Girls That Lift! (Hopefully one day)

ElleRogers
ElleRogers Posts: 7
edited November 15 in Introduce Yourself
Hey everyone, I definitely need to lose some weight that I've put on, but I'm hoping to eventually go into a "girls that lift" kind of scenario. I am totally new to this all but if this sounds like you, or if you're already on your lifting journey and want to lend some advice or encouragement, please let's connect! I'm all about lifting each other up (don't you just love a good pun
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Replies

  • MichaelBui
    MichaelBui Posts: 16 Member
    Haha good pun. Welcome aboard! Wish you the best on your progress
  • badgerbadger1
    badgerbadger1 Posts: 954 Member
    The best time to start lifting is today. Don't wait!
  • ElleRogers
    ElleRogers Posts: 7
    So quick question...how come when I add strength training it doesn't add to calories burnt for my tracking? I guess it's kind of messing with my head because I have weight to lose AND I want to be strong....my cardio counts towards calories for the day but not my weights? Haaaaalp!
  • jacqueline0821
    jacqueline0821 Posts: 667 Member
    I just started the Body Beast program which is all weight lifting. I have a lot of weight to lose to I am planning on combining it with cardio (walking and running).
  • tonihunter945
    tonihunter945 Posts: 62 Member
    ElleRogers wrote: »
    So quick question...how come when I add strength training it doesn't add to calories burnt for my tracking? I guess it's kind of messing with my head because I have weight to lose AND I want to be strong....my cardio counts towards calories for the day but not my weights? Haaaaalp!

    I would like to know that answer too!
  • ashleyohair
    ashleyohair Posts: 5 Member
    jacqueline0821 wrote: »
    I just started the Body Beast program which is all weight lifting. I have a lot of weight to lose to I am planning on combining it with cardio (walking and running).

    Do you like it? I am new to lifting and want to find something I can stick with that's easy to follow?
  • str8bowbabe
    str8bowbabe Posts: 712 Member
    I am getting back into weight lifting after several years of being out. Love it. It is working well to tone my body and my cardio is helping cut thru the fat. I started a boot camp class which does both weights and cardio so I might suggest something like that. If you search MFP under cardio, there is strength training listed. It would at least give you a start on your cals burned. It will not be accurate for everyone of course because of different reps/weight/and different people. But, if you are just looking to see some kind of cals burned, it could help. Good Luck!
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    ElleRogers wrote: »
    So quick question...how come when I add strength training it doesn't add to calories burnt for my tracking? I guess it's kind of messing with my head because I have weight to lose AND I want to be strong....my cardio counts towards calories for the day but not my weights? Haaaaalp!

    There is no way to really know how many calories your are burning during weight lifting. Even with heavy weights, the burn is actually quite minimal. What I would always do was log my cardio, and use the full MFP estimation (even though it is said to be highly over estimated), but eat back all the calories instead of half or 75% which is suggested. I lost at the appropriate rate.
  • 13suzie
    13suzie Posts: 349 Member
    Don't worry --- you build muscle, you increase your capacity to burn calories! Your metabolism is going to be double charged! LIFT HEAVY! BUILD MUSCLES! If you want an estimation of calories burned, wear a heart rate monitor and compute the calories burned...wear a Fit bit or Apple Watch :)

    There are tons of phone apps that lead you through a lifting routine. I love these - they keep me on target!
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    13suzie wrote: »
    Don't worry --- you build muscle, you increase your capacity to burn calories! Your metabolism is going to be double charged! LIFT HEAVY! BUILD MUSCLES! If you want an estimation of calories burned, wear a heart rate monitor and compute the calories burned...wear a Fit bit or Apple Watch :)

    There are tons of phone apps that lead you through a lifting routine. I love these - they keep me on target!

