Calling all WEIGHT LOSS / WEIGHT LIFTING Veterans!

Pebbles536

I have have 110lbs to lose. Should I start lifting now or wait until I'm 30lbs to UGW. If I should start now is circuit machine weights enough, or should I start a program of free weights.

Currently I walk 3.26 to 7 miles a day. Just started C25k. Sundays I walk 5k on treadmill, 60min boot camp, 35min elliptical interval session, 30 mins swimming laps. Can I continue my routine once I start weights or do I need a rest day? I'm working toward 5k in May and I really don't want to give up any training days.

5'6
SW 280 01/03/12
CW 260
GW 180 Jan 2013

UGW 150 Tone, tight, and Sexy by 10/1/2013 for my wedding in HAWAII. (UGW weight is subjective as it could be more or less depending on how smoking hot I can get)

PositivelyFlawed

I'm heavier and shorter than you, but I've started lifting now. I was lifting with my hubby, but he switched to a program that works better for him and I had a hard time staying focused. In the 4 weeks since i started lifting heavy I've noticed some substantial muscle strength gains in my arms, shoulders, triceps, biceps and legs. My core is still weak, but that's part of me needing focus.

In my opinion, and I am by no means a veteran, circuit weight machines are a great way to start out to get comfortable with weights, learn and get help maintaining form. However, free weights tend to be better working multiple muscle groups. For instance if you use a squat machine you pretty much feel the burn in just your legs, but if you squat using free weights you feel it in your shoulders, core as well as your legs. In the end I think free weights are best, but you want to make sure you learn basic form from the machines, then focus on learning PERFECT form when using free weights.

It's best to start out light and learn great form and work up from there than to try and lift heavy out of the gates and be sloppy and hinder range of motion or injure something.

I've ordered New Rules of Lifting for Women and it should arrive next week. Since we're friends, I'll keep you posted on how it turns out

Bodybuilding.com is a website that has really helped me branch out and learn how to do some moves properly. There are videos to show you how to do all of the strength training moves on the website and lots of great info too!

I don't know much about it, but have heard that those who are significantly overweight have the chance to build muscle while in a deficit. My hubby has been chatting with Helloitsdan who's helping him figure out how to do just that. I've lightly googled it, but don't know the specifics.

At the very least by lifting you are gaining strength and as the fat falls off it won't be just flab left behind!

Just my .02 cents

PositivelyFlawed

Think this needs a bump

Pebbles536

Thanks. Anyone else?

Pebbles536

Please!

i_am_losing_it

I would like to know as well, hoping some other experienced people will respond.

Pebbles536

Donna, See the forum post "When should I start lifting weights?"

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/522968-when-should-i-start-lifting-weights


The long and short of it is you should of been lifting YESTERDAY!

meshashesha2012

start lifting ASAP.