How Do You Lose Body Fat?

I agree with all the comments about low weight high reps is best for building lean muscles. Also, muscles helps burn fat so it is a good idea to start strength training. You won't get bulky from it because women don't have enough testerone in their body for that.

I'm a beachbody fan, so if you are looking for an at home workout check out P90X (that is what I am currently doing) or Power 90. I started with 5 - 8 lb weights for every exercise and I am now using 10 - 15 lbs and 20 lbs on some of the back exercises. I'm on week 7.

I'm keeping it short because I'm in agreement with a majority of the advice in this post thus far. Good Luck!

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Im also 5'11 and at the min im 225lbs (no idea about fat %) I'll worry about that when im at my goal weight of 176lbs (ish) Im just concentrating on fitness and healthy eating, Sticking to my calories, cardio work out 5/6 times a week and strenght training 3/4 times a week. I'll start worrying about fat percentage late and the min I just want the weight off.

Any exercise that you do that puts your heart in the "fat burning zone" will help burn fat. Use a heart rate monitor if you don't have one. Working out too hard or too easy, although will burn calories, but will not burn as much fat as if you are in the zone.

Light weights with lots of reps will get you NOWHERE fast! You will NOT bulk up lifting heavy weights. Use heavy enough weights that you REALLY feel the burn and struggle with that last 2 - 3 reps. Shoot for 8 - 12 reps. You will build some muscle. But, muscle helps you firm up and burn more calories even when at rest. If you are eating at a calorie defecit, you can't bulk up.

I agree with this. Never mind the old school way of thinking light weight lots of reps! You will not "bulk up" by challenging yourself to lift heavier weights!

Hi!

Im in your boat..but i have done so much reading and learning about this subject.. Ive lost just close to 90 lbs.. ( of fat! ) and the first thing i want to tell you is DO NOT LOOK AT THE BODYFAT % ON THE SCALE. go get yourself a pair of fat calipers. 10-15 bucks at GNC. you can get a real idea with your frame, etc.... or have your dr do a water test.. they are the most accurate.

As far as lifting weights, the high reps, low weight, is kinda up in debate. From experience, and from alot of reading.. lift until COMPLETe failure.. at NO MORE THAN 12-15 reps. and the last 3 should be very hard.. IF you want to get a little swollen, stop at 6-8.. with the last 3 being so hard! if I curl freeweights, and try to max at 6 .. i can curl 30 ish lbs. !!! each arm!! i like to stick with 20's AND i love resistance bands!!.. BURN BURN BURN!! I personaly like to do a week of lighter weight training.. and a week of heavy.. back and forth.. the key is never to let your body adjust to what you are doing..

Lets say a few weeks past, and your sure your not cheating on the food. and your burning at least 500 calories a day, and eating within your budget.. Have some tests done at the DR's if they tell you just to try harder and are not willing to help.. then leave.. and find a better DR!! There is no time to waste when it comes to uncovering our beautiful bodys just dying to get out from under the cover!!!!

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I am doing mostly strength training exercise right now. I had a trainer give me a workout routine. I do know that you want to do lower weights with more reps.