I want to start a weight lifting program in the new year

Hannahjane123456
Hannahjane123456 Posts: 116 Member
edited November 23 in Health and Weight Loss
Im 27 and I'm 4 foot 11 and 110 pounds and have around 7 pounds to lose maybe. I lift weights and do cardio, but I'm thinking of starting strong lifts, but I don't know where to start or how many calories I'm suppose to eat, I'm carrying fat on my stomach still and would love to get lean for summer. What's the best weigh lifting program for women? How many calories should I eat?

Thank you x

Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    edited December 2017
    With your stats, I would eat at maintenance and take advantage of the recomp effect. You'll have a noticeable difference as a newer lifter. Just set MFP to maintenance and log your strength training sessions in the cardiovascular exercise section by searching under "strength training" and then eat those calories.

    As far as programs go, women and men can do the same ones. If Strong Lifts looks interesting to you, go for it.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    Read through this thread
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited December 2017
    I did stronglifts for about 14 months before moving on to an intermediate program. I agree with @jemhh. Eat at maintenance and lift heavy (for you).

    You can download the stronglifts app at stronglifts.com. It will track your workouts and weights for you, very helpful!

    ETA: Use MFP for tracking your food and calories.
  • Hannahjane123456
    Hannahjane123456 Posts: 116 Member
    will I lose the fat off my tummy by doing this and will this get me the lean look what I'm looking for eventually?

    Thanks :)
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Hannahjane123456 wrote: »
    will I lose the fat off my tummy by doing this and will this get me the lean look what I'm looking for eventually?

    Thanks :)

    The fat on your stomach is determined by calories, not exercise.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    Hannahjane123456 wrote: »
    will I lose the fat off my tummy by doing this and will this get me the lean look what I'm looking for eventually?

    Thanks :)

    No. You will lose fat off your stomach if you eat less calories than you burn and you are genetically disposed to lose fat off your stomach. This is often the last place it comes off of and lifting will not make one bit of difference to this.

    Long term, the lean look comes from losing fat. Building muscle is still a good idea but until you get rid of excess fat, you don't see the muscle.

    But it is still a good idea to start a lifting program. One benefit is that, as you lose weight, if you are lifting than a bigger portion of the weight lost is fat and you will retain more of the muscle you currently have.

    I've been doing a program set up by the coach at the Y, but plan to start SL in Jan.,
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Hannahjane123456 wrote: »
    will I lose the fat off my tummy by doing this and will this get me the lean look what I'm looking for eventually?

    Thanks :)

    I would not suggest something that I thought was counter to your goals. I don't have time for that kind of nonsense.

    I disagree with the comment that you need to eat less than you burn in order to lose fat, especially as a newbie lifter.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    At those dimensions, you may have fat to lose, but I wouldn't say you have weight to lose. I'd go with the solid lifting program and eating at maintenance. At least for a few months, then reevaluate and see if you want to run a small deficit to finish off leaning up, but that's going to require some effort.
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