A question about lifting.

lemonlionheart
lemonlionheart Posts: 580 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am 5'5 and 59 kg (130-ish lb) so about another 4-5 kg from my goal. Currently I've been going to the gym every day and burning around 400-600 calories with hard cycling. I've been looking at these message boards and I see that a lot of people talk about and recommend lifting; my question is at what point should I incorporate weights into my routine? I'm a student and don't have heaps of free time, and while I initially did a bit of weights when I first joined the gym, I ended up feeling like cardio has 'more bang for your buck' so to speak just for the amount of calories burned. I've been thinking that once I get closer to my goal I might start weights to get that more toned look, or maybe when I reach my goal and am eating maintenance calories.. but maybe I should start now? I don't know, I'm wondering what others are doing. What are the benefits of lifting heavy if I start now? And could you guys point me to a good online resource for lifting programs for women?

Thanks!

Replies

  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
    Yesterday. If not the day before that.
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    Start now.

    You don't have to do a program designed for women, but if that's what you're looking for check out New Rules of Lifting for Women.

    As far as benefits, lifting will help you retain lean body mass (muscle). Muscle looks better, and burns more calories than fat.
  • Escape_Artist
    Escape_Artist Posts: 1,155 Member
    Start now.

    You don't have to do a program designed for women, but if that's what you're looking for check out New Rules of Lifting for Women.

    As far as benefits, lifting will help you retain lean body mass (muscle). Muscle looks better, and burns more calories than fat.

    ^^

    Women and men lift the same. There is no program for women.

    Stronglifts, Starting Strength and new rules of lifting are all great beginners programs.
  • awomaame25
    awomaame25 Posts: 189 Member
    Start yesterday and you will not regret it. if you are all about calorie burn then just go for your cardio but if you want some serious body recomposition start lifting asap. you will love how your body looks once you start lifting.
  • lemonlionheart
    lemonlionheart Posts: 580 Member
    Yeah I should definitely start, I think I've just been too lazy haha. I definitely didn't mean to imply that women lift differently to men, was just more looking for recommendations for starting weights that might be appropriate for me. Thanks guys :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    I am 5'5 and 59 kg (130-ish lb) so about another 4-5 kg from my goal. Currently I've been going to the gym every day and burning around 400-600 calories with hard cycling. I've been looking at these message boards and I see that a lot of people talk about and recommend lifting; my question is at what point should I incorporate weights into my routine? I'm a student and don't have heaps of free time, and while I initially did a bit of weights when I first joined the gym, I ended up feeling like cardio has 'more bang for your buck' so to speak just for the amount of calories burned. I've been thinking that once I get closer to my goal I might start weights to get that more toned look, or maybe when I reach my goal and am eating maintenance calories.. but maybe I should start now? I don't know, I'm wondering what others are doing. What are the benefits of lifting heavy if I start now? And could you guys point me to a good online resource for lifting programs for women?

    Thanks!
    Try this: squeeze your arm. Is it firm? If not, then you may want to start lifting some weights. Cycling doesn't target the upper body muscles at all.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • heysarge13
    heysarge13 Posts: 403 Member
    You should've started day one... quick note... I see women in the gym lifting very light weight all the time. Amf months later the are using the same weight. Make sure uou are constantly increasing your weights to a level that is difficult to complete 8-10 repetitions. That will start triggering muscle grown. And growing muscles equal more calories burnt throughout the day.
  • Evelynnn2014
    Evelynnn2014 Posts: 42
    How many times a week should you lift? Is twice enough?
  • Loralrose
    Loralrose Posts: 203
    I'm having good luck with stronglifts. There's even a free app to track workouts, which is super useful for me to stay on track.

    One of the nice things about strength training is that you'll see immediate, measurable results. I have a hard time staying motivated when it takes weeks to see anything change. With lifting, I've been adding 5 lbs to my lifts each workout. Which is a huge plus.
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    How many times a week should you lift? Is twice enough?
    .

    Twice is better than none- most agree 3-4 times per week. I try to make it in 5. I alternate muscle groups and try to get ab work in most days. I'll do Chest/Triceps, Back/Biceps, Shoulders/Triceps, Lower body (Remember, abs can be done daily if you wish... different type of muscle)... Do not do the same muscle group 2 days in a row --- it takes time to recover ... I made that mistake the first time I tried lifting many years ago and actually got significantly weaker working harder...

    As far as cardio, I'm doing runner challenge (this month 45 miles total) so I run most days.

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