What is endurance?! Why would weights help abs?

Verity1111

Someone help me! lol. I know a lot about diet and little about exercise when it comes to strength training. Someone told me I can build endurance with what I'm doing, Zumba, but not strength. Okay. I was also told push ups will build strength. Okay. I'm so confused. I also read lifting weights will tone all over. Extra Okay(????). lol Someone help me, pretty please with a protein supplemented ice cream shake and a cherry on top. lol.

Verity1111

:]

zyxst

Strength training helps build up muscles. More muscle = more calories burned, which usually = more weight lost.

gil_u

Strength training helps build up muscles. More muscle = more calories burned, which usually = more weight lost.

This just about sums it up. Also, if you are thinking about combining cardio and weight training, start with weight training, then go to cardio right after. It helps burn more calories. What types of exercises were you thinking about doing?

MommaKit79

Agree with what everyone is saying so far!!

michellemains1983

Hey,

I don't know if your a fan of Tv show "The Biggest Loser" but Jillian Michaels has ALOT of GREAT workout dvds that combine's BOTH cardio AND strength...check out www.jillianmichaels.com they're also sold in stores like walmart and meijers. I'm currently using Jillian Michaels: 30 day shred...it's AWESOME and NOT to mention INTENSE!!!!

Jerodhold

When you first start exercising just about anything will build a bit of muscle and burn fat, cuz your doing something new and your body is not used to it, but after a while your body will get used to it and the muscle building and fat lose will slow down a lot. So to keep that from happening you got to keep your body guessing, keep changing things up, confuse your muscles. And yes more muscle means more calories burned, I think it's something like for every pound of muscle your body burns like 80-100 calories a day, I think. And workouts like Zumba are more for burning calories then building muscle, Strength training with some weights is what really builds the muscle haha, and endurance is being able to do something for a long period of time, like being able to do 100 sit-ups with out stopping or something.

NJSunshine13

Strength training helps build up muscles. More muscle = more calories burned, which usually = more weight lost.

This just about sums it up. Also, if you are thinking about combining cardio and weight training, start with weight training, then go to cardio right after. It helps burn more calories. What types of exercises were you thinking about doing?

Wait ...... I'm suppose to weight train and then do cardio? I always start out with a 10 minute run before I do my weights. Should I switch?

DavPul

Not sure if serious

Verity1111

Strength training helps build up muscles. More muscle = more calories burned, which usually = more weight lost.

This just about sums it up. Also, if you are thinking about combining cardio and weight training, start with weight training, then go to cardio right after. It helps burn more calories. What types of exercises were you thinking about doing?

I already know that. What I don't know is what is the difference???? What is endurance? What is strength training? Doesn't it only build muscles in the arms if you do push ups? If not, why? This is why I'm so confused because I don't know what the difference is.

Verity1111

Not sure if serious

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle? Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Verity1111

Strength training helps build up muscles. More muscle = more calories burned, which usually = more weight lost.

This just about sums it up. Also, if you are thinking about combining cardio and weight training, start with weight training, then go to cardio right after. It helps burn more calories. What types of exercises were you thinking about doing?

Wait ...... I'm suppose to weight train and then do cardio? I always start out with a 10 minute run before I do my weights. Should I switch?

I think the theory there is that the weight lifting will help you get ready for cardio and burn more, or vice verca, but I find it depends on the person. I struggle with my cardio after weights, so for me sometimes it is best to do weights last.

Verity1111

@michellemains Thanks you for the link :] I have two of her dvds but Id like more. Lol So I still liked it. xoxo I just am so lost at why certain exercises do or dont build muscle

@Jerodjold Nice one, confuse them. lol. I think that is similar to the zig zag your calories idea, which I love. Thank you for helping me clarify it. I figured it was something about being able to exercise longer, but I'm like, wtf does that do for me? LOL. I can exercise long enough for now. I just have so much trouble realizing what will and wont work my core. I bought Zumba CORE, but the company seems to have lied to make money. WHO KNEW? Lol. Im shocked. It is a lot of fun though and I actually just bought it for the workout, so it works for me.

LorinaLynn

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle?

Cardio type exercises - running, zumba, elliptical - are great for improving the health and strength of your heart and lungs. Your cardiovascular system. Strength training and weight lifting, especially with heavier weights and lower reps, builds muscle strength. (IE, you don't get much bang for your buck lifting 2 pound dumbbells 100 times, because it's the same as lifting a Big Gulp. It's not stressing your muscles.)

Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Because you don't just use that one muscle, especially if you're doing free weights (vs machines). And in a good strength training program, you're working your entire body. Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, legs.

Even with a pushup, you're not just using your arms, you're using your core (abs, back) to maintain your balance.

Verity1111

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle?

Cardio type exercises - running, zumba, elliptical - are great for improving the health and strength of your heart and lungs. Your cardiovascular system. Strength training and weight lifting, especially with heavier weights and lower reps, builds muscle strength. (IE, you don't get much bang for your buck lifting 2 pound dumbbells 100 times, because it's the same as lifting a Big Gulp. It's not stressing your muscles.)

Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Because you don't just use that one muscle, especially if you're doing free weights (vs machines). And in a good strength training program, you're working your entire body. Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, legs.

Even with a pushup, you're not just using your arms, you're using your core (abs, back) to maintain your balance.

I think big gulps are really heavy lol. I have really weak muscles, so for me I can't go with anything over 15lbs(per side) to start. I really don't think I can handle it yet. Not sure. Maybe if it is low reps. What type of reps are good for high weight of what is a good weight to start? Sorry to be a pain and thank you! So are squats working my core too? Just curious and you have always been so helpful so thank you for explaining all of that. :]

CoderGal

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle?

Cardio type exercises - running, zumba, elliptical - are great for improving the health and strength of your heart and lungs. Your cardiovascular system. Strength training and weight lifting, especially with heavier weights and lower reps, builds muscle strength. (IE, you don't get much bang for your buck lifting 2 pound dumbbells 100 times, because it's the same as lifting a Big Gulp. It's not stressing your muscles.)

Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Because you don't just use that one muscle, especially if you're doing free weights (vs machines). And in a good strength training program, you're working your entire body. Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, legs.

Even with a pushup, you're not just using your arms, you're using your core (abs, back) to maintain your balance.

^the only post you need to read on this thread.

I well also add that people say things like working your arms help your stomach because they are on a calorie deficit and realize genetics are in play. We all have places we well lose weight first. For example. I'm a pear. If I had all the fat sucked out of my bottom, it well find its way back there no matter what I do. That's why those who pay for the surgery end up dissapointed in the long run. My arms tend to be larger then most people my size. There's not much I can do about it...if I work them out or not they well still likely be bigger then people my size. My weight tends to fall off my waist. Even for those not built like me and even if they are working on mostly arms...as they lose weight they will lost weight everywhere...including their waist.

Also starting off you don't need barbells to do weights. Remember, your body weighs weight. Push yourself. Literally.

snowbike

Endurance is doing an activity for a long time. Typically endurance sports are long enough such that the body needs refuelling at some point during the activity. Training for endurance involves gradual extension of activity over time.

If you are on a calorie deficit , weight training will help you maintain your current muscle mass. You are unlikely to build any muscle when dieting especially as your are female. You will probably see some improvement in strength but not mass.

Do I detect a fear of weight training?

What is you eventual goal? Im guessing the picture on the left of your avatar? If so, I bet she lifts and lifts heavy weights!!!

Have a look round on the forum for the New rules of lifting for women

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

Verity1111

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle?

Cardio type exercises - running, zumba, elliptical - are great for improving the health and strength of your heart and lungs. Your cardiovascular system. Strength training and weight lifting, especially with heavier weights and lower reps, builds muscle strength. (IE, you don't get much bang for your buck lifting 2 pound dumbbells 100 times, because it's the same as lifting a Big Gulp. It's not stressing your muscles.)

Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Because you don't just use that one muscle, especially if you're doing free weights (vs machines). And in a good strength training program, you're working your entire body. Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, legs.

Even with a pushup, you're not just using your arms, you're using your core (abs, back) to maintain your balance.

^the only post you need to read on this thread.

I well also add that people say things like working your arms help your stomach because they are on a calorie deficit and realize genetics are in play. We all have places we well lose weight first. For example. I'm a pear. If I had all the fat sucked out of my bottom, it well find its way back there no matter what I do. That's why those who pay for the surgery end up dissapointed in the long run. My arms tend to be larger then most people my size. There's not much I can do about it...if I work them out or not they well still likely be bigger then people my size. My weight tends to fall off my waist. Even for those not built like me and even if they are working on mostly arms...as they lose weight they will lost weight everywhere...including their waist.

Also starting off you don't need barbells to do weights. Remember, your body weighs weight. Push yourself. Literally.

