Looking for Some Advice

mle_k

Hi Everone.
I read lots of forum posts and recently decided that my exercise routne may not be ideal based on my goals (I was doing lots and lots of cardio and almost nothing else).... Last week I started P90X and am really loving it. I have gained about 3lbs (but I assume this is water weight, so I am not that concerned). But I am still not sure if I am on the right path...I guess I am looking to all the fitness buffs on here for a little advice...

I am in my 20's (Female)
5'7" (alomst 5'8")
I currently weight 175lbs, my high weight (pre-MFP was about 190lbs), my lowest weight (as an adult) was around 125lbs

Essentially I was a college althlete and after I graduated I didn't know what to do with myself... and gained a ton of weight....

Anyways, I need to lose weight (clearly) and more specifically fat, but I am ultimatly striving for to get back my "toned" (I know that really isn't a technical word, but you know what I mean) athletic body... I don't want to be "skinny fat" as others on here have referenced...

So is P90X (currently doing classic) a good route to take, should I do more cardio, or lift heavy? I am just a bit confused... (also... I eat 1400 - 1600 calories per day and add 200-400 based on the intensity of my workout)...

Help :flowerforyou:
Thank you in advance! Please let me know if you need more info!

Spelling edits. Sorry I am sure there are more I missed.

victoria1957

Well, I am no expert by any means. I have not done the workout that you are doing and not familiar with it although I have heard of it. I am a runner and "compete" (if that's what you want to call it!) in races. Currently training for a half marathon. Anyway, I said all that to say this....if you want to get toned and lose body fat I can think of no better way to do it than running! There is a lot to it to stay injury free and race ready. Not everyone that runs, races but it is a great way to stay motivated when you are anticipating your next 5k up to marathon. Which I cannot see myself ever doing an actual marathon. Way scary for me. Good luck, I know you will find your thing!

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

I think p90x is a great workout routine since you have a bit to lose before you are close to goal--as you near goal heavy lifting might be more ideal. i wouldn't worry just yet though--your calorie intake is refreshing--many people try to starve and lose muscle in the process.

mle_k

I think p90x is a great workout routine since you have a bit to lose before you are close to goal--as you near goal heavy lifting might be more ideal. i wouldn't worry just yet though--your calorie intake is refreshing--many people try to starve and lose muscle in the process.

Thank you for the advice! I was shocked that MFP set me at 1200 calories (although I did select 2lb loss at first) I tried it for about 6 months, felt terrible, flabby and ultimately "quit" and gained all the weight back.... I am much happier now and am working on getting my strength and health back - while losing the weight (hopefully).

Thanks again.

Quickster34

I'm in a similiar situation, I ran track all through HS and College, still trained the year after school then lived in Canada for a Year = lifting only not so much running, im about 12lbs heavier than my Senior year weight when i was at my fastest, so Im going back to my sprint routine from the beggining with a modified strength program and eating 100% better than I did in school, I have seen improvements in the past few weeks and i know it will work because I have done it before and it worked. so i think if your goal is to get leaner and closer to your athletic peak try to model your current routine off of what you did in college , obviously without a coach and team its harder but if it was easy than everyone would be doing it , good luck!

mle_k

Well, I am no expert by any means. I have not done the workout that you are doing and not familiar with it although I have heard of it. I am a runner and "compete" (if that's what you want to call it!) in races. Currently training for a half marathon. Anyway, I said all that to say this....if you want to get toned and lose body fat I can think of no better way to do it than running! There is a lot to it to stay injury free and race ready. Not everyone that runs, races but it is a great way to stay motivated when you are anticipating your next 5k up to marathon. Which I cannot see myself ever doing an actual marathon. Way scary for me. Good luck, I know you will find your thing!

Thank you. I was a runner in high school (XC) and have continued to do so. I think it will always be a part of my routine in some way or another! Thanks again for your input!

mle_k

I'm in a similiar situation, I ran track all through HS and College, still trained the year after school then lived in Canada for a Year = lifting only not so much running, im about 12lbs heavier than my Senior year weight when i was at my fastest, so Im going back to my sprint routine from the beggining with a modified strength program and eating 100% better than I did in school, I have seen improvements in the past few weeks and i know it will work because I have done it before and it worked. so i think if your goal is to get leaner and closer to your athletic peak try to model your current routine off of what you did in college , obviously without a coach and team its harder but if it was easy than everyone would be doing it , good luck!

Thanks for the advice! Good luck to you!