Weight lifting and excess skin

cmcorn26

so I am new at this, joined august 19, my diary is closed because quite frankly, although I meet my calories, it isn't all healthy YET. I have 100+ pounds to lose. I am a tall 5'10". I have started 30 ds, alternate it with the c25k, ride my bicycle daily 5-20 miles ( depending on day). I was on yesterday and there was a topic about excess skin, genetics, wt lifting, tummy tucks, well the whole deal.
So my question is....when to start lifting to avoid the tummy tuck? And if I start with machines to tone a bit first is that ok? And if i start with machines do i increase weight with each set or stay at same weight? I am interested in the new rules for women book, that will have to wait for payday....I do better looking and holding the book than I do with pulling it off the group on here.
Any information helps. Thanks in advance!

cmcorn26

Bump

DopeItUp

There is no bad time to be lifting weights. It is beneficial in many ways regardless of how much you have to lose.

Something important to realize: losing weight is easy. Very easy. But you know what's hard? Getting in shape. It takes a long, long time and and lots of brutal work to get in shape. That's why you want to start now. If you wait you'll be kicking yourself a year from now.

Machines are fine and will give you a workout, but not as good as a free weight exercise (using dumbbells and barbells). The book NROLFW you mentioned is all free-weight exercises for example. Having said that, getting your feet wet with machines is never a bad thing. Just don't stick to them too long, you'll be limiting yourself.

If you like books, pick up Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. Pretty much THE weight lifting bible. Hundreds of pages of very detailed and accurate information (and pictures) on form for the major exercises.

favhrnstr

I think weight-lifting is an essential part of true fitness. Not only does it burn calories, but it also helps shape you (muscle takes up less space than fat), and getting stronger can make everyday activities a lot easier. Most women are looking for lean muscle, not bulk, but don't worry: women typically don't have near enough protein in their bodies to risk bulk. I'd say ask a trainer/employee to show you how to work the machines so you don't hurt yourself, then see how much you can do. If 15 reps of an exercise doesn't isn't hard, up the weight a little. As you get stronger, you will slowly increase the weight!

I'd also recommend warming up a few minutes (jogging or jumping jacks do the trick), and be sure you stretch and cool down based on what muscles you're working that day. You'll be sore the first few times, but warm-ups and cool-downs should help avoid the "I can't move out of bed" kind of soreness.

And obviously, if you feel "bad pain," stop!