Can I focus on strength training to lose body fat?

mizzcasual
mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I used to only do HIIT training 3 times a week it took me longer to lose to fat . I I switched to a trainer for strength which has been from March I noticed my body reacts better to the strength training much more than the HIIT/cardio. . I've had more improvements in losing the body fat .
At the start I combined the HIIT & Strength at the start twice of each for a month. For the past couple of months I haven't done HiIIT has often , none this month or for the past 6 weeks.
But my clothes sizes have changed I've lost body fat although the scales hasn't changed as much but I haven't got much weight to lose I have a skinny fat look need to lose the fat my torso mainly.
Should I keep doing what I'm doing sticking to the strength training only? or should I add in some cardio to mix it up?
I'm thinking of adding a extra day to go 4 times a week as it keeps me more consistent? Should it be cardio or another strength plan since my body reacts more to the strength? Is the cardio important? I still have cardio at the end of each day of strength.

Replies

  • JCLondonUK
    JCLondonUK Posts: 159
    You've got a trainer? Why don't you ask them? They will have a much better idea of your current strength and fitness, so would be better qualified to advise than strangers on the net.
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    Focus on the deficit. Don't go more than 15% under maintenance calories.

    Lift heavy to maintain any muscle you do have.

    Don't do too much extra stuff to muddy the cutting numbers.

    You know your maintenance calories right?
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    To answer: to cut fat all that is required is adequate protein, strength training and a calorie deficit.

    To add: if what you are currently doing is working - keep doing it!
  • Springfield1970
    Springfield1970 Posts: 1,945 Member
    You've got a trainer? Why don't you ask them? They will have a much better idea of your current strength and fitness, so would be better qualified to advise than strangers on the net.

    Most trainers don't really have as much as a clue as some of the people here on MFP.

    I'm concerned she hasn't mentioned her calorie numbers. I find a lot of trainers don't concern themselves with counting calories.
  • sculli123
    sculli123 Posts: 1,221 Member
    I pretty much focus on strength training and diet. Cardio comes third, sometimes I don't even do it depending on the first two.
  • mizzcasual
    mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
    I probably will still ask the one I have it's just good to hear different opinions all trainers say different things.
    I was initially doing hiit two times a week the day after strength that what he probably thinks I've been doing but I've only done the strength . I got the hiit plans done by my other trainer haven't used as much since I've started the strength.

    I was thinking of just adding a short treadmill hiit workout on the days after strength or once a week just to go more days than 3 times. And do that insread of a full hiit/circuit training style thing and focus on the strength the other days 3 days.
    The things he has me doing in the strength is generally trx stuff ,squats , deadlifts ,weighted lunges etc.
    My main goal is to tone and lose body fat.
  • HelenWater
    HelenWater Posts: 232 Member
    Cardio workouts are good for your heart health.
  • mizzcasual
    mizzcasual Posts: 223 Member
    Or I may keep cardio but not circuit style hiit just HIIT on treadmill once or twice so I can focus on strength training 3 times a week.
    Something like this I know how to run at high intensity an when I'm at my limit.
    https://www.facebook.com/notes/kinobody-fitness/the-ultimate-hiit-treadmill-workout-for-maximum-fat-burning/208278279201761

    or this approach
    http://www.fitmole.org/hiit/

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