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84lbs to go how do i balance cardio and weights?

Kris_Marx
Kris_Marx Posts: 12
edited February 7 in Fitness and Exercise
*** Cross posted***

I have been working on my weight loss seriously since late July. I have changed my eating habits , and become a bit more active. I've gone from 232 to 209. I am proud of that loss, but I know I could be doing more.

I am frustrated because even with a 23 lbs loss, I still cant see any changes except my chest area. I have had some changes in measurements, but its been pretty minimal.

I have kicked up my exercise over the past 8 weeks. I am ready to see my pants get loose, Im ready to drop a pant size... I know there are strong opinions on this, but I am doing Mediweightloss so basically I'm on a high protein but very low calorie/ low carb diet, which is being monitored bi-weekly by my doctor and the clinic. Because of its cost I cant afford a personal trainer right now, but I want to see my results on my body.

I am currently following a plan from a previous trainer that helped me achieve results before i fell of the wagon and gained so much:

Monday - Upper Body Weight/ Strength Training and cardio
Tuesday - Lower Body Weight/ Strength training and cardio
wednesday Off
Thursday Full Body Weight/ Strength training
Friday Cardio
Saturday Cardio
Sunday Off

I am working out at home, and so I am only using body weight, dumbbells ( 8, 10, 15lbs) , and some resistance bands for the strength training. ( So I'm not heavy lifting-- what is considered heavy lifting anyways? )

On Strength days I pair it with 30-45 minutes on the elliptical, pure cardio days I'll do zumba paired with the elliptical.

The scale is moving at a decent pace ( next weigh in is tomorrow) , but its discouraging not to be able to see or feel it.

Date Weight Change Total Fat % Fat Mass Water BMI

Oct. 21, 2013 209.0 lbs. -7.0 ↓ -23.20 47.8% 100.0 lbs. 80.0 lbs. 38.2
Sept. 17, 2013 216.0 lbs. 2.0 ↑ -16.20 48.3% 104.5 lbs. 81.5 lbs. 39.5
Sept. 6, 2013 214.0 lbs. -6.5 ↓ -18.20 49.7% 106.5 lbs. 78.5 lbs. 39.1

When I discussed this with my Dr. He said it might be the strength training-- saying that building muscle under the fat is just pushing the fat out, so even if I am losing it, I cant see it. Could this be the case? Since I have so much to lose should I just focus more on the cardio and diet?

Any advice is appreciated!!! Sorry for the long read.

Replies

  • dizchic77
    dizchic77 Posts: 16 Member
    I'm having the same issue. Hopefully someone has answers. :)
  • Sarge516
    Sarge516 Posts: 256 Member
    I am a Personal Trainer and have worked with many people with the same issue.

    I don't know your personal situation, but I can tell you some things I typically see in people in that situation:
    1) You need to trust the process and stick with it.
    2) You need to really push yourself when you are working out. Many people *think* they are, but they just aren't -- especially at home workouts by yourself. See if you can get into a class or have a friend join you. It's hard to push yourself out of your comfort zone when you're alone.
    3) Strength training is an important part of the process - stick with it. It makes you less prone to injury and building muscle will allow you to burn more calories when you are sedentary.
    4) You need to move - everyday. Even on your "off" days. Go for a walk, do something.
    5) You need to really watch what you eat and be strict with yourself. This is an area where I see many people sabotage their results. It takes discipline.
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