Weights or no weights need help a lil confuse

cyntia

I am working out and what I normally do is 50 minutes of cardio then i do weights for thirty minutes it would consists of leg press, arm curls, leg extension, arm curl, shoulder press with occasional free weights. I am just wondering should I just focus on doing just cardio since I am trying to lose 100 pounds for now until i get close to my goal weight to then do weights. Any suggestions?

xraychick77

lift..and lift hard.

studies have shown that those who lift while 'cutting' retain more muscle.
this means, when we 'diet' or try to lose fat, our bodies use up some lean muscle too. to help retain that, lifting and eating protien helps retain that muscle. this is especially helpful because when we finally lose the fat, we will have muscle definition and not tend to be so 'skinny fat'.

since building muscle require a calorie surplus and losing fat requires a calorie deficit they are at odds with each other. so when you cut cals, you need to lift to keep that muscle.

taso42_DELETED

^^^^^^ this

BekJ

I originally just did Cardio to lose the kgs... But it's good do the weights from the start as the more muscle you have the more fat you burn, not only during your workout, but in the hours after as well...
The more muscle mass you have the more calories you burn throughout the day just doing everyday activities... (and muscle helps to tone and hold in skin)
You're not trying to bulk up, just build lean muscle mass. Light to moderate weights are more than ample.
It's also (in my opinion) better to do a warm up then your weight training, followed by cardio... That way you're not weight training on fatigued muscles and you get a better workout...
Hope this helps...
Best of luck!!!

Elleinnz

Don't stop lifting - and keep pushing the weights up - I started with weight training the day I started eating properly - and now that I have lost 105lbs you can really see how much muscle I have managed to build in the past year - as the fat comes off it is great to actually see some pretty fantastic muscles appearing...

Keep pushing your boundaries with the weights you lift - it is sooo worth it!!

Oh - and one more thing - it is better to do your weight training - and then your cardio.....

Redladystl

I agree with xraychick77 lift and lift hard. You will not bulk up plus you will lose fat faster.

SoCalSwimmerDude

lift..and lift hard.

studies have shown that those who lift while 'cutting' retain more muscle.
this means, when we 'diet' or try to lose fat, our bodies use up some lean muscle too. to help retain that, lifting and eating protien helps retain that muscle. this is especially helpful because when we finally lose the fat, we will have muscle definition and not tend to be so 'skinny fat'.

since building muscle require a calorie surplus and losing fat requires a calorie deficit they are at odds with each other. so when you cut cals, you need to lift to keep that muscle.

Excellent response xray! The more muscle you have the more cals the muscle will burn. I recently upped my cals, cut back my cardio, and have been KILLIN' it in the gym w/ weights. Its becoming a new addiction and my little problem areas are melting off. My metabolism is going insane... And I promise, promise, promise you that you won't get a 'bulky' look as others have stated. Building muscle mass is a VERY difficult thing to do (most say impossible) when on a calorie deficit. I'm learning that the hard way. Good luck!