Thank you. I cant really do push ups anymore, but as a teen I could do a few hundred of them at once. It was no problem. Im 22. I sort of lost my fitness there with our first baby because I didnt realize what I did then would affect me so much later (I was 19/20). I appreciate the information. I lose more from my waist too.

Verity1111

Endurance is doing an activity for a long time. Typically endurance sports are long enough such that the body needs refuelling at some point during the activity. Training for endurance involves gradual extension of activity over time.

If you are on a calorie deficit , weight training will help you maintain your current muscle mass. You are unlikely to build any muscle when dieting especially as your are female. You will probably see some improvement in strength but not mass.

Do I detect a fear of weight training?

What is you eventual goal? Im guessing the picture on the left of your avatar? If so, I bet she lifts and lifts heavy weights!!!

Have a look round on the forum for the New rules of lifting for women

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

Hey there! :] You seem very nice asking questions to clarify. I don't fear weight training really although maybe I do fear it. lol. Wait a second. Maybe a little because Im scared I wont lose (inches either). I want to start weight training also, but Im so worried I will injure myself. I used to be pretty tough ad could woop my own fiances toosh (we had our bad moments lol) now Im sure the wind could blow me over. My eventual goal, sure the avy lady would work, but I just find the picture pretty funny. :] I would really prefer to stay a little thick, ie: http://www.alwayztherro.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/dhills9957web.jpg or maybe a bit smaller than her lol. I dont want to be neither stick thin nor have a 6 pack, but a little definition would be nice. I will definitely look at the link, although I think the rules are basically the same for everyone as far as basic rules. Thank you so much for the link and information. I would think the girl in my profile picture works her toosh off too, probably runs a lot and lifts as well from the looks of it. & she isnt overly thin. I never really noticed though, I was most distracted by Jim Carrey being ridiculously odd. lol

AmyRhubarb

Thank you. I cant really do push ups anymore, but as a teen I could do a few hundred of them at once. It was no problem. Im 22. I sort of lost my fitness there with our first baby because I didnt realize what I did then would affect me so much later (I was 19/20). I appreciate the information. I lose more from my waist too.

Here's a great program to build up your pushups, no matter how long it's been since you last did one: http://hundredpushups.com/#sthash.NuPfBxSp.dpbs

Online or app if you've got a smart phone. And I agree on New Rules of Lifting - another great book/program. Check your local library for it if you want to see what it's about before buying.

joybedford

Hi I just thought I would add my bit to this. I have been a running for about 2 years now and although I lost weight and my legs were nicely toned I still felt flabby. We have a home gym and my husband lifts I used the equipment off and on but didn't really have a clue what I was doing and didn't really enjoy it. After reading posts from people on here who lift I started get more consistent, I bought NROLFW but couldn't get into it. For the past 5 weeks I have been following jamie easons live fit programme and am loving it. I found the no cardio for the first 4 weeks tough but the changes to my body in such a short period of time are amazing. Bear in mind that I am 41 and have had 3 children my colleagues can't believe the new me and clients don't believe me when I say my oldest child is nearly 17. My confidence has increased as has my ability to cope with life and energy levels. I will finish the programme and then probably do NROLFW . Lifting is now part of my life although I do want to get back to running s I am missing it. I have a half marathon booked in may and at some point would like to do a marathon. Hope my ramblings have helped give lifting a try I struggled to begin with but strength comes in time.

CoderGal

Im serious. What is endurance as far as exercise goes? I know endurance is the ability to last through something. Okay. So it helps me what, be able to exercise longer, but does not build muscle?

Cardio type exercises - running, zumba, elliptical - are great for improving the health and strength of your heart and lungs. Your cardiovascular system. Strength training and weight lifting, especially with heavier weights and lower reps, builds muscle strength. (IE, you don't get much bang for your buck lifting 2 pound dumbbells 100 times, because it's the same as lifting a Big Gulp. It's not stressing your muscles.)

Why would weight lifting help abs and not just arms? This is where Im lost.

Because you don't just use that one muscle, especially if you're doing free weights (vs machines). And in a good strength training program, you're working your entire body. Your arms, shoulders, back, abs, legs.

Even with a pushup, you're not just using your arms, you're using your core (abs, back) to maintain your balance.

^the only post you need to read on this thread.

I well also add that people say things like working your arms help your stomach because they are on a calorie deficit and realize genetics are in play. We all have places we well lose weight first. For example. I'm a pear. If I had all the fat sucked out of my bottom, it well find its way back there no matter what I do. That's why those who pay for the surgery end up dissapointed in the long run. My arms tend to be larger then most people my size. There's not much I can do about it...if I work them out or not they well still likely be bigger then people my size. My weight tends to fall off my waist. Even for those not built like me and even if they are working on mostly arms...as they lose weight they will lost weight everywhere...including their waist.

Also starting off you don't need barbells to do weights. Remember, your body weighs weight. Push yourself. Literally.

Thank you. I cant really do push ups anymore, but as a teen I could do a few hundred of them at once. It was no problem. Im 22. I sort of lost my fitness there with our first baby because I didnt realize what I did then would affect me so much later (I was 19/20). I appreciate the information. I lose more from my waist too.

Don't worry, it can all be reversed 200% And strength training definitely 100% will make all your bits look better. Make sure you train everything so you don't end up being that wobbly legged girl who can climb up buildings using her bare hands haha...

Don't get me wrong you can bulk up an area by constantly working on it and constantly eating like a beast. But on a calorie deficit, muscles don't ted to grow into gigantic man arms for example. In fact, on a slim body on a calorie deficit, they don't tend to grow at all from the research I've done and the experience I've had. You just end up working the muscle fibers that were there to begin with, and you can get stronger. That's another common myth. You'll turn into a she hulk if you lift larger then the barbie bar bells. And on a deficit even if you're larger, the only time it can be argued that the muscles can grow, the body parts themselves get slimmer when on a calorie deficit (from what i've read and seen).

And you may have heard something that pisses many logical people off "fat weighs more then muscle". No, a lb of fat and a lb of muscle is a lb. But when it comes to volume, the muscle well be a lot smaller. That's why you can find some people whose weight can surprise you. If they don't exercise, they can weigh a lot larger then they look...And then there's the ones who end up being fairly heavy because they have so much muscle, even if they're slim. That's why I don't like it when obese people judge themselves by the BMI scale after they start exercising and the pounds eventually stop falling off as fast and they're still in the overweight category...and they have abs...and they look way better then someone half their size...and they're still getting skinnier...and they are still losing weight but slower and not into the double digits like they could do before...and if they decided they wanted to lose more weight by stopping their exercise routine and eating very little they'd become larger and squishier.

aippolito1

Strength training helps burn fat and build muscle. The more fat you burn, the lower your body fat % becomes. The lower your body fat %, the more visible your ab muscles will be (provided you've been building abdominal muscles).

monty619

too many benefits to resistance training to put on one thread for reasons of aesthetics and health.

CoderGal

too many benefits to resistance training to put on one thread for reasons of aesthetics and health.

^says the guy with the abs who probably looks a million times hotter then most guys of the same height and weight.

Verity1111

Thank you. I cant really do push ups anymore, but as a teen I could do a few hundred of them at once. It was no problem. Im 22. I sort of lost my fitness there with our first baby because I didnt realize what I did then would affect me so much later (I was 19/20). I appreciate the information. I lose more from my waist too.

Here's a great program to build up your pushups, no matter how long it's been since you last did one: http://hundredpushups.com/#sthash.NuPfBxSp.dpbs

Online or app if you've got a smart phone. And I agree on New Rules of Lifting - another great book/program. Check your local library for it if you want to see what it's about before buying.

Thank you! Link looks helpful :] Im sure it could be fun too xo

Verity1111

@joybedford I really want to try thank you :] It is mostly where to start, but stopping cardio seems like one options. Maybe for a few days

@CoderGal LOL. I actually have very strong legs still or at least fairly. It is more my arms that need work. Im sure carrying out kids should help a lot as they get bigger, but for not weight will work. lol

@aippolito1 The more pressuring concern was how arm exercises affect the abdominal muscles. (or about how it builds the abdominal muscles) Thank you for the reply :]

@monty619 I know the benefits of it, I am trying to understand why arm weights help the abdomen, but I think Lorina gave me a nice run down of it.

sho3girl

Hey,

I don't know if your a fan of Tv show "The Biggest Loser" but Jillian Michaels has ALOT of GREAT workout dvds that combine's BOTH cardio AND strength...check out www.jillianmichaels.com they're also sold in stores like walmart and meijers. I'm currently using Jillian Michaels: 30 day shred...it's AWESOME and NOT to mention INTENSE!!!!

you tube these and save your bucks !