    No. You don't really build muscle in a deficit, you lose fat and keep muscle. And a fit bit/heart rate monitor is not accurate for weight training.
  • dominiquehomza
    dominiquehomza Posts: 12 Member
    I started squatting with the bar and all for the first time. I'm 22 and 5'2" started at 127 lbs have always gotten heavier in the winter and down to 115 in summers. Tired of yo yo ing. Used to swear by cardio only because I didn't wanna "bulk," however after 3 weeks of squats, arm dumbell exercises and some cardio, im down to 122.5 without much struggle. I shoot for 1200 kcals a day but sometimes go over as im a night shift nurse and sugar keeps me awake haha. But I don't log my weight training. I wish I would have started earlier because I am already loving this body more than a cardio obsessed body!! So stay motivated and get strong and fit!
  • Fat4Fuel2
    Fat4Fuel2 Posts: 280 Member
    ElleRogers wrote: »
    So quick question...how come when I add strength training it doesn't add to calories burnt for my tracking? I guess it's kind of messing with my head because I have weight to lose AND I want to be strong....my cardio counts towards calories for the day but not my weights? Haaaaalp!

    I've been consistently lifting for a couple months now. Check out IIFYM.com if you haven't. It will help you with calories and food. It takes into account activity in your calorie and macro goals, so you don't need to log exercise. If you want to keep track of what you do, there's better apps out there for that. Bodybuilding.com will help you with a gym plan. Lift heavy! You'll get strong and some cardio in!

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    start now not later. If you want to see the calories log it under the cardio section for strength training.

    Make sure you are getting in enough protein to help repair the muscle, carbs for energy and fats for absorption and get in enough calories...do not go down that 1200 or lower path please.
  • nakima
    nakima Posts: 37 Member
    check out freediet it has calculators for all your needs like, Calories,macros,bmi, etc. I love it! Been lifting for years and just got really serious here lately and I love it!
  • ElleRogers
    ElleRogers Posts: 7
    Guys thanks so much for all the feedback. This is all a bit overwhelming, honestly didn't even think about much in regards to weights until instagram opened my eyes. Much prefer the weight trained body over the cardio bunny (because I think for my body type it would be better). I am following a 30 day beginners fitness guide to health on bodybuilding.com, and honestly I so look forward to the days with free weights or the machines. I don't loathe cardio but that's mainly because I put EDM music on blast (my workout guilty pleasure). Any suggestions for a routine with weights? Or like big pointers or secrets to share? Are the protein shakes/preworkout/supplements totally necessary?? Life lighter and more reps for a lean build and heavier weight shorter reps for more bulk? Or something like that right? How many days/week are you all lifting? Gahh so many questions!
  • ElleRogers
    ElleRogers Posts: 7
    Baaaasically I don't want to have muscle on top of all this squishy fat I have gained. So if I can be like lifting and doing cardio intermittently or whatevs annnnd be melting this fat off that'd be really great.
  • Kimo159
    Kimo159 Posts: 508 Member
    When I take a preworkout I definitely find that I perform better (higher weights). As far as lifting, I say do what you enjoy the most. I enjoy high weights low reps personally. Are supplements and protein shakes necessary, no...but I like to take a multivitamin to prevent bad food cravings and I do use protein shakes myself. As long as you get enough protein in each day you don't really need protein shakes. I lift 4 days per week. Back and biceps, chest and triceps, shoulders and abs, and leg day. You should check out bodybuilding.com too for workouts. They have some great programs on there for free. It's a bit confusing at the beginning but really, you don't have to make it complicated. Just go lift some stuff and make sure you have good form. That's a perfect place to start. You may also want to do a personal training session or two at the beginning. You can learn proper form and get comfortable in your gym.

    Sorry for the long winded response.
  • RichJO123
    RichJO123 Posts: 4
    Start out light, get the soreness out, and then dive in full force. Good luck, lifting is addicting.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    Read New Rules of Lifting for Women, and/or Starting Strength. Take a look at both of those programs as well as Stronglifts 5x5.
  • branlovesu
    branlovesu Posts: 18 Member
    Im starting stronglifts 5×5 tomorrow! Ive been doing a lot of research. Its a great "total body" lifting program!
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    branlovesu wrote: »
    Im starting stronglifts 5×5 tomorrow! Ive been doing a lot of research. Its a great "total body" lifting program!

