Losing fat or muscle

slashypotterness
slashypotterness Posts: 10
in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm trying to lose my last 10-15 pounds which is proving to be a pain in the you know what. Anyhow, I've kicked up my cardio and been a bit more strict with my carb intake and the scale seems to finally be moving again. My fear, however, is losing the muscle I've worked so hard to gain the last year and a half.

My logic is that, as long as I'm continuing to make strength gains (I.E being able to do more reps at same weight or being able to increase the weight I lift) then at the very least I'm maintaining, but that is just my own theory not backed up with anything. I was wondering if anyone else knew a good way to judge if you are losing muscle or not.

Replies

  • jeremywm1977
    jeremywm1977 Posts: 657 Member
    No offense, but "cardio" is such a vague term nowadays.......it can run the gamut from interval strength training to treadmills and ellipticals. If you are incorporating weights and resistance movements into your cardio, odds are that you are maintaining some of that muscle.
    On the other hand, if all you are doing is running a treadmill, or running in general, you're likely losing muscle. You may be becoming a great runner and burning some calories, but your body will eventually burn off those muscles you are not using as energy for the muscles you are using (especially if you are doing any kind of restrictive diet).
  • slashypotterness
    slashypotterness Posts: 10
    Well, I do kind of say in my post that I'm lifting (I.e...thats how I'm judging my strength). I do strict cardio (Running, elliptical, ect) three days a week for thirty minutes and I strength train for an hour three times a week.
  • jrline
    jrline Posts: 2,353 Member
    If you are doing cardio and strength training you should be losing fat not muscle as long as you are consuming enough calories.

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  • jeremywm1977
    jeremywm1977 Posts: 657 Member
    Well, I do kind of say in my post that I'm lifting (I.e...thats how I'm judging my strength). I do strict cardio (Running, elliptical, ect) three days a week for thirty minutes and I strength train for an hour three times a week.

    Sorry, must have skimmed right over that part...........then you are likely burning fat. Since you mention that you are getting stronger, you are probably building muscle and increasing your resting metabolic rate.

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