Is there a point to lift weights at this weight?

I think it would be great for you to start lifting asap. Muscle makes you stronger and healthier. The more muscle mass you have the more calories your body has to use to maintain it, so you have a greater advantage for fat loss. Plus, it makes you feel great!

Trust me; pretty much everyone feels that way when they start lifting, and pretty much nobody is ever really staring at you because they're all too busy staring at themselves. Don't stand between them and the mirrors, and you'll be fine.

Step 1 is make a plan - looks like you got that covered, so you're already ahead of the game. Make sure you go over what all the exercises are and how to do them right before you go in. Step 2 is to go in and do it. Headphones help. Then walk in there like you own the place, 'cause you kind of do. (Or at least you're renting a part of it for the time you're there, which is close enough.)

The phsyical and mental benefits really are worth it. Good luck!

You should definitely include strength training! As someone else said, muscle mass = calorie burn- maintains longer than just doing cardio alone.

I understand about not being comfortable at the gym- I'm a bigger girl too, and was absolutely terrified of that weight area of the gym. But I hired a trainer (I know, not an option for everyone), and I slowly learned to get over my fears of what I looked like. People are going to judge you (sad, but true), but in the end, who cares?!? You're there for yourself and to become healthy!

Stand strong, and make the effort, because maybe people are actually saying- "good for her, working on getting in shape!" At least, that's what I tell myself that people are saying about me if I feel them "staring" !! :laugh: Just remember- most people at gyms are a little vain, and spend most of their time concerned about what THEY look like, not you.

I will tell you that I absolutely LOVE strength training. I love being able to do strong lifts now, and am seeing muscle definition, and it's really fulfilling (I'm still waiting on all the fat to melt away, but still!) !! Just learn good form, start light, and go for it! You could also try body resistance exercises at home before hitting the gym- things like push ups, dips using a chair, etc. or buy some hand weights at first- may help start to build your strength up in the beginning.

Good luck, and I say go for it!!

Lifting will help you preserve muscle while you lose fat. It's much easier to keep your muscle while you eat at a deficit than it is to build muscle back up once you've lost it.

I started lifting about a month ago and I'm hooked-- I personally find it really empowering, especially as a person with disabilities.

go to this website foodaddicts.org read and see if it applies. this is a 12 step program about food and it works, provides supports from others, gives you the disiplines needed for you to succeed. There are meetings everywhere look at the website and find a meeting close to you. i cost nothing to join or participate. this is the best deal in town. Good luck

find a gym that offers classes such as resistance training. we use a lot of kettlebells in our classes and we are all toning and we are all different ages and sizes.

In the beginning I would not have DREAMED of Resistance or Strength Training as part of my Program. I sort of 'Fell Into' it by accident and I am FOREVER Grateful that I did!! I CANNOT Imagine skipping Strength Training now!

I use some adjustable dumbbells and a stability ball for a bench, works really well it was a bit of a down payment but cheaper than a gym membership. just like coltsman said (although SAINTS for life) more muscle= higher resting metabolic rate= more cal burned each day(doing nothing)= faster weight loss, goodluck

Dont be ashamed. I weigh 250 and I be at my gym bench pressing and everything..

I didn't have to read anything after the title to tell you the answer is yes. It's good for your bones as well as your muscles. I started weights at 190 pounds and I wish I'd started sooner. The 15 pounds I've lost since then looks like twice that because of body composition changes. Plus, once you get into it, it's really fun. I'm psyched this week because I maxed out the leg press (310 pounds) on a set of 10 reps. My legs look awesome! I still do tons of cardio, but a mix is good.

Yes! Start lifting now!!! I wish I started sooner, and now i love it, look forward to my next workouts and lifting heavy and getting stronger!

One thing that helped me feel more confident walking around the free weights area was having a plan. I have my lil paper and know what exercises I'm doing that day, so I feel less like a lost puppy standing around. And one thing I noticed is that noone notices or stares, haha they are all doing their own thing! Mostly the guys are just helpful, esp if there are heavy weights that are left on the bars, I get help to unload them, and also to move the pulleys down haha since I'm so short. I've gotten a few compliments on form, and that's it - people are just kinda doing their own thing, and everyone started somewhere, so don't let what anyone else thinks get into your head. You pay to be there and have every right to, and you're all working towards the same goal - now GO GET IT!!!! Have Fun!! :bigsmile:

I was so intimidated my first day lifting weights that I almost cried. Turns out, it was not as big a deal as I'd made it out to be. The few people who actually noticed me, were very friendly and very helpful. Even the big scary looking guys were very accommodating. One fellow helped me with an issue I was having and then congratulated me for getting started.

So swallow your unfounded fear and get started. There are many wonderful benefits in addition to weightloss.

Also if you have questions you can always join this group:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/10067-eat-train-progress-

They are very helpful.

I say go for it....I started weight lifting about two months ago after almost a year. Figured why not, worst case scenario is that my weight goes back up . I have noticed between the dancing, running, weight lifting, and x train fit (i use that one as my strength training) I am a lot stronger then I was. And while my weight has stabilized (mind you I'm due to start my TOM this week) I look a lot better then when I started (in my profile pictures you will notice it). I do unfortunately have to use the weight machines currently (its because of an elbow injury I had back in high school that still acts up where if I do too much I lose feeling from my elbow down) but I find I am able to do at least 50-75lbs with my upper body, and 137.5lbs with my abs and lower (I have also found that leg press helps with my right knee issue that hasn't been acting up as bad while running).

As I said though, I have been doing it for 2 months, and honestly really love it. Mind you I do it only 3 times a week at max especially since I have a 13 month old and other responsibilities. Go for it.

Don't psych yourself out! I know that as an extremely overweight person myself, I always thought people were thinking the worst about me when they saw me at the gym. That was mostly me projecting my insecurities. I've had a few people I thought were judging me ask if I need help or had questions.

There will always be jerks in your world, but screw 'em! Just do what you need to do for you. :flowerforyou:

I would say the answer to your question is a resounding YES! I think everyone that lifts will agree that when you start lifting and building muscle you will see and feel a big difference much sooner than if you did only cardio. You might be sore, and you should be but not so sore you can't move, but the kind of sore or stiff that says you worked out. Sore or a little stiff just means that you are well on your way to growing muscle and increasing your metabolism.

As far as feeling awkward at the gym, don't. Everyone that is there is there for one primary reason, taking control of their body, health and mind. (The retirees,- that use the gym as their social club and do nothing other than talk, get in the way, interrupt your workout, and just sit on the machines being the exception.) If it is an option, try to find out when the least busy time is and work out then.

I think you'll find the people that actually do lift to be very helpful and supportive.