To lose fat or not to lose fat. Advice needed from women who lift.

zuzuanne88
zuzuanne88 Posts: 104 Member
edited November 14 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been hearing alot of contradicting things about weather to lose all my weight first then try to gain muscle after, on the other hand I spoke to a trainer and he said if I gain lean muscle first it will help me to burn more fat while performing excercise. I've done research myself,most is for men though.

Replies

  • zuzuanne88
    zuzuanne88 Posts: 104 Member
    I really live to lift,it's for sure my favorite workout. I just dont know if I have to switch to a more cardio based workout plan to meet my goals.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    Lift now, lift now, lift now.
  • bkhamill
    bkhamill Posts: 1,289 Member
    randomtai wrote: »
    Lift now, lift now, lift now.

    This! and also you can add some cardio here and there for a healthier heart.
  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    i would say a bit a both. i lift 2-3 times a week and do cardio the other days. both have been helpful. cardio has built up my stamina -walking farther and faster, less tired. lifting has made me stronger.
  • PwrLftr82
    PwrLftr82 Posts: 945 Member
    zuzuanne88 wrote: »
    I've been hearing alot of contradicting things about weather to lose all my weight first then try to gain muscle after, on the other hand I spoke to a trainer and he said if I gain lean muscle first it will help me to burn more fat while performing excercise. I've done research myself,most is for men though.

    First time on the boards I think I've ever said this--the trainer is 100% right. Lift NOW!
  • emdeesea
    emdeesea Posts: 1,823 Member
    I've basically lost almost all my fat from doing just weight lifting. I hardly ever do cardio, or I just do it sometimes for fun. But the majority of my weight loss has been from diet and lifting weights.
  • annaskiski
    annaskiski Posts: 1,212 Member
    Lift now! You will maintain your muscle mass so you can eat more later. (and you will look like you lost a lot more than you have)

    Cardio is less important for fat-loss than weight lifting.

    Read 'New Rules of Lifting for Women' for the explanation and motivation.


    There are several weight lifting groups on this site:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w



  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
    jenncornelsen wrote: »
    i would say a bit a both. i lift 2-3 times a week and do cardio the other days. both have been helpful. cardio has built up my stamina -walking farther and faster, less tired. lifting has made me stronger.

    ^^ This^^
    You lift to strengthen your muscles, you do cardio to strengthen your heart. Both are important.
  • Spocky
    Spocky Posts: 62 Member
    +1 ,,Cardio is less important for fat-loss than weight lifting."
  • zuzuanne88
    zuzuanne88 Posts: 104 Member
    Thank you ladies. So do I need to change my calorie goals? I know you can't gain muscle on a deficit.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    zuzuanne88 wrote: »
    Thank you ladies. So do I need to change my calorie goals? I know you can't gain muscle on a deficit.

    You can't gain muscle on a deficit (except for very few cases), but you retain muscles lifting while in a deficit. Figure out your TDEE and you should be eating 1 gram of protein per lb. of lean body mass.
  • neaneacc
    neaneacc Posts: 224 Member
    Cardio- will help strengthen your heart and lungs while doing some to help you lose weight.
    Strength training will build muscle and strength, which will help you to obtain a better athletic shape.
    Additionally, science has shown that weight bearing exercise helps to maintain bone density and strength. Women especially need to understand the long term beneficial rewards of lifting weights.
    http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/bone/Bone_Health/Exercise/default.asp
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    zuzuanne88 wrote: »
    Thank you ladies. So do I need to change my calorie goals? I know you can't gain muscle on a deficit.

    OP - your profile says you want to lose about 90lbs - absolutely do not go on a calorie surplus to try and build muscle. That would be bonkers!
    There's a huge amount of myths about how many extra calories extra muscle will burn but in reality it's insignificant.

    I would suggest:
    Suitable and not excessive calorie deficit which tapers off as you get nearer to goal.
    Adequate protein.
    A good (progressive overload) lifting routine to preserve as much lean mass as possible while losing weight.
    Cardio for heart health and fitness.

    Well worth spending time reading this:
    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/819055/setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets/p1
  • carlamarie1979
    carlamarie1979 Posts: 24 Member
    I don't agree sorry my opinion going by my own weightloss was full on interval running (on a treadmill) i did this, I lost over 3 and a half stone just running in 8 months. now to tone up I have started weight training(I have a personal trainer to help me) and I'm certainly losing inches and looking more toned, you do whatever is best for you I'm sure you will get fab results either way x
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    carlamarie1979 wrote: »
    I don't agree sorry my opinion going by my own weightloss was full on interval running (on a treadmill) i did this, I lost over 3 and a half stone just running in 8 months. now to tone up I have started weight training(I have a personal trainer to help me) and I'm certainly losing inches and looking more toned, you do whatever is best for you I'm sure you will get fab results either way x

    Science > Your opinion.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    randomtai wrote: »
    Lift now, lift now, lift now.

    Another vote for this.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    carlamarie1979 wrote: »
    I don't agree sorry my opinion going by my own weightloss was full on interval running (on a treadmill) i did this, I lost over 3 and a half stone just running in 8 months. now to tone up I have started weight training(I have a personal trainer to help me) and I'm certainly losing inches and looking more toned, you do whatever is best for you I'm sure you will get fab results either way x

    Maybe OP doesn't want to have a body like yours.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories