Ideal time to start muscle building

clairec230787
clairec230787 Posts: 52 Member
edited November 25 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,
I have lost 1st 8lb recently, and I'm still loosing at a steady rate without really exercising. I walk the dog every day, but I used to go to the gym regularly and I found I was loosing less weight. Now I understand I was probably gaining muscle which is better than fat, but it was off putting when getting on the scale.

Anyway, I'm reaching my goal weight and I have decided that I would like to start toning up soon as I will be able afford to add a bit of muscle weight once I reach my goal.

My question is... Should I start weight training now to start building muscle or should I wait until I've reached my target. Obviously, I will do cardio as well.

Thanks

Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Ideally, you need both cardio and resistance training for health and fitness. I would suggest you find something you like, and stick to it. It is irrelevant of having to lose weight or not, and if you just try it for a while and then stop, you will just end up back where you started. Figure out a sport or exercise routine you enjoy, and start now.
  • clairec230787
    clairec230787 Posts: 52 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    Ideally, you need both cardio and resistance training for health and fitness. I would suggest you find something you like, and stick to it. It is irrelevant of having to lose weight or not, and if you just try it for a while and then stop, you will just end up back where you started. Figure out a sport or exercise routine you enjoy, and start now.

    Like I said, I walk everyday. This includes hill climbs and I regularly walk up mountains at the weekend. So fitness is not the issue.

    It's the toning I was asking about.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited October 2015
    You should always be weight training to preserve as much LBM as possible during defecit

    Far easier than rebuilding

    That said, as you don't have a time machine ...yes start a decent progressive programme now

    But avoid using the word "toning" it's a dieting industry misnomer for low body fat and decent musculature ...muscles don't actually tone they get bigger or smaller that's it
  • kellyptn
    kellyptn Posts: 17 Member
    I would maybe start with some weights just now and as u are gettin thinner wen u start gettin toned u will notice it more and maybe nit b as bothered with the number on the scale as u will love the new hot body u r rockin with all these muscles n definition
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Is your keyboard broken?
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    clairec230787 wrote: »
    aggelikik wrote: »
    Ideally, you need both cardio and resistance training for health and fitness. I would suggest you find something you like, and stick to it. It is irrelevant of having to lose weight or not, and if you just try it for a while and then stop, you will just end up back where you started. Figure out a sport or exercise routine you enjoy, and start now.

    Like I said, I walk everyday. This includes hill climbs and I regularly walk up mountains at the weekend. So fitness is not the issue.

    It's the toning I was asking about.

    There is no such thing as toning. If you want your whole body to have more muscle and not just the bottom half, you should add some training that involves also the upper half. Find some sort of exercise that you find interesting to complement your walks that involves upper body.
  • cnbbnc
    cnbbnc Posts: 1,267 Member
    I have 7lbs left to lose and I've been strength training the whole time, with cardio to a lesser degree. I would definitely start now. I'm set to lose .5lbs/wk now so the scale is moving slower, but on the up side I'm definitely getting stronger. You'll still lose while getting started with weights. :)
  • clairec230787
    clairec230787 Posts: 52 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    You should always be weight training to preserve as much LBM as possible during defecit

    Far easier than rebuilding

    That said, as you don't have a time machine ...yes start a decent progressive programme now

    But avoid using the word "toning" it's a dieting industry misnomer for low body fat and decent musculature ...muscles don't actually tone they get bigger or smaller that's it

    Thanks, this is helpful!! Firstly, what is LBM? And secondly, how often and long would you recommend 'weight training' each week? I did a body pump class once a week which was an hour long... Will start that again...
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    clairec230787 wrote: »
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    You should always be weight training to preserve as much LBM as possible during defecit

    Far easier than rebuilding

    That said, as you don't have a time machine ...yes start a decent progressive programme now

    But avoid using the word "toning" it's a dieting industry misnomer for low body fat and decent musculature ...muscles don't actually tone they get bigger or smaller that's it

    Thanks, this is helpful!! Firstly, what is LBM? And secondly, how often and long would you recommend 'weight training' each week? I did a body pump class once a week which was an hour long... Will start that again...


    LBM = lean body mass eg the amount of weight you carry on your body that isn't fat.

    I'd suggest a programme ..3 times a week

    There are many structured ones out there for beginners

    Books
    Strong Curves
    New Rules of Lifting for Women

    Structured online programmes
    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
    https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
    http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength

    You might like to read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/

    If you can't bring yourself to do free weights yet then do a decent bodyweight programme
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

    Don't forget your calorie counting though
  • clairec230787
    clairec230787 Posts: 52 Member
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    clairec230787 wrote: »
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    You should always be weight training to preserve as much LBM as possible during defecit

    Far easier than rebuilding

    That said, as you don't have a time machine ...yes start a decent progressive programme now

    But avoid using the word "toning" it's a dieting industry misnomer for low body fat and decent musculature ...muscles don't actually tone they get bigger or smaller that's it

    Thanks, this is helpful!! Firstly, what is LBM? And secondly, how often and long would you recommend 'weight training' each week? I did a body pump class once a week which was an hour long... Will start that again...


    LBM = lean body mass eg the amount of weight you carry on your body that isn't fat.

    I'd suggest a programme ..3 times a week

    There are many structured ones out there for beginners

    Books
    Strong Curves
    New Rules of Lifting for Women

    Structured online programmes
    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
    https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/jason-blaha-ice-cream-fitness-5x5-novice-workout
    http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-routines/4-week-guide-starting-strength

    You might like to read this: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/10/26/how-to-not-suck-at-working-out/

    If you can't bring yourself to do free weights yet then do a decent bodyweight programme
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

    Don't forget your calorie counting though

    Thanks a lot!!
  • George5891
    George5891 Posts: 33 Member
    I think its never to late to put on some muscle. So dont worry, you will reach your goals. Just some dedication is needed. good luck
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    Rabbit has given you some great advice already, but I'll second everything she has said. I started lifting (stronglifts) at 230lbs, and I'm loving the shape I'm getting in my body as I lose. Never knew I had awesome arms hiding under all that flab. Still have at least another 30lbs to lose, but I'm definitely going to keep lifting.

    Plus, even when the scale stalls for a few weeks I don't get discouraged because my lifts keep going up. It gives me another goal to work towards.
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