Lifting while losing, what are the benefits?

Options
pitbullmama
pitbullmama Posts: 454 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So if your body needs to be in an anabolic state to build muscle, and needs to be in a catabolic state to lose weight, are there any benefits at all to lifting while in a calorie deficit? I truly am at a loss here for the answer to this question. Why not cardio to burn calories until near goal and then start lifting? Can someone help me out here ?
«1

Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Options
    preserved lean mass
    increase in neuromuscular adaptation
  • HuntingArpegius
    HuntingArpegius Posts: 41 Member
    Options
    bump
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Options
    preserved lean mass
    increase in neuromuscular adaptation

    This, and muscle gain, in some cases.
  • nixirain
    nixirain Posts: 448 Member
    Options
    I lift weights to try and maintain as much lean muscle as possible and body re composition. You lose weight a little slower, but you will have a better chance losing fat this way. With cardio only you run the risk of losing muscle along with the fat. Then you are just skinny fat.
  • Bakkasan
    Bakkasan Posts: 1,027 Member
    Options
    This, and muscle gain, in some cases.

    You have to be pretty awesome to pull this off. I did. Therefore I am awesome.
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    Options
    From what I understand, being obese means that you can build muscle while maintaining a deficit (correct me if I'm wrong?). At the very least, helping to maintain it. What that means: when you lose the weight you will look better & feel better. Also, muscle burns cals just by its mere existence, so more muscles = more calorie consumption at all times. Cardio is important, don't get me wrong. But, I think a balance between the two is a good goal.

    Anyway, this is my newbie take on it.
  • pitbullmama
    pitbullmama Posts: 454 Member
    Options
    preserved lean mass
    increase in neuromuscular adaptation

    This, and muscle gain, in some cases.

    Kinda lost me there
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Options
    This, and muscle gain, in some cases.

    You have to be pretty awesome to pull this off. I did. Therefore I am awesome.

    doublerainbow.jpg
  • pitbullmama
    pitbullmama Posts: 454 Member
    Options
    This, and muscle gain, in some cases.

    You have to be pretty awesome to pull this off. I did. Therefore I am awesome.
    Well, I want to be awesome too!
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Options
    Kinda lost me there

    which part?
  • downsizinghoss
    downsizinghoss Posts: 1,035 Member
    Options
    I do a lot of cardio, and also lift.

    Besides helping maintain muscle mass (or build),
    lifting makes you feel strong and powerful.

    This feeling boosts your confidence.

    Increased confidence keeps you on track and motivates you.
  • pitbullmama
    pitbullmama Posts: 454 Member
    Options
    LOL sorry neuromuscular adaptation?
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Options
    Way too much awesome in this thread already.

    :backs out of thread slowly:
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Options
    LOL sorry neuromuscular adaptation?

    It means gaining strength not by gaining muscle, but by your central nervous system becoming more efficient at recruiting muscle fibers.
  • dare2love81
    dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
    Options
    *facepalm
  • ash8184
    ash8184 Posts: 701 Member
    Options
    Building muscle = increased BMR because muscle burns more than fat = you can eat more and maintain/lose!
  • rebeccap13
    rebeccap13 Posts: 754 Member
    Options
    I don't know about all this science stuff ;)

    Benefits of lifting while losing... looking good naked. Good enough reason for me.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Options
    Preserve lean mass.
    Not have to lose as many pounds to achieve the desired body size and shape.
    Avoid ending up with a droopy *kitten*.
    Feel amazing and powerful.
    Be able to carry all the groceries in one trip.... but maybe that's just my laziness.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    Options
    For me, I reached the law of dimishing returns in terms of fat loss after 6 months with cardio only. Mix the two together and it's very effective. Notice I said fat loss, not weight loss. Body composition is what you should be aiming for.

    Besides my own vanity, and the fact that I honestly enjoy lifting...I see a lot of people who are older than me with problems that could be prevented, or delayed at the very least, if they had engaged in some sort of strength training.
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Options
    1) To maintain muscle mass instead of losing it (losing it is common in weight loss, lifting helps delay this)

    2) To get stronger!

Categories