2 questions

soldiergrl_101
soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,205 Member
in Motivation and Support
First off 99% of the people on MFP state that you get more results from weightlifting than cardio. How is this, I understand you build more muscle but you also burn less calories so what happens to the fat, it doesn't just fall off and the fat doesn't convert to muscle... So how does that work?

Second question. Yesterday I worked out for an hour and a half and burn ed closed to 1000 cals by swimming. Then I got so busy I only had time to get in a banana and apple before bed... All day that's like 300 calories (that's not the norm) I didn't want to slow down my metabolism and I know I needed more cals so I scarfed down some crap just to keep my metabolism running. Is it better to scarf down the calories even if it's junk just to get them or is it better in situations like that to just say f* it tomorrows another day?

Replies

  • happysherri
    happysherri Posts: 1,360 Member
    I do a mix of cardio and strength. It works for me.
    Sounds like you need to plan better. You Should Never Eat Too Low on Calories! No good excuse. I take one night a week and prepare healthy breakfast, snacks, lunches, etc for the week.

    Try and prioritize (health is very important) and organize, plan ahead. Goodluck
  • flumi_f
    flumi_f Posts: 1,888 Member
    I also mix cardio and strength. I also do different kinds of sports for cardio.

    Just watched a docu today with a very wise motto. The jist of it was

    You lose weight by limiting your intake.
    You maintain by increasing your exercise.

    exercise can help with your weightloss, but mostly it will improve your health in other ways.


    1000 cals in 90min seems alot to me. Of course it is better to eat your allotted cals, however 1 day of low intake will not mess up your metabolism. Plan better next time and you'll be fine.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I mix cardio and weights. At the beginning I was doing pure cardio and I lost a lot of weight this way, but I was still flabby. Then I added weight lifting to my routine and I have seen a HUGE difference, not so much on the scale, but big time in the way my clothes fit me. Plus I am seeing some nice definition in my body and I am a lot less flabby.

    I do 3 days weights, 3 days cardio per week.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    First off 99% of the people on MFP state that you get more results from weightlifting than cardio. How is this, I understand you build more muscle but you also burn less calories so what happens to the fat, it doesn't just fall off and the fat doesn't convert to muscle... So how does that work?

    Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat.
    Benefits of strength training:
    http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/growingstronger/why/
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/386282-is-it-better-to-lift-weights-or-do-cardio-to-lose-weight/
    With most forms of traditional steady-state cardio, you expend calories while you’re exercising, but once you stop, you quickly go back to your normal metabolic rate.

    Strength training, however, builds muscle, and more muscle helps you burn more calories -- even when you’re doing nothing but sitting on the couch

    Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/421082-weights-vs-cardio-your-guide-to-the-perfect-body/#ixzz2hdFS8KGE

    Personal opinion: A mix of both cardio and strength is the most beneficial. Cardio does have health benefits other than just burning calories.

    As for calories, I prefer to look at my weekly goal. So if I'm under a few days early in the week, it usually allows me room to have a day out with my husband where I don't have to be overly careful with my food choices.
  • anarili
    anarili Posts: 2
    1. Weightlifting pushes your metabolism into high gear, when you engage your muscles they scream out for nutrition. Also increases in muscle mass affect your resting metabolism. It's a whole bunch of scientific-sounding physiology that nobody cares about so it is easier to accept it as a fact and move on with life.

    2. Shovelling down some junk here and there won't change your end results as long as you stay within your caloric limit. Same goes for one or two days of eating under your goal. There is an adjustment phase for most things.

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