Should I start weight lifting? Is it really for everyone?

iamluce

I have seen a lot of people here talking about the benefits of heavy weight lifting and at first I was a bit reluctant to do start because I was afraid of getting "bulky" but after finding out that you don't, in fact, get bulky just from strenght training, I figured I'd give it a go.

BUT

I've seen many people say that if you strength train while there's still fat to lose then you build muscle OVER the fat and therefore don't lose inches. Is this true?

I've lost 29 pounds so far and this is how I look right now http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9lcecef4P1qa42w6.png

Should I wait to start lifting or do you think now is a good time?
I started pole dancing not long ago and I could really use more muscle.

Also, how many times a week should I do it? I do hip hop once a week and pole dance twice a week + the 30 day shred every day and walking for 2 or 3 hours 5 times a week.
Should I hit the gym every day, three times a week, five times a week? And since I'll be paying for a gym subscription already, what would be the best combo to do with the lifting?

Thanks for your help!!

wellbert

Only one way to find out.

Tilran

Yes, strength training is for everyone.

Muscle would grow below the fat not above...you shouldent gain inches unless you are eating at a surplus. You should be droping fat and gaining muscle which will cause your body to tone.

The reason for weight training is because defecit eating alone does not give you the real reason you are droping weight. Normally people aren't losing weight for health reasons (yes, some are) but for the most part...people want to look good and feel good about themselves. This comes from your body being toned.

If you could be your current weight but look like a model...would you care what the scale said? I'm guessing not. This is what strength training does...creates the body you are looking for.

Determinednoob

You should lift right away. You may not "lose inches" right away on some body parts, but you will lose them around your midsection, and definitely look better when the fat is gone. Check this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners

taintedbutterfly18

Start lifting now! I recommend 2-3 times a week. Weight lifting offers all kinds of benefits. It will take cardio to continue losing fat over muscle though. Good luck!

jacksonpt

I have seen a lot of people here talking about the benefits of heavy weight lifting and at first I was a bit reluctant to do start because I was afraid of getting "bulky" but after finding out that you don't, in fact, get bulky just from strenght training, I figured I'd give it a go.

halleluiah!!! The message is reaching someone at least!

I've seen many people say that if you strength train while there's still fat to lose then you build muscle OVER the fat and therefore don't lose inches. Is this true?

Um, sort of, but not really. When you lift, assuming you're lifting heavy enough, you're doing minor damage to the muscles (which is good)... this prompts your body to flood the muscle with fluids to repair them. This additional fluid is what causes muscles to look bigger, people to claim they are gaining muscle fast, etc. They aren't. It's temporary. Approach things with a more long term goal/perspective and you'll be fine.

Should I wait to start lifting or do you think now is a good time?

It's never a bad time to start lifting. The sooner you start the sooner you'll see results and the less "catching up" you'll have to do as the fat disappears (assuming you're on a caloric deficit to lose weight).

Also, how many times a week should I do it? I do hip hop once a week and pole dance twice a week + the 30 day shred every day and walking for 2 or 3 hours 5 times a week.
Should I hit the gym every day, three times a week, five times a week? And since I'll be paying for a gym subscription already, what would be the best combo to do with the lifting?

This is highly individual... depends on what your body and your schedule can handle. Most people start with 3 days a week and go from there. Mon/Wed/Fri is a pretty common breakdown, but whatever works for your schedule. As a beginner, I'd try to avoid lifting on consecutive days if possible, but if that works better for your schedule, then have at it.

For me, I'd say Mon/Wed/Fri do compound lifts (if you're unfamiliar, 5 minutes with Google will give you tons of info on compound lifts). Then, depending on how you feel, Tues/Thurs/Weekends can be for cardio.
Thanks for your help!!
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apriltrainer

LIFT NOW! LIFT NOW!

http://www.venusindex.com/stop-wasting-gym-time/

she says it ALOT better than I could...

the only thing that makes a woman bulky from "lifting weights" is the ADIPOSE tissue you are carrying.

I don't do ANY CARDIO..(not saying you shouldn't but just to allay your fears..that one can actually just lift and be ok. If anything...I should be the bulkiest chic on MFP because I don't do cardio at all!)

And if you look at my pictures from only lifting it is apparent that it made me super bulky. Not! Read the article and lift!

Plates559

Should I start weight lifting?

You should start two days ago so you could rest yesterday and lift again today :happy:

jacksonpt

LIFT NOW! LIFT NOW!

http://www.venusindex.com/stop-wasting-gym-time/

she says it ALOT better than I could...

the only thing that makes a woman bulky from "lifting weights" is the ADIPOSE tissue you are carrying.

I don't do ANY CARDIO..(not saying you shouldn't but just to allay your fears..that one can actually just lift and be ok. If anything...I should be the bulkiest chic on MFP because I don't do cardio at all!)

And if you look at my pictures from only lifting it is apparent that it made me super bulky. Not! Read the article and lift!

While I generally agree with all this, don't forget that "bulky" means different things to different people.

Sthrncupcake

I started lifting about 4 months ago...and I LOVE IT!!!!! Ya wont know if you like it unless you try! I suggest buying the book New Rules for Woman...great starting place!

Rae6503

Yes you should lift weights even if you still have fat to lose. Lifting weight preserves muscle while you diet, meaning more of the tissue lost is fat and less is muscle. Without lifting you'll lose fat AND a good deal of muscle. This is sad.

I'd start with this program:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary

But you could probably cut a lot of what you are doing. Maybe stop with the 30DS, and just do the 2 classes and the lifting. There's no need to spend countless hours working out.

ZoeLifts

Yes lift now and lift heavy! Learn about and begin doing with proper form: Squats, Deadlift, Benchpress, to begin.

Cardio is not necessary, only if its something you enjoy, but if you are lifting heavy weights, you should give yourself recovery days in between. I lift 3 days a week, in and out of the gym usually in an hour. I don't cardio.

Continue to eat at a deficit to your TDEE, eat lots of protein, especially days you weight train, but every day anyway.

Suggestions to begin: Stronglifts 5x5 and Starting Strength

Good luck! And keep us posted!