Lifting or running to get to my goal?

dreamingkylike09
dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
in Getting Started
I like both but I want to take one and really give it my all towards. I'm a bit unsure as to which will give me the body I'm more so looking at having.

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Me:
If needed I'm 165lbs and 5'6" my goal is to be anywhere between 120-130 and I'm small framed. I used to be 224lbs.

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Replies

  • dreamingkylike09
    dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
    I guess I did those pictures wrong :/
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    I guess I did those pictures wrong :/

    The "IMG" has to be lowercase.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Use lower case img instead of uppercase.

    Lifting means you maintain your lean mass and in the long run you will be able to eat more. At least half of those women definitely lift. Running is good for your heart and lungs and can help burn calories.

    ETA: Lifting will help with your knee. I used to have major knee issues. It would dislocate often. Once I strengthened the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the surrounding area it stopped happening.
  • dreamingkylike09
    dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
    I guess I did those pictures wrong :/

    The "IMG" has to be lowercase.

    Fixed it. Thank you. :)
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
  • Cecilia0514
    Cecilia0514 Posts: 1
    Both lifting AND running/cardio are important. Cardio is generally what sheds the fat. But building muscle will also help you lose that fat quicker because your body has to work harder in general throughout the day to move all that muscle around (basically). Just keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat. So you MAY not reach an LB goal, but you will still LOOK slimmer/more fit. Also, with either workout type you will eventually reach a plateau without incorporating the other (i.e. just running in the beginning will shed lots of fat but eventually you will stop seeing results without adding in the lifting). Does that make sense?
    I personally try to have a good mix of both everyday. But some days I may not feel like lifting, so I'll just have an easy day of lifting and get in a longer/harder cardio workout. Or vice versa. Plus, I try to add in cross training and CrossFit type of workouts at least once a week so I can get cardio and strength training all in one go! :)
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Both lifting AND running/cardio are important. Cardio is generally what sheds the fat. But building muscle will also help you lose that fat quicker because your body has to work harder in general throughout the day to move all that muscle around (basically). Just keep in mind that muscle weighs more than fat. So you MAY not reach an LB goal, but you will still LOOK slimmer/more fit. Also, with either workout type you will eventually reach a plateau without incorporating the other (i.e. just running in the beginning will shed lots of fat but eventually you will stop seeing results without adding in the lifting). Does that make sense?
    I personally try to have a good mix of both everyday. But some days I may not feel like lifting, so I'll just have an easy day of lifting and get in a longer/harder cardio workout. Or vice versa. Plus, I try to add in cross training and CrossFit type of workouts at least once a week so I can get cardio and strength training all in one go! :)

    Calorie deficit sheds the fat, not cardio. You can create a deficit through cardio, but it's harder than tracking your intake and eating slightly less than your body needs every day. You won't plateau in lifting if you don't run.

    I do little to no cardio. When I was cutting for my bodybuilding competition I did cardio twice a week for 20-30 minutes max. It's good for the heart and lungs, but not absolutely necessary for fat loss. Lifting isn't absolutely necessary for fat loss, but to obtain the physique in those pictures it is vital for body composition.
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    do both. running burns a lot of calories, beside being good for your health, while lifting builds muscle, great if you want a toned, firm body like the ones in the pics.
  • dreamingkylike09
    dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
    Thanks for the information and articles I just read them. I'm excited to see what lifting will do for me.

    Does anyone know of a good digital food scale?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Thanks for the information and articles I just read them. I'm excited to see what lifting will do for me.

    Does anyone know of a good digital food scale?

    Got mine at Walmart for about $10. It works well.
  • brennaobrien
    brennaobrien Posts: 1
    a mix of both
  • NRSPAM
    NRSPAM Posts: 961 Member
    Good advice here, but keep in mind, those women are not you. It isn't good to compare yourself to other women, who may very well have had their pictures photoshopped. It's great that you want to improve your body, but remember that it is YOUR body, and not theirs. You may very well never get to looking like those women, although you may look great. It takes a ton of hard work and dedication to get a body like those. Lots of training, and most likely very strict eating. Also, some women train and eat a very strict diet, just temporarily, for things like competitions and photo shoots/videos. I've been chasing those bodies for a long time now, and still not there yet. It's so hard to follow a very strict diet for a long period of time. Just the reality of it. Good luck to you though! :)

    **Edited to say that 120-130 is a pretty low weight for someone who is 5'6". So maybe your goal isn't very realistic. Just sayin'.

    *Edited again to add that some of those women look rather anorexic. Is that really your goal?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Good advice here, but keep in mind, those women are not you. It isn't good to compare yourself to other women, who may very well have had their pictures photoshopped. It's great that you want to improve your body, but remember that it is YOUR body, and not theirs. You may very well never get to looking like those women, although you may look great. It takes a ton of hard work and dedication to get a body like those. Lots of training, and most likely very strict eating. Also, some women train and eat a very strict diet, just temporarily, for things like competitions and photo shoots/videos. I've been chasing those bodies for a long time now, and still not there yet. It's so hard to follow a very strict diet for a long period of time. Just the reality of it. Good luck to you though! :)

    **Edited to say that 120-130 is a pretty low weight for someone who is 5'6". So maybe your goal isn't very realistic. Just sayin'.

