when to start strength training?

Leesespieces412
Leesespieces412 Posts: 29 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys! I've been using MFP for just over a month now with AMAZING success. I've been eating healthier and loyally doing the elliptical 5-6 days a week. I'm down 15 pounds and I feel loads better already, but I do have a long way to go. Ultimately I'm looking to lose at least 100 pounds. I've always been overweight. Near the end of high school I lost about 80 pounds by eating right and running every day, but I never did any strength training. Obviously over the last 5 years I gained all that back, which is why I'm back on the wagon again.

I've heard that strength training helps you keep the weight off and gives you more of a toned, lean look as opposed to just a smaller version of your overweight self. I've never incorporated it. The elliptical is working very well right now.

So my question is, since the elliptical seems to be producing results at the moment, and I have such a long way to go, should I just continue with the aerobic exercise and incorporate the strength training later on down the road, towards the end, or would it be beneficial to start doing now?

Thanks guys!

Replies

  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I think you should start doing it now. It will prevent muscle loss that way as you lose weight, you will lose just the fat, which is what you want to lose. When you reach your goal weight you will be a lot happier with your body. But it's up to you. Do whatever exercise keeps you interested.
  • bahacca
    bahacca Posts: 878 Member
    I'd start now as well. Just don't get discouraged if you gain a tad back when you start.
    This helped me keep things in perspective:
    http://bankshealth.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/weight-gain-with-new-exercise-programs/
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    You should start as far back in the past as possible. Baring that, start now. Check this out for some info

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/686963-large-collection-of-info-for-beginners
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Start now and you'll maintain a lot more of your muscle than you would if you started later. It's common to lose some muscle mass as you lose weight, so always best to keep this at a minimum.

    Plus you'll get stronger, which is always a good thing IMO :D
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    start last week if possible. if not, tomorrow is good.
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    Now now now now now.


    Did a say now? Because now.
  • lglg11
    lglg11 Posts: 344 Member
    Yesterday
  • sadein
    sadein Posts: 40
    start last week if possible. if not, tomorrow is good.

    took the words out of my mouth!
  • onedayillbeamilf
    onedayillbeamilf Posts: 966 Member
    Bumping so I can use the links provided again when I forget them....which doesn't take me long.
  • yo_andi
    yo_andi Posts: 2,178 Member
    You should have started yesterday! But tomorrow is good too!
  • brittrose33
    brittrose33 Posts: 58
    I lost 15 pounds before joining MFP, and I started with very basic strength moves. I haven't lost any weight in the 10 days of MFP, but when I joined I also amped up my weight lifting, my arms look SO much better - despite the 50 pounds I have to go. I also lost 2 inches off my waist in those 10 days, and other inches all over. I find the weights help give shape to my flab, everything is more defined (I love squats). Plus it's an awesome feeling when you realize you need bigger weights because the fives just ain't doing it. :happy:
  • NewMeAT33
    NewMeAT33 Posts: 33
    Thanks everyone. I really needed to hear this. I started MFP about a month ago and lost 8 lbs in 2 weeks. Since getting a trainer and lifting I have actually gained some of the weight back. I know the weights have a number of benefits long term- I've lost 2 inches of my waist and 2 off each thigh- but not seeing the scale move an be discouraging.
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