Stronglifts 5x5 for Women

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MUST I do cardio?

DeanneLea
DeanneLea Posts: 261
edited January 1 in Social Groups
I have the dreaded c-section belly. I realize I will probably never be able to get rid of it BUT I will work my *kitten* off trying. My problem is, I am on a med that makes getting overheated dreadful. When I lift, I do ok but running and other cardio kills me.

I guess my question is, is it possible to still get decent results with JUST lifting or does there need to be cardio alongside? At least for the next few months, I will need to take it easy on cardio.

Is there anyone out there that is just lifting?

Replies

  • Rays_Wife
    Rays_Wife Posts: 1,173 Member
    You can get AMAZING results just lifting. While cardio has it's cardiovascular benefits, it is not "necessary" to lose fat and build or condition muscle. All you need is a proper diet and strength training for that. Many people here just lift and don't do cardio. I used to do a ton of cardio, but since I've gotten into heavy lifting I have drastically cut my cardio back. I used to run on my off days but now I only take a couple walks a week, or maybe a session on the bike or elliptical. I've been at SL 5x5 for 3 months and now that the weights have gotten heavy for me I find too much cardio hurts my recovery time between lifting. My body shape has changed more than ever since I reduced my cardio. I've lost a ton of inches!

    If you really want to change your body (and not just "lose weight") then definitely make lifting your #1 priority. If you have energy left for some moderate cardio on a couple off days, then go for it (but no HIIT as that greatly interferes with muscle recovery). But if not don't sweat it! (no pun intended lol)
  • Rays_Wife
    Rays_Wife Posts: 1,173 Member
    Oh, and I've had 2 c-sections and my belly is shrinking quite nicely :smile: I know how frustrating that is!! But lifting definitely helps suck things back in to where they should be. I call lifting weights the poor man's plastic surgery :laugh:
  • siriusalien
    siriusalien Posts: 207
    If you really want to change your body (and not just "lose weight") then definitely make lifting your #1 priority. If you have energy left for some moderate cardio on a couple off days, then go for it (but no HIIT as that greatly interferes with muscle recovery). But if not don't sweat it! (no pun intended lol)

    ^ THIS^
    a nice low resistance cardio is the rowing machine
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    Thank you so much for your input!

    My mind is at ease. I was over worrying about the whole thing.

    I may try to add in some walking/half *kitten* running(lol) in on my off days for now. I'll see how much I can handle.

    Thanks again!
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I don't do much in the way of cardio.
  • jenluvsushi
    jenluvsushi Posts: 933 Member
    If you eat at a moderate deficit and lift heavy, you can absolutely lose fat without tons of cardio.
  • darwinforyou
    darwinforyou Posts: 988 Member
    Oh, and I've had 2 c-sections and my belly is shrinking quite nicely :smile: I know how frustrating that is!! But lifting definitely helps suck things back in to where they should be. I call lifting weights the poor man's plastic surgery :laugh:

    I find this hilarious....just had to say thanks for laugh!
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    If you eat at a moderate deficit and lift heavy, you can absolutely lose fat without tons of cardio.

    Thanks!

    This all gives me hope lol. Since starting 5x5, I have very little interest in cardio. So even if I could handle it, I'm not sure I would want to do much of it.
  • jenluvsushi
    jenluvsushi Posts: 933 Member
    Also, please keep this in mind.....although you will probably get smaller, you might not be lighter on the scale. I haven't lost anything since August but I am down a pant size. I suggest not weighing yourself if that really bothers you. Water retention is normal when you lift heavy...it's nothing for me to gain 5 pounds overnight after a really intense session. My scale weight really bothered me but I am working on getting over that. My hubby tells me I look so much better naked now....and that is all that matters, lol!
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    Oh yea I'm familiar with the scale being an ahole when you're lifting.

    I do weigh myself weekly to monitor the med I'm on. So far, the gains haven't been insane so I'm not freaking out over them.

    I have about 10 lbs to go until I'm at my goal weight so I'm a little confused on what I should do to get there. It's difficult to cut and do 5x5 at the same time.
  • jenluvsushi
    jenluvsushi Posts: 933 Member
    It was very difficult for me too and I am nowhere near goal. There is only so much strength building you can do in a caloric deficit. Eventually, I hit a wall and had to make a change before I hurt myself. I switched to madcow and I really love it....it is a modified stronglifts program. I think it is much easier when you are eating in a deficit. This is just my opinion of course. A lot of people like 5/3/1 as well. Best of luck to you!
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    I was considering switching to Madcow as well.

    I'm half way through 5x5 so I may just see if I can stick it out until the end, then switch.

    I'm glad to hear you like madcow!
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I don't do any cardio
  • amsparky
    amsparky Posts: 825 Member
    Bump for future reference..
  • fittiephd
    fittiephd Posts: 608 Member
    I don't do any cardio except an occasional mile or two jog with my bf and an occasional 4 min tabata interval. By occasional I mean I did the former twice this month and the latter once lol. Technically I walk to school everyday but idk if that counts. Basically my answer is no you don't need cardio lol.
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