Cardio or weights?
Options
![Sweettart](https://dakd0cjsv8wfa.cloudfront.net/images/photos/user/ea27/d859/4dc2/3b47/2422/bbc5/e9ed/2d26a2257e3704f7d870f97caaee24f7ceca.jpg)
Sweettart
Posts: 1,331 Member
Today I am going back to the gym and don't know what to concentrate on. I have 56 pounds to lose to get to my goal weight.
Should I just do cardio first to get rid of the fat? I carry most of my weight in my mid section.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Should I just do cardio first to get rid of the fat? I carry most of my weight in my mid section.
Any advice would be appreciated.
0
Replies
-
*editing for clarity*
I should say I mean that you should have cardio days AND weight days, not both on the same day.
Do both.
I find it beneficial to have equal cardio time to my weight time. Also, give yourself time for a stretch/rest day.
This approach will help you retain your lean body mass while losing fat. It will be slower, but in the long run, it will keep your metabolism higher and help you lose weight.
How many days do you work out per week?0 -
You'll get as many different suggestions as there will be replies.
For me, because I have several key joints damaged by arthritis, I swim a lot and alternate using hand pads to add resistance training to the swimming element.
I started working with a personal trainer at my Y to get a handle on how and what to do with weights.
Some gyms, including my Y use the ActiTrax fitness system where you get a personalized workout for each visit and enter your metrics when done. The system is designed to keep the workout different and work the different muscle groups without getting bored. For those without limitations that I have, this has proven very helpful.
Take advantage of any free fitness help your gym has. Most have full time fitness advisers that can help you get started in a way that does not injure you.
And don't over do it. I didn't get to over 300 pounds over night. I didn't expect to turn into Aahnold overnight either. :bigsmile:0 -
You need both cardio and weight lifting. I do Crossfit and I know you'll get a lot of negative comments about it. But, it incorporates both into one workout. I enjoy it, have fun, and feel destroyed afterwards. You actually burn calories by the energy use lifting weights. I use to say I'm going to get to XXX lbs. before I start lifting. After doing this a few times and researching, I was being stupid. A faster pace high rep. lower weight Circuit training type workout, gets your heart rate up and your "motor" going. THat's my opinion and you'll have many people say different things. I love Crossfit and it has worked for me. Having said that EVERYONE is different and Crossfit isn't for everybody. You need to find what works for you.0
-
*editing for clarity*
I should say I mean that you should have cardio days AND weight days, not both on the same day.
Do both.
I find it beneficial to have equal cardio time to my weight time. Also, give yourself time for a stretch/rest day.
This approach will help you retain your lean body mass while losing fat. It will be slower, but in the long run, it will keep your metabolism higher and help you lose weight.
How many days do you work out per week?
^^This is what I've been doing, and it works well for me. The strength training signals your body to burn fat and that your muscle is needed. You will also burn more fat than glycogen during your cardio if you are adding strength training.0 -
You don't HAVE or NEED to do cardio or any exercise for that matter to lose weight. You only NEED a decifit of calories. The only exercise you NEED to not look like crap when you hit your goal weight is resistance training.0
-
If you had to pick only one or the other, then pick strength training.0
-
If you had to pick only one or the other, then pick strength training.
Exactly!
I personally do mostly strength training. The end result is better IMO0 -
BOTH!0
-
BOTH!0
-
You don't HAVE or NEED to do cardio or any exercise for that matter to lose weight. You only NEED a decifit of calories. The only exercise you NEED to not look like crap when you hit your goal weight is resistance training.
^ This0 -
I do both.. Monday -Friday... On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays I do both cardio and strength, and on Tuesday and Thursday I just do cardio, seems to be working well, 27 pounds lost so far
Hope this helps!
0 -
Definately both!! always, I usually do 30 min of strength training 2 to 3 days a week, and then either run or do the elliptical for at least 30 min after. I have heard it is better to do cardio first but because of my work and personal trainers schedule that's just how it works out for me. On the other days I do Zumba!!0
-
Lift weights.0
-
You don't HAVE or NEED to do cardio or any exercise for that matter to lose weight. You only NEED a decifit of calories. The only exercise you NEED to not look like crap when you hit your goal weight is resistance training.
^ This
I agree with this guy0 -
Both!!!!!! Please!!!!0
-
If you had to pick only one or the other, then pick strength training.
That's the best advice, I think. I do both, but the majority of my exercise routine is built around resistance/strength training. The cardio can be a good way to let your muscles rest for a bit without letting your heart rate drop, which is helpful to burn calories.0 -
Both.
It's like bacon and cheeseburgers. Or chocolate and peanut butter. Each is good on it's own, but wonderful together.0 -
Both!0
-
A certain amount of strength training is good for you, but, strictly to lose fat, do cardio and keep maintaining a calorie deficit. Diet is still the most important thing.0
-
From my opinion, Cardio is a must! it will burn that fat easy and faster than strength training!
For sure u will need strength training as well! you can tone up ur body and replace that fat with some musclesso depends on the time u have, u can do what ever u want!
I do 35-40 mins cardio and 50-60 mins Strength training (4-5 times a week)
Just set a schedule that will fit u! and will keeps u motivated and never get bored!
Hopefully something I say will help! feel free to pm me for any extra info.
Talal0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 392.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.6K Getting Started
- 259.9K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.7K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.4K Fitness and Exercise
- 403 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.8K Motivation and Support
- 7.9K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.4K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions