the treadmill, and I'm almost down to my ideal weight, but I'm a little flabby and would like to start toning up a bit. Can anyone recommend a program? I definitely don't want to bulk up, but I'd love a tiny 4 pack ;)

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    just do any good beginner program...New Rules of Lifting For Women and Strong Curves are both good programs. You aren't going to bulk up...that doesn't happen by accident...it takes a **** ton of work. Not to mention, "bulking up" requires you to eat a surplus of calories while really hitting the weight room hard with a progressive body building routine...so again...stop worrying about nonsense.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    If you are eating at a deficit, you will not bulk up. Because science. It doesn't happen by accident, I promise. Bulking takes serious INTENTIONAL work and dedication. Start lifting now.
  • asimonep
    asimonep Posts: 47 Member
    Thank you for your replies.
    I certainly wasn't implying that I WOULD bulk up. That IS absurd. Not worried at all! Just trying to make sure no body thought I was trying to.
  • asimonep
    asimonep Posts: 47 Member
    Haha! Yes, of course it would be intentional. That's why I was making my intentions NOT to bulk up known. Because DUH!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    YES.

    Any generic wellness over all health program should include strength and cardiovascular work.

    if you have specific goals- get more specific with your weight training- in this case you do.
    And the answer is YES YES YES YES_ start yesterday.

    Check the following
    Strong lifts
    Starting Strength
    Strong Curves
    New rules of lifting

    for some good linear progression programs.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    Do you work out at a gym? Perhaps ask an instructor to go through some exercises with you.

    Also, maybe try a class like pump and tone, or kettlebells.
  • asimonep
    asimonep Posts: 47 Member
    I don't work out at a gym, just doing this all on my own, at home. Trying a class sounds like a great idea, thanks!
  • jeremywm1977
    jeremywm1977 Posts: 657 Member
    YES.

    Any generic wellness over all health program should include strength and cardiovascular work.

    if you have specific goals- get more specific with your weight training- in this case you do.
    And the answer is YES YES YES YES_ start yesterday.

    Check the following
    Strong lifts
    Starting Strength
    Strong Curves
    New rules of lifting

    for some good linear progression programs.

    Start yesterday? Start the day before yesterday, or possibly the day before that.
    Any weight loss plan should and must include strength training. Cardio may burn calories, but it burns it NOW. Strength training burns those calories now, and when you're not working out. (Yes, you read that correctly..........strength training will help you burn calories even during those times when you decide to lounge around on the couch).

    Also, because your cardiovascular system is being used to support your muscular system, you are getting both the toning and cardio in one shot.

    Do strength training, do it now (and you don't need a gym or weights, your body weight can be your resistance).

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