what is the best exercise for weight loss?

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Replies

  • cmeade20
    cmeade20 Posts: 1,238 Member
    For maintaining/building muscle while you lose fat do strength training 2-3 times a week. Do cardio in addition and have a 10-20 percent caloric deficit in your diet and you should see decent results
  • LeggyKettleBabe
    LeggyKettleBabe Posts: 300 Member
    sitting on your hands so you dont eat too much :P
  • rhonniema
    rhonniema Posts: 522 Member
    Whatever you enjoy doing.
    What I like, you may hate.
  • hwillia1
    hwillia1 Posts: 26 Member
    Running but if you haven't done this before build up gradually. Look up the couch to 5k plan. Interval training works for me, so a period of running followed by walking and repeat.
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    For me I have been doing a lot of running, biking and calisthenics (using my own body weight i.e. squats, burpees, push-ups, etc).
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    Weight loss comes from calorie deficit, not exercise per se.

    Muscle building comes from lifting heavy and calorie surplus.

    While on a deficit, lifting heavy and maintaining good macros will preserve your existing muscle mass as much as possible.

    So, most likely what you really want to do right now is eat a balanced diet at a moderate deficit and lift weights. There is a so-called beginner's effect too that a lot of people experience where they actually gain a small bit of muscle mass even while in deficit. If that happens, consider it a bonus. After your body fat is down to a reasonable level, you can consider bulking (adding lean mass).

    What this guy^ said.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    Weight loss comes from calorie deficit, not exercise per se.

    Muscle building comes from lifting heavy and calorie surplus.

    While on a deficit, lifting heavy and maintaining good macros will preserve your existing muscle mass as much as possible.

    So, most likely what you really want to do right now is eat a balanced diet at a moderate deficit and lift weights. There is a so-called beginner's effect too that a lot of people experience where they actually gain a small bit of muscle mass even while in deficit. If that happens, consider it a bonus. After your body fat is down to a reasonable level, you can consider bulking (adding lean mass).

    yep
  • All had great advice and I think that I will try the Elliptical at the gym and walking at home with the dogs. I would love to work my way up to running, but I have never ever done it and not sure my joints could handle it. lol
    But to Clarify.. i am not looking at "muscle building" as in looking "buff", but more strength training.. I am weak and not much energy and WAY WAY WAY overweight and i know that building muscle as well as losing weight will spend up the weight loss process and I am tired of being TIRED and not being able to climb stairs.. so that is what I mean by "muscle building"..
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    All had great advice and I think that I will try the Elliptical at the gym and walking at home with the dogs. I would love to work my way up to running, but I have never ever done it and not sure my joints could handle it. lol
    But to Clarify.. i am not looking at "muscle building" as in looking "buff", but more strength training.. I am weak and not much energy and WAY WAY WAY overweight and i know that building muscle as well as losing weight will spend up the weight loss process and I am tired of being TIRED and not being able to climb stairs.. so that is what I mean by "muscle building"..

    Then if you'r just getting into exercising I would highly recommend Leslie Sansone's walk at home DVD's. