Cardio and weight lifting question...advice please!

wholenewme03

I do cardio for about 40-50 minutes a day. I like to run but I sometimes mix it up with the elliptical machine. I love cardio, but it's not giving me the results I'm looking for (firm, toned muscles all over). I don't have time during my days to ADD to my workout, so I would have to substitute weights for my cardio. I already do a (very) little bit with weights, but I'm wondering.....

-What are the right types of strength exercises for a 24 year old female (5'4", about 115 lbs)
-Will substituting weight lifting for cardio make me gain weight, since lifting doesn't burn as many calories as running?

Any and all advice/ personal experience is very much appreciated! Thanks!

McButtski

You could start out with Kettlebells? Follow a good strength exercise programme?

(I'm assuming you're not a member of a gym nor do you have an extensive range of weights so that's why I suggested Kettlebells!)

You can continue to burn fat whilst weightlifting, remember that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn even in your down time!

If you are serious about toning and upping your weights you should really move away from the scales for measuring your success and instead have your body fat % checked by a professional or even use measurements as a guide. Muscle is a lot denser and heavier than fat but you will still be leaner and a lot less wobbly

wholenewme03

I actually do belong to a gym, I'm just a little intimidated to use weights and machines in front of people who know what they're doing. If i were to purchase a set of kettlebells and follow a program, what are your recommendations?

fionarama

http://www.simplyshredded.com/the-ultimate-female-training-guide.html

McButtski

Wow, if you're in a gym, use it - seriously. You won't regret it, go in and ask for a full weight programme - tell them what you want to achieve and you'll get there in no time!

Kettlebells are great for when you can't get out but I would always rate a gym first, there's so much variation, you can't get bored (imo!)

I was intimidated too when I first started but it didn't last long and I realise I was just being silly and self conscious - nobody cared about what I was doing, they were all there to better themselves!

MMarvelous

30 day shred or P90X maybe a good option for you. Several people have shown great results using them. I have not used them but search the forum for previous posts. Good luck.

jennkain97

You could start out with Kettlebells? Follow a good strength exercise programme?

(I'm assuming you're not a member of a gym nor do you have an extensive range of weights so that's why I suggested Kettlebells!)

You can continue to burn fat whilst weightlifting, remember that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn even in your down time!

If you are serious about toning and upping your weights you should really move away from the scales for measuring your success and instead have your body fat % checked by a professional or even use measurements as a guide. Muscle is a lot denser and heavier than fat but you will still be leaner and a lot less wobbly

This.

Kettlebells (even @ the gym, if they have them) are perfect because the exercises don't generally target just one muscle or muscle group like machines or even free weights. I love them! Use them several times a week, and I can see great tone, even through the fat I still have to lose My brother in law is a trainer, and swears he never would've used anything else if he'd heard of them sooner. If your gym doesn't have them, you can always use them at home (they are relatively inexpensive). I use Kettleworx dvd's. They are (my description) a combination of traditional kettlebells, cardio, and pilates. Awesome workouts for toning and burning fat. www.kettleworx.com