to lift or not to lift
tiffanycompton33
Posts: 56 Member
Seeing if anyone can weigh in on this (hardy har har har.. sigh)
Now that I have my eating habits under control for the most part I am thinking about being more adament about weight lifting. There's just a lot of a conflicting ideas out there. Many articles say that lifting weights (spot training) just isn't going to work. There's layers of fat on there and you need to remove those layers before you're going to see those muscles so whole body training is the key. Lifiting weights itself does not burn that many calories so you really need to get in better shape before you start lifting. Other articles say that lifting weights is essential. Muscles burns calories, lifting weights eats up sugar etcetera. It's a little frustrating to say the least. There is also a lot of conflict on how much weight to lift. Some articles say that girls lifting barbie sized weights are kidding themselves and to lift a little heavier that we do not have as much testosterone and it would take quite a crazy regimen to be big like that and that there is no way it could happen by accident. Then I talk to someone at my gym and he says the idea is to compress muscles (not tear them) because that is what causes bulk and I should lift pretty light. Hmmph.
The one thing that every fitness guru agrees on is soda is the worst so I've scaled waaaaay back. I also have been eating healthier overall which is something that no one can say is a bad idea.
Now that I have my eating habits under control for the most part I am thinking about being more adament about weight lifting. There's just a lot of a conflicting ideas out there. Many articles say that lifting weights (spot training) just isn't going to work. There's layers of fat on there and you need to remove those layers before you're going to see those muscles so whole body training is the key. Lifiting weights itself does not burn that many calories so you really need to get in better shape before you start lifting. Other articles say that lifting weights is essential. Muscles burns calories, lifting weights eats up sugar etcetera. It's a little frustrating to say the least. There is also a lot of conflict on how much weight to lift. Some articles say that girls lifting barbie sized weights are kidding themselves and to lift a little heavier that we do not have as much testosterone and it would take quite a crazy regimen to be big like that and that there is no way it could happen by accident. Then I talk to someone at my gym and he says the idea is to compress muscles (not tear them) because that is what causes bulk and I should lift pretty light. Hmmph.
The one thing that every fitness guru agrees on is soda is the worst so I've scaled waaaaay back. I also have been eating healthier overall which is something that no one can say is a bad idea.
0
Replies
-
I saw more changes in my weight and body when I started lifting then when I was doing cardio alone so I highly highly recommend it. Stick with heavy compound lifts (lifts that work several muscles at once) vs. isolated lifts that work one muscle at once. The heavier the better I say (don't bother with those 2 lbs pink dumbbells). I'm a female and I'm not bulky at all, but let me tell you, after having two kids I have never been leaner than I am right now....all thanks to heavy lifting. I have never looked or felt better.
Edit: Don't look at the scale either as I actually weigh more now than I did before having kids, but I'm a smaller size. Also, I still enjoy my treats and soda in moderation. Just try to get in as much protein as you can.0 -
LIFT!!
Like BlueBombers, I saw a much more dramatic change to my body when I started lifting than the entire time I did cardio.
I lift heavy (for me anyway
) I started with Stronglifts 5x5 and am now doing Strong Curves four times a week, plus a day of negative heavy lifting.
My current weights:
Bench Press -60
Over head Press -55
Squat -125
Barbell Row -85
Deadlift -950 -
Thank you! I was leaning towards lifting after looking through a few profiles. I'll have to look into heavy compound lifts cause all I have done (not consistently) is use the isolated gym machines.0
-
I'm doing a class that is 1/3 weights, 1/3 Plyometics, 1/3 cardio. I don't lift as heavy as some but I'm hanging closer to the weights the guys are doing. I didn't notice a lot of toning at first but now all my friends are noticing my legs and arms. And I'm starting to see definition in my abs and back. I love it!!
Also, yes to Blue Bombers note about the scale. I first lost 8lbs then gained 8 back but it is not the same 8 lbs. I am still getting smaller (on the tape) even though I gained on the scale.0 -
I say the sooner you start lifting the better. I waited until I was very near my goal weight before starting, and wish I had done it sooner. As for the amount, just increase the weight until you struggle to do 12 reps. As you can handle more, increase the amount. I also vote for free weights. Very rarely in life will you find a situation outside the gym where you will be asked to use your strength with guide posts.0
-
Thanks ladies! I think it's time to put the scale in the closet and start a lifting regimen. I don't have a crazy relationship with the scale because no matter what I do now I know that its a whole lot better than what I was doing before (which was a poor diet and little to no exercise) but I will hide it just to avoid any freakouts.0
-
Google "Sarcopenia" for another good reason to lift heavy.0
-
Lift, lift, lift then do a couple of HIIT's a week or 1 HIIT and 1 yoga (or stretch or pilates)
Unless you are a "marathon runner or tennis player"....then you need some longer cardio workouts for heart and lung endurance.0 -
Tiffany! the best thing with lifting is when your working out and your done doing your lifting. Your are burning more calories through the day with weight and strength training. I saw more difference with lifting. I always started with 10 minutes cardio and do the rest of lifting. You will see such a big difference. And if your bigger or smaller it does matter. Muscle is muscle it will be building if your doing the right stuff!Q0
-
seems like the verdict is in... it's time to pump some iron... get my swell on... grab that montage music 0 -
I suggest reading New Rules of Lifting for Women. The author explains why lifting is good for you and debunks many of the myths including those you mentioned. There is also a lifting program in there you can use to get yourself started. It's good to have a program instead of lifting willy nilly.0
-
No question lift. Use compound lifts. A good program to start with is Stronglift 5x5/Starting Strength which focus on compound lifts.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions