Strength Training Vs Cardio

daniigyal · February 2015

I am 5'7, 179, looking to lose about 30lbs

My question is should I do more cardio or more strength training? I know you are supposed to do both but I just want to make sure I'm doing what would most benefit me. My stepmom is always trying to get me to do strength training with her but she's not trying to lose weight, she is trying to maintain/build muscle and she never does cardio.

So should I do more cardio and incorporate strength training in or do both equally?

Thanks!

Robbnva · February 2015

To lose weight the only thing you need to do is have a caloric deficit. That said both methods are effective. If lifting weights I believe you still have to eat at a deficit, but make sure you get enough protein.

jemhh · February 2015

If you're unsure, I would do an equal mix. I started off wuth a 50/50 mix and have ended up keeping that and adding more to both (started with 3x/wk of both and now do 4x/wk.) You can always adjust as you go. You don't have to stick with the same thing forever.

psuLemon · February 2015

Strength training works your muscle system, cardio works yoru cardiovascular system. Both are very beneficial and should done as part of a good routine.

Neither will prevent weight loss pending you are in a calorie deficit. But strength training will help maintain metabolic functions and muscle mass. Maintaining muscle mass will help decrease body fat % quicker.

starryphoenix · February 2015

I do a mixture of both and it has been working just dandy.

NoelFigart1 · February 2015

I do both. I do a LOT more cardio than I would for weight loss purposes alone simply because I've gotten into an endurance sport. I lift a lot less then I ordinarily would for pleasure purposes (I like weights) because I've only got X amount of time, and I am choosing to spend it mostly on my sport.

If I were strictly doing it for fitness/weightloss purposes, I'd lift three days a week and do cardio three.

Merkavar · February 2015

I tend to be at the gym for an hour and first 20min I do cardio, Treadmil etc
40 mins strength

Ends up being 50 50 I think with the rests and breaks and switching machines and equipment while doing strength

Liftng4Lis · February 2015

Both. Personally, I hate cardio, but do it two days a week. Lifting, I adore, and usually do that 3-4.

Sydking · February 2015

calorie deficit and LIFTTTT

sympha01 · February 2015

If you're willing to do both, just do both, because they're both so good for you! Split it 50/50, or if you like one more than the other then do more of that LOL.

The only caution I would make about weight loss is that if you count and eat back exercise calories, be real skeptical about burn estimates for cardio from machines or from the MFP database. You can sorta trust an HRM for burn estimates from a lot of cardio, but I'd even be skeptical about that. Personally, I since I am very consistent with my exercise, I just include it in my activity level and don't count exercise calories from specific workouts anymore.

JimFsfitnesspal · February 2015

Everyone is right on... calorie deficit is key.

You need a good base of muscle if you want to drop serious weight. Women tend to not do enough lifting and certainly do not usually do ENOUGH weight. Lift to build muscle. Do pyramids or dropsets / stripsets. Lift to failure.

I'm down 24 pounds of fat and 43 to 35 inch waist in the last year. I added 5 pounds of muscle.

psuLemon · February 2015

JimFsfitnesspal wrote: »

Everyone is right on... calorie deficit is key.

You need a good base of muscle if you want to drop serious weight. Women tend to not do enough lifting and certainly do not usually do ENOUGH weight. Lift to build muscle. Do pyramids or dropsets / stripsets. Lift to failure.

I'm down 24 pounds of fat and 43 to 35 inch waist in the last year. I added 5 pounds of muscle.

The OP would need to find a program that is suited towards her goals. There are many solid programs out there to choose such as the new rules of lifting for women, strong curves, or even strong lift 5x5. And the chances of someone actually gaining new muscle mass while eating in a deficit is very low. In fact, I would question how you calculated your results.

daniigyal · February 2015

thanks everyone! I looove Cardio! I work out 5 days a week and rarely do any weights. So I do know I need to add it it in...I just find it boring.

higgins8283801 · February 2015

I do more cardio because I love running and am training to run the okc marathon in April 2016. So my focus is on that, but I strength train on opposite days I don't run.

sandersgirly · February 2015

Not sure if was addressed,but my nutrition Insisted I do weight training. Muscle burns burns more calories then fat, so your muscle burning calories all day.

SLLRunner · February 2015

Robbnva wrote: »

To lose weight the only thing you need to do is have a caloric deficit. That said both methods are effective. If lifting weights I believe you still have to eat at a deficit, but make sure you get enough protein.

This.

I do both, but my weight training comes first (personal preference only).

MysticRealm · February 2015

I'm currently doing more cardio than weights as I am preparing for a 'half marathon' length obstacle course 'race'. At the moment I do running 2 days a week, and the recommended circuit training 3 days a week. The circuit training does involve some strength elements, mostly body weight, to prepare the muscles for the obstacles but it's not as heavy on the strength part as straight up lifting would be.
I'm gonna see how it goes. My race is in September. I think I will eventually add on another day of running, but may add on some straight weight lifting as well if I can find the time to add that all in on top of working full time and riding my horse 5 days a week. I don't want to over train either.

leshrew · February 2015

Personally I love kettle bells for me it gives both cardio and strength at the same time so is a total winner for me

pinkshoelaces · February 2015

Honestly, you don't really need to do either to lose weight. Just eat below your TDEE and you'll lose weight. However, I'd suggest doing a bit of both if you want to preserve lean muscle and avoid the possibility of becoming 'skinny fat'. I typically do more cardio than strength training; but I'm sure you'll find a routine that you like best.

Just a heads up, though: Once you start a new exercise program, there's a good chance you'll start retaining water and see a stall or increase on the scale. Don't let this discourage you, it will adjust and start moving down again after a couple weeks.

daniigyal · February 2015

thanks for all the advice! It has been very helpful!

Strength Training Vs Cardio

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