Strength training help needed
amandaxh
Posts: 38 Member
Right now I eat about 1350 cals a day (or at least that is what I am alloted for, probably 2-3 days a week I go over and eat around 1600-2000, thats usually just how it works out) and I do C25k 3x a week, the 30 day shred (minus the few minutes of cardio potion because I already do a cardio a lot, so the strength training and abs moves) about 2x a week and some light/moderation stationary bike about 2x a week.
I know I am not pushing myself as hard as I could. I am slacking on the exercise, slacking on how I eat some of the time.
The scale is not budging, it seems. I've lost about 7 pounds but I am sure some of that is water weight. Over the past two weeks I haven't seen a change on the scale so about a week ago I took my measurements. I am waiting for a while to take them again.
That being said, I feel like merely doing cardio and just a bit of strength training is not going to work for me. I have a lot of fat to lose, but I feel like I need to gain muscle to burn more fat because my body fat is ~60.7% -- ridiculously high.
Also, I always feel really bad about going over my 1350 limit, but I always end up doing so some days. I can live on it if I really pushed myself too, but it doesn't feel like something I can sustain, hence the occasional maximized overeating that happens a day of the week.
1. Do you think it would be smart to impliment a pretty strong strength training regime in my routine to accompany my cardio? I think sticking with cardio maybe 4 days a week would be smart, but having a pretty decent, challenging strength training routine for the other 3 days. (or maybe 3x cardio, 3x strength, 1x rest with walk or something). I just feel like the scale isn't moving, I want to improve my capacity to burn fat FASTER than I am and it seems like if I stick to 1350 STRICTLY, I lose the weight. If I go over ONE day, it seems like the whole week is ruined and I lose nothing? I don't get it.
If I implement a stronger strength routine, would it be smart to up my calories to maybe 1600-1800 a day? That is what I was thinking. 1800-2000 on my strength training days, and maybe 1600 on my cardio days, watching my carbs on those days (not counting veggies and fruits).
If I do this, I need a strength training routine. I am having a hard time with this. I have 2lb, 3lb and 10lb hand weights. I am willing to get more if need be. I want something I am able to do at home (for now) as I don't have access to a gym until September. Anyone have any suggestions?
It would be great to have a routine that hits most of the muscles in my body, (legs, arms, abs). Something that I can start low and increase since I really dont have much prior of anything. I was thinking maybe increasing my hand weights every week? (or 2 weeks?), should I increase reps as well?
30 Day Shred has been good for me because I have been learning some strength training moves that I like: Crunch, Reverse Crunch, Cross Crunch, Bicycle Crunch, Push Up, Side lunge with front raise, Squat with row, chest fly, lunge with curl, etc. (all from Level 1) I know there are a ton of free handweight exercises out there I can use without going to the gym, but I need help setting up a routine that would focus on all my muscle groups.
Is it better to work on certain parts of the body on different days?
The 30 Day Shred .. the strength training is quick. The reps are quick. I find myself not focusing on posture just to keep up. IMO it is better to go slower, but with more weight, and putting more effort into each move than to just try to get through it. Not that I don't like the shred for what it is meant for, I am just talking for some more serious work.
Any opinions? I know I have a bunch of questions in here. If you could even address just one that would be wonderful. I want to see more weight loss, but I think I am becoming frustrated because I just am not even sure what to do: I know what to eat, but not how many cals, I don't know how much of what type of exercise to do, etc.
I know I am not pushing myself as hard as I could. I am slacking on the exercise, slacking on how I eat some of the time.
The scale is not budging, it seems. I've lost about 7 pounds but I am sure some of that is water weight. Over the past two weeks I haven't seen a change on the scale so about a week ago I took my measurements. I am waiting for a while to take them again.
That being said, I feel like merely doing cardio and just a bit of strength training is not going to work for me. I have a lot of fat to lose, but I feel like I need to gain muscle to burn more fat because my body fat is ~60.7% -- ridiculously high.
Also, I always feel really bad about going over my 1350 limit, but I always end up doing so some days. I can live on it if I really pushed myself too, but it doesn't feel like something I can sustain, hence the occasional maximized overeating that happens a day of the week.
1. Do you think it would be smart to impliment a pretty strong strength training regime in my routine to accompany my cardio? I think sticking with cardio maybe 4 days a week would be smart, but having a pretty decent, challenging strength training routine for the other 3 days. (or maybe 3x cardio, 3x strength, 1x rest with walk or something). I just feel like the scale isn't moving, I want to improve my capacity to burn fat FASTER than I am and it seems like if I stick to 1350 STRICTLY, I lose the weight. If I go over ONE day, it seems like the whole week is ruined and I lose nothing? I don't get it.
If I implement a stronger strength routine, would it be smart to up my calories to maybe 1600-1800 a day? That is what I was thinking. 1800-2000 on my strength training days, and maybe 1600 on my cardio days, watching my carbs on those days (not counting veggies and fruits).
If I do this, I need a strength training routine. I am having a hard time with this. I have 2lb, 3lb and 10lb hand weights. I am willing to get more if need be. I want something I am able to do at home (for now) as I don't have access to a gym until September. Anyone have any suggestions?
It would be great to have a routine that hits most of the muscles in my body, (legs, arms, abs). Something that I can start low and increase since I really dont have much prior of anything. I was thinking maybe increasing my hand weights every week? (or 2 weeks?), should I increase reps as well?
30 Day Shred has been good for me because I have been learning some strength training moves that I like: Crunch, Reverse Crunch, Cross Crunch, Bicycle Crunch, Push Up, Side lunge with front raise, Squat with row, chest fly, lunge with curl, etc. (all from Level 1) I know there are a ton of free handweight exercises out there I can use without going to the gym, but I need help setting up a routine that would focus on all my muscle groups.
Is it better to work on certain parts of the body on different days?
The 30 Day Shred .. the strength training is quick. The reps are quick. I find myself not focusing on posture just to keep up. IMO it is better to go slower, but with more weight, and putting more effort into each move than to just try to get through it. Not that I don't like the shred for what it is meant for, I am just talking for some more serious work.
Any opinions? I know I have a bunch of questions in here. If you could even address just one that would be wonderful. I want to see more weight loss, but I think I am becoming frustrated because I just am not even sure what to do: I know what to eat, but not how many cals, I don't know how much of what type of exercise to do, etc.
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Replies
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IMO if you want to focus on Strength, you should take up a beginners strength routine.
Look into Stronglifts 5x5 or starting strength.
Just do those routines 3x a week for no more than an hour.
Get ample rest and eat at a moderate cut.
Maybe 20% from TDEE.0 -
I'm not an expert by any means but I'm loving New Rules of Lifting for Women. Look into it!0
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IMO if you want to focus on Strength, you should take up a beginners strength routine.
Look into Stronglifts 5x5 or starting strength.
Just do those routines 3x a week for no more than an hour.
Get ample rest and eat at a moderate cut.
Maybe 20% from TDEE.
That sounds like a good idea, definitely. Do you think this will amp up my weight loss (or inches, rather) as time goes on?0 -
I'm not an expert by any means but I'm loving New Rules of Lifting for Women. Look into it!
I've been seeing that around the forums lately. I'll definitely have to look into it. Thanks :-)0 -
IMO if you want to focus on Strength, you should take up a beginners strength routine.
Look into Stronglifts 5x5 or starting strength.
Just do those routines 3x a week for no more than an hour.
Get ample rest and eat at a moderate cut.
Maybe 20% from TDEE.
That sounds like a good idea, definitely. Do you think this will amp up my weight loss (or inches, rather) as time goes on?
The thing about weight loss is youll lose some lean mass.
You want to avoid this by using that lean mass and creating a reason for the body to maintain it.
You could realistically lose all your weight sitting on the couch but your body composition would turn out pretty bad.
You'd end up at goal weight but with extra fat and lowered lean mass.
So what normally happens is youll take up a 5x5 program and learn how to lift.
Your body will stay the same weight for a little while but youll see that your pants fit better.
=D
WIN!0 -
There is NO reason to eat 1350 calories strictly based on your activity level. Every women I have worked with is around 1800+ (a few are around 1500-1600 due to little exercise) and they all consistently lose weight. It's important to feed your muscles to repair. The heavier you go (with good form) the more fat you will lose. Aim for 1g of protein per lbm and that should help reduce muscle loss. I agree with dan, I prefer the 20% below TDEE but if you are obese than aiming for 70% isn't too bad either but I dont know if it will actually provide for greater weight loss.0
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