    *Edited again to add that some of those women look rather anorexic. Is that really your goal?

    Only the second one looks anorexic. The others have some muscle to them.

    It does take a lot of dedication to eating well, lifting and doing some cardio. It doesn't mean that it is strict or unsustainable. Sure, stage ready isn't something people can maintain year round, but those pictures look sustainable.

    She won't know until she gets there and I don't think she's saying she wants to be them. There's nothing wrong with her picking a body type she wants to attain. Bodybuilding, figure and bikini competitiors all strive for a specific look and achieve similar results.
  • NRSPAM
    NRSPAM Posts: 961 Member
    OP, I just realized that you said you used to weigh 224, that is amazing!!! You've come such a long way, and you look great!!! At first, I thought it said 124. Congratulations!!! My heaviest was 260, now 147. Was down to 140 not too long ago. :( Getting back on track again. ;) You really do look great though!
  • roanokejoe49
    roanokejoe49 Posts: 820 Member
    If you just want to "look good naked," you don't need a lot of cardio. USMC is right. However, if you want to run a race, or bike, or swim, cardio is VITAL. It all depends on your ultimate goals. For example, I'm getting back into triathlon, so I won't be doing a lot of heavy lifting. It's pointless, except for some periodization in the off season. I can't do races lifting heavy, and neither can anyone else on the planet. You just have to be real clear about what your goals are.
  • AvonBell
    AvonBell Posts: 107 Member
    Calorie Deficit + Progressive Lifting + HIIT = Success



    I wouldn't bother running unless you have a special interest in the sport. For cardio, HIIT is much more efficient and the research shows intensity is key to fitness not duration.


    Quick edit: I thought I should add that the calorie deficit is for weight loss, the progressive lifting is to maintain muscle (so you don't look like a weakling when the fat is gone), and HIIT is for general fitness. The latter two aren't necessary for weight loss. Though I would definitely lift if your intention is to look like sex.
  • arussell134
    arussell134 Posts: 463 Member
    Hi! I definitely am in the camp that a combination can be a good thing! I've been varying my workouts greatly over the past few months to keep my body guessing.

    In the last week - I did a couple intense strength workouts, an 8-mile run and then another favorite workout - track sprints! I'll warm up for a mile or so and then do a series of sprints as fast as I can possibly go.

    For me, the cardio has been essential for dropping some fat as well as my heart health (I've struggled with heart-related issues in the past and my cardiologist encouraged me to "get more active" earlier this year). However, I totally see how making time out to lift can reap benefits in changing your body's physique (as well as helping your metabolism). I also believe that lifting has helped give me stamina for the longer runs I do.

    So I guess on this question, ask 20 people and you'll get 20 answers, right? ;)
  • oxers
    oxers Posts: 259 Member
    Also, if you want to train for running seriously, cross-training will need to be a thing. You can't run every day - not without risk of injury - and lifting weights will make you a better runner. Fewer injuries overall if you mix and match.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,973 Member
    Don't understand why you can't give "all" to both?

    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
  • LiftCore
    LiftCore Posts: 23 Member
    Lift heavy and correctly. In other words don't do what most women who start out do (Walk in and do 3-4 random machine excersise with disgusting form and ridiculously light weight, do a crap load of cardio and stretches that have no carry over to their mobility whatsoever). Get a proper routine, incorporate compounds, high frequency, and progressively overload.

    Be in a caloric deficit. I'm sure you know what that means considering the fact that you're on a calorie counting website.

    If need be, do cardio but don't overdo it. Gives you more leeway in terms of calories, plus it induces thermogenic effects, and of course, it brings cardiovascular and connective tissue benefits.

    In short, do exactly what a male would do to attain a desirable physique.
  • dreamingkylike09
    dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
    Good advice here, but keep in mind, those women are not you. It isn't good to compare yourself to other women, who may very well have had their pictures photoshopped. It's great that you want to improve your body, but remember that it is YOUR body, and not theirs. You may very well never get to looking like those women, although you may look great. It takes a ton of hard work and dedication to get a body like those. Lots of training, and most likely very strict eating. Also, some women train and eat a very strict diet, just temporarily, for things like competitions and photo shoots/videos. I've been chasing those bodies for a long time now, and still not there yet. It's so hard to follow a very strict diet for a long period of time. Just the reality of it. Good luck to you though! :)

    **Edited to say that 120-130 is a pretty low weight for someone who is 5'6". So maybe your goal isn't very realistic. Just sayin'.

    *Edited again to add that some of those women look rather anorexic. Is that really your goal?

    I know about photoshop and stuff. No need to worry I'm not fully comparing myself to those women but just giving an idea of where I want to be headed. I used to be really active before I went through a horrible depressed time and gained 100 pounds. I've been 120 before and was very healthy. If something was to change and I wasn't looking or functioning right I'd change.

    You really think they look like they have an eating disorder? Id say 1 or two just look like they don't lift and are small framed. I do want to be be on the smaller side, but I wouldn't put my health in danger to get there. :)
  • dreamingkylike09
    dreamingkylike09 Posts: 13
    Don't understand why you can't give "all" to both?

    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

    Time. I enjoy both but its just one I want to really focus on as a hobby. I know they can be of value to each other. If I was to lift weights I wouldn't neglect running and vice versa. There is just one that I really want to focus on. I think I said that right lol.

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