Calisthenics or heavy lifting now?

peacemongernc

I started working with a trainer last January. I weighed 304 pounds. My trainer started me out doing some basic exercises that I guess you would call Calisthenics. Sometimes we used small weights or TRX bands or those rubber bungee cord band things. I worked with him until late July when he was promoted and I started working with a different trainer. I LOVE her! She really works me hard and, still doing what I would call Calisthenics and core strengthening, added in some step class stuff. I've been really happy with the results and have lost about 90 pounds.

But I've also been curious about weight lifting. So the end of August I started using the bench press, some free weight stuff and the bicep curl a few times a week after I did my cardio. But I really have no idea what I'm doing. I've been meaning to buy a book about it.

So last week I talked to another trainer at the gym I go to. He is a former professional body builder and has coached other body builders. He said he would be happy to show me a little bit about lifting so I'm not making it up as I go along.

I worked with him today. I really enjoyed it!

I don't think I can afford to work with both trainers. I'm only doing 1 day a week right now.

Would it be reasonable to change to just working with the trainer doing the lifting? Would it be better to wait until I'm smaller to make the change since I still have so much to lose? (I'm 213 and trying to make it 164) Would there be any benefit in working with the weight lifter for a couple of months, just for a change, and then going back to the trainer doing the Calisthenics?

If I COULD figure out how to pay for two sessions a week, would it be good to do one session with one and one with the other, or better to do 2 of the same sort?

Thoughts?

TIA
Shannon

ilovedeadlifts

People can argue all day about which would be better for you.
But the bottom line, and what will bring about the best results, is to do what you think you're going to enjoy and stick with.

I think weight lifting will have a more dramatic impact on the way your body looks and feels, but if you don't like it and won't keep doing it, then it's not the best.

If you get into lifting. work with a trainer for a while, do some research, then start lifting on your own. much cheaper. once your form is down, you don't really need the trainer

jacksonpt

IMO, you don't really need a trainer for lifting. Find a program that focuses on compound lifts (starting strength and stronglifts are both excellent). Meet with the trainer once or twice and focus on form and technique. Once you have that down, you don't need him any more... just follow the program using the form he taught you.

Then stick with your current trainer for everything else.

Momwasix

yeah pretty much what he said there is les mills body pump you can purchase from beachbody that comes with the weights.

jacksonpt

oh... duh... the easiest thing might be to ask your current trainer about adding some heavy lifting into your routine.

meshashesha2012

if you're curious and interested in the heavy weights then work with the bodybuilder. don;t worry about hurting your current trainer's feelings because goals change

i'm only about a third of the way to my goal and i've been lifting heavy throughout. i havent lost a lot of weight but since most of it has been fat it's been a huge difference in how i look.


and honestly speaking once you start working out with a traditional strength training routine, you'll find that if you go back to calisthenics style stuff i's not going to be anywhere near as intense as you'd need

prokomds

It sounds like you're doing totally awesome regardless which way you to decide to go, congrats on that

My opinion would be to try out the weight training for awhile (hey, you can always go back to what you were doing before if you don't like it). I think building muscle lifting while you're losing fat is the best track for looking (and feeling) fit, though of course you could find people with totally different opinions around here. Really, all of the options you brought up sound like a good answer. Good luck!

peacemongernc

Thank you all for your responses!

Jacksonpt, I actually talked to my current trainer about doing more weight lifting with me and she said she doesn't feel qualified to do any of that. She is awesome at the things we do, though.

Lots to think about....

Thanks!

Shannon