Cardio vs Strength Training

africaa

Hi Everyone !

I just joined so I am not sure if someone has already talked about this..and if they have my apologies!

I was just wondering what were your thoughts on cardio vs strength training while trying to lose weight. I was told not to lift weights until I've lost most of my fat but with the way I see it is like why should I wait when I can go ahead and avoid the lose skin now and have less to work out later. Then there's the whole cardio thing..I was told that too much cardio can actually be a bad thing so this has me confused.

I usually workout about an hour to two hours a day about 4 to 6 times a week. At first I was doing 30 min elliptical training and then about 30 min weight lifting..but now I do 30 min elliptical and 35 min bicycling. Then I do about 30 min strength training.I plan on adding group workouts (ex Zumba) when I go back to school for summer...

What do you guys think? Is it too much?

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

Well all I can say is go ahead & lift some weights heavy enough to challenge your muscles along with cardio to burn more fat. You see when we are on a deficit & especially with long cardio, we tend to lose both fat & LBM but strength training helps minimize LBM loss. You won't gain muscle on a deficit but definitely helps to preserve your existing muscles.

Now if you already see yourself losing most of your fat then that's the time you start on building muscle by eating on a surplus.

EDIT: I would also suggest swapping one or two days of your long cardio sessions for interval training to minimize muscle loss while still burning fat. It will only take less than 20 minutes but burn lots of calories. However don't do it during your weight lifting days.

docktorfokse

I wouldn't recommend such long workouts. I think however much time it takes you to complete your weight routine, followed by 30 minutes of cardio is fine. On non-lifting days, 30 minutes to an hour of cardio. Also, give yourself one or two days of full rest. Overtraining is hell.

crazy8ts

I read recently that strength training (or weight lifting), followed by cardio could be more beneficial for weight loss, than the other way around... taxing your muscles will give you a longer caloric burn than cardio alone... I alternate from strength training and cardio, day by day, six days a week. My weight loss has been slow, but steady... so I'll take it. Good luck!

africaa

Thanks everyone....

I usually strength train with every workout ..but I guess I should slow down a bit. It's just kind of hard when you are already in the gym and in the zone! lol