    Nice. I haven't done it because I chose another program but I read through it and it looks fun. Plus I haven't heard a single bad review about it.
  • Allgoingtomakeit
    Allgoingtomakeit Posts: 35
    I hope you don't mind me messaging in this group, or if its just for girls? Anyway, something I love doing is helping people with their fitness especially weights, and especially women and weightlifting (studied it as my thesis and huge believer in it!). There are no doubt lots of people that can give you great advice on MFP, im just putting it out there that if you have any questions, feel free to message me an ill answer them as best as I can, using my experience and most of all research based knowledge. Have fun!
  • ElleRogers
    ElleRogers Posts: 7
    Aw yah this is open to anyone @Allgoingtomakeit !! Sorry, the more the merrier. ESPECIALLY the knowledgeable, I have a feeling a lot of us have questions...speaking of, Last question....for today, where can I find the 5x5 program or the new rules of lifting for women @branlovesu @arditarose??
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    ElleRogers wrote: »
    Aw yah this is open to anyone @Allgoingtomakeit !! Sorry, the more the merrier. ESPECIALLY the knowledgeable, I have a feeling a lot of us have questions...speaking of, Last question....for today, where can I find the 5x5 program or the new rules of lifting for women @branlovesu @arditarose??

    I think everything you need to know about 5x5 is online, just search the program and you'll get the site. I bought my copy of new rules at Barnes n Noble.
  • annaskiski
    annaskiski Posts: 1,212 Member
    There's a Stronglifts group here with a good explanation of the program:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

    Here's another group that is more general, but has lots of lifting discussions:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/10118-eat-train-progress

    Both good groups to join....
  • kbunn06
    kbunn06 Posts: 18 Member
    I use the app JEFIT to help guide my lifting. I can make my own workout. You can choose workouts by body type. It gives TONS of options for weight lifting and it shows you how to do the moves.

    It's definitely best to focus on different parts of the body on different days. I lift chest/triceps, Abs/cardio, Shoulders/legs, and back/biceps/forearms.

    As far as Protein shakes, I personally like protein shakes to help me hit my protein goals every day. you can find a good goal from IIFYM, but it's also often suggested to eat 1 g of protein per pound of body weight. I can't quite hit that yet because I'm still overweight, but i do try to make it at least 30% of my diet. Pre workouts are great especially on days that you're dragging. just be sure to take them right before your workout. I know they make my arms and legs tingle if I don't start my workout soon enough after taking it. BCAAs are also great before and after lifting to help with muscle recovery.

    I also believe in heavier weights in order to build muscle. You're not going to get bulky if you're not in major training for some kind of sport or competition. But you will build muscle and it will help you burn fat more efficiently.

    Don't expect results overnight. That's the hardest thing for me. I technically lose slower when I lift than when I do cardio, but at the same time I lose inches way faster! Just remember, when you lift, you need to feed your body. A 1200 calorie diet usually isn't best for lifting.
    Eat To Perform is a great source to learn about diets for lifting. They have a Facebook page and are constantly posting awesome articles that explain why eating a higher calorie diet is actually better for you.

    I hope the book i just wrote you helps. haha! I'm still learning, too. It's so much fun to research and try new things! Lifting is definitely worth it!
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    I just started Stronglifts 5x5 - I'm enjoying it.
  • ninjapixie87
    ninjapixie87 Posts: 124 Member
    ElleRogers wrote: »
    So quick question...how come when I add strength training it doesn't add to calories burnt for my tracking? I guess it's kind of messing with my head because I have weight to lose AND I want to be strong....my cardio counts towards calories for the day but not my weights? Haaaaalp!

    The "strength training" exercise entries are really more for tracking your weights/reps, and they don't show any calories burned. However, if you search under the "cardio" section, there is at least one "strength training" option that you can add to your diary. Be careful with adding any of MFP's exercise to your diary and then eating those extra calories...because I think MFP overestimates the calories burned (some exercises are more/less accurate than others). I generally round down the time I spend in that exercise a little, and try not to eat back all the calories.
  • emilypink573
    emilypink573 Posts: 133 Member
    Im also using Jefit dumbbell home work out. I use my HRM and I log it sometimes.
  • shanny_xx_
    shanny_xx_ Posts: 26 Member
    Same here I want to get into lifting, not necessarily body builder lifting lol but I want my muscles to be defined
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