last 10lbs- Cardio Vs Strength training?

TXHunny84

I'm just saying, I couldn't get below 130lbs before I started strength training.

I lift HEAVY 2-3 days a week, and run 3 days a week, usually between 15-17 miles (but I'm training for a half right now, that much obviously isn't necessary). Having muscle will not only make you look leaner and thinner, you'll burn more calories at rest, and no, you will not bulk up because women lack the testosterone necessary to get bulky. In fact, the one month I took off from lifting, I lost 2lbs, but my measurements stayed the same. I don't know about you guys, but I'm here to get thinner, not make a number no one but me will see go down.

I would also worry less about the number on the scale right now. Adding on some muscle is going to make you weigh a little more since it's denser than fat, but you'll likely look much leaner.

Oh I'm not at all worried about the bulking thing. I know I won't bulk up. But How can I lift heavy when I don't have access to a gym?...

Jynus

I'm just saying, I couldn't get below 130lbs before I started strength training.

I lift HEAVY 2-3 days a week, and run 3 days a week, usually between 15-17 miles (but I'm training for a half right now, that much obviously isn't necessary). Having muscle will not only make you look leaner and thinner, you'll burn more calories at rest, and no, you will not bulk up because women lack the testosterone necessary to get bulky. In fact, the one month I took off from lifting, I lost 2lbs, but my measurements stayed the same. I don't know about you guys, but I'm here to get thinner, not make a number no one but me will see go down.

I would also worry less about the number on the scale right now. Adding on some muscle is going to make you weigh a little more since it's denser than fat, but you'll likely look much leaner.

Oh I'm not at all worried about the bulking thing. I know I won't bulk up. But How can I lift heavy when I don't have access to a gym?...

resistance is more a time based thing than a gym based thing. 5 reps and less is the 'strength' rep range. But it's moreso a time based thing. If you're using the ATP-CP energy system where you reach failure in under 30 seconds, you're technically doing strength training, even if you're not lifting weights. A great example would be pushing a stuck car in the mud where you just go 100% for a huge push, then are left feeling utterly wiped even after only a few seconds. grats, you just did strength training.

freeweights are great, because it's a VERY easy way to adjust resistance. But there are other ways. Gymnasts almost exclusively do bodyweight training, yet a lot of their movements are rooted in strength training principles. You don't do an iron cross unless you're freaking strong for example. And gymnasts get strong without having to lift weights.

A good at home strength template is Convict Conditioning. their progress template is rather...bad. But they give a ton of exercises that anyone can do at home, with varying degrees of resistance to try and hit that failure in 5 reps/30seconds or less range.

LorinaLynn

Oh I'm not at all worried about the bulking thing. I know I won't bulk up. But How can I lift heavy when I don't have access to a gym?...

Body weight exercises are a good place to start, but you could also get some equipment for home. Craigslist, flea markets, yard sales are good places to look. I got a starter bench and barbell set for about $100 from Sears. I figure it's better than paying $20 a month to go to a gym.