When should I add lifting to my workout?

CandyBryson

So I have kind of just started this whole process and I have some questions. I do cardio at least 3 times a week I normally make it to 4. I do one hour on the treamill at 3.0 MPH and a 1.0 inline, and plan on adding speed and incline as I go. should I add weights now or wait until lose some weight? I am 5"4 and 252 at last weight in but it has been coming off pretty fast. My original plan is to wait until I hit a plateau and then add weights to get me over the bump.

DopeItUp

Don't wait, start now. I wish I had started from day one. Losing weight is easy, getting in shape/getting strong is much more difficult. The longer you wait the more you will regret it. There is zero benefit to waiting.

BrianSharpe

Don't wait, strength training complements your cardio, if you could....start yesterday.

DavPul

last week

LoraF83

last week

^This. I haven't been lifting long (only a couple of months) but I can tell you that I am getting comments right and left about my weight loss.....and I haven't lost too much in that time period (wasn't strict with my diet). And - I went down a full pants size.

Lifting makes you look good.

FullOfWin

When you were 14 at the latest

Sarauk2sf

Now.

karensoxfan

Agreed to start now. :happy:

LorinaLynn

Unless you have a time machine, and if you do, let me borrow it, start now.

I wish I started sooner. I could have avoided the droopy-*kitten* phase. :grumble: The more muscle you keep while losing weight, the fewer pounds you'll have to lose to achieve the body you want.

bizco

The time you should have started lifting weights was May 2011 when you joined MFP. But, no worries, you can start now. :flowerforyou:

MacInCali

Incorporate lifting as soon as possible!! I would also suggest not going a straight hour on the treadmill at the same setting (3.0 at 1% incline) ... every couple of minutes, up the speed or incline (or both) for about 30 seconds at a time, then go back down ... the quick jump in speed/incline for short periods of time will do wonders!!

SeaChele77

Yesterday!

auroranflash

Unless you have a time machine, and if you do, let me borrow it, start now.

I wish I started sooner. I could have avoided the droopy-*kitten* phase. :grumble: The more muscle you keep while losing weight, the fewer pounds you'll have to lose to achieve the body you want.

^^^ this.

Was just talking about this. Lifting WILL help you lose fat in the long run because the more muscle you have, the more calories you will burn even at rest because your body has to use energy to maintain them. There is zero benefit to waiting. You will get better results and lose inches faster if you start lifting ASAP.

MB_Positif

Today! No reason to wait at all!

tajmel

Now.

contingencyplan

The question is, why aren't you already?

djmauck

Start now, and do squats!

bleacheblonde

I'm glad I read this thread....going to start lifting asap!

super_monty

I have shifted from endurance lifting (high reps) to heavy and I love it do it now!!!!

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Yesterday.

T34418l3angel

Now! And I think a 3 day split would work great with your schedule. You could do like I do if you want (just an example): Monday chest and triceps, Wednesday legs and shoulders, Friday back and bicep. Sunday is an optional day. I hate cardio so I only do it 10-15 minutes a day. And don't be scared to lift HEAVY!

taylor5877

To be conservative go back however many years to make you 15, and that's when you should/should have starting lifting.

Stompp

ASAP, I lost 90 pounds without ANY strength training, and I regret it every time I step in the gym now...

Stompp

Also... compound workouts are your friend... learn to love squats

jenluvsushi

I started off even heavier than you and am so glad I lifted from the get go. I highly recommend stronglifts. Lift and then cardio IMO. You can do this! Best of luck!

guardian419

a firm, resounding now. Know your limits, get the proper training, educate yourself on compound exercises and the proper diet, avoid machines, and LIFT HEAVY (after your form is right)

5pmsomewherenow

I had actually started the strength training two years before I decided to change the eating part of a healthy lifestyle -- and I'm so glad I had some muscle under all that flab. As I whittled away at the fat, the muscle was there, just waiting to shine through as a firm, toned body. Then, when I lost the weight (30, then 40, then 50 lbs) the cardio and general "fitness" became so much better, and I could add new stuff like kettlebell, spin and zumba (the secret FUN stuff, you havta be somewhat fit to actually ENJOY:flowerforyou: )

I agree with everyone else, the sooner you start some strength training, the more results you'll see. It goes hand in hand to compliment the healthy eating, "more moving" strategy to the slimmer, toned, fit, new YOU.

Dragonwolf

Also... compound workouts are your friend... learn to love squats

And deadlifts.

meshashesha2012

ASAP.

the reason why i was only 70 pounds overweight instead of 140 was because i continued to lift weights all throughout my weight gain.

start asap.

stop reading this thread and start learning proper form for squats, deadlifts, snatches, push ups, pulluos, bb rows and cleans :happy:

thank us in a few months

shizz230

This is a good post because I always wanted to know that myself,,, when should I start weight training

Xaspar

Also... compound workouts are your friend... learn to love squats

I LOVE squats!!! (I just keep telling myself that)