Two more questions about this weight lifting thing please..

Hippie_Soul

I posted this question on another post earlier but I didn't get a response. I felt kinda rude questioning on someone else's topic anyhow...

I have only been working out about 4 months and never before in my life!
I really enjoy the cardio and had some weight lifting (machine weights) sessions with a personal trainer (courtesy of joining the gym) but I didn't really like it. After reading about how beneficial the strength training is, I believe I will give it another shot.
I have a lot of weight to lose~about 70 lbs~but am wondering can I still do the weights now with the cardio and if so, are free weights or machine weights better?

MattBoySlim

Yes, you can do strength and cardio.

I believe free weights are better as they develope stabilising muscles more than machine weights through things like having to balance the weights rather than the machine gliding them.

You could try kettlebells or circuit training class, that would give strength and cardio training + you might enjoy it more.

Yanicka1

i suggest you buy the book ¨the new rules of lifting for women.¨ it is 15$ and explain everyrhing you need to know about lifting

UrbanRunner81

i suggest you buy the book ¨the new rules of lifting for women.¨ it is 15$ and explain everyrhing you need to know about lifting

^^^ I am using this book.

I do more cardio than it suggest only because I like cardio and it is fun to me.

I use free weights and only using the machines for pulldowns and seated rows.

Hippie_Soul

Thanks everybody!!
I keep seeing this book referenced so I will def check it out!!
And I signed up for another free pep with a trainer at my gym to learn how to use the free weights!
Happy exercising!!

withervein

If you still don't enjoy strength training (I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea) you can always do body weight work that needs no additional weights, but employs explosive motions. It will up your heart rate and build strength and balance too.

LIfting weights, and heavy ones at that, will build your muscle faster and provide a better furnace for your fuel, but as noted, it's not for everyone.

Best of luck!

Hippie_Soul

Thanks!
Yes, I take 2 classes a week that are a combo of strength,cardio and stretching...I REALLY enjoy those classes! Today we used 3 lb weights while jumping around..felt great!
I have never worked with free weights so it will be brand new. I just noticed on most people's posts about the weights they mentioned that they really started the strength training about halfway through their weight loss journey. I'm only 10 lbs down but I think I'm ready!