Cardio or weights?

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:

*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.

If you had to pick only one or the other, then pick strength training.

BOTH!

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

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!!

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 guy

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.

Both!

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 muscles so 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.

Talal

If you had to pick only one or the other, then pick strength training.

If I were concerned about a fat abdomen, I would do cardio, and of course, watch my diet.

BOTH! Do strength training first and then HIIT workouts for cardio 20-30 minute high bursts.

***This may shock some people***

I say neither

What? Did I just say NO exercise...wow, I probably sound crazy. haha but isn't that refreshing to hear?! I am a student studying Human Nutritional Sciences. I recently attended a workshop where the guest speaker who specializes in weight management said that studies show exercise only account for 2.7% of weight loss. In other words, if you must exert energy in any area, spend it in the kitchen! Focus on getting your nutrition tight, meal prep, limit excess sugar, saturated fats, simple carbs and eat lots of lean protein, veggies and complex carbs!

There's more to life than weight loss. For example strength and fitness.

i walk my dog daily and do crossfit 4 times a week. as someone previously said, you do burn calories with everything you do in crossfit. the negative i find with tracking it on mfp is that it doesn't add any calories earned for strength training exercises. and i know that with the amount of sweat, constant movement, and fatigued muscles i get from an hour long class, i am burning hundreds of calories. only cardio exercise calories burned get factored in to your daily allotment. but i know that i have a lot more to "eat back" on crossfit days. and so it will look like i have gone over on calories when i really haven't.

as for cardio vs. weights, in general, the question you need to ask yourself is this: what is more important, the number on the scale or the way your *kitten* looks in jeans? weights are going to add muscle mass which is going to keep your weight higher initially, but your figure will quickly change for the better. cardio is going to shed pounds, but your body won't look as fit as what you think should match your weight until you begin to tone it.

i was once taught that the right balance for getting healthy is:
50% diet
40% strength
10% cardio

I recently attended a workshop where the guest speaker who specializes in weight management said that studies show exercise only account for 2.7% of weight loss.

Which studies?

Where calories held constant between the exercise, non exercise and control group (presuming there was one)

I think certainly that diet is the key thing in losing weight but exercise certainly has its place, especially if long term maintenance is the individuals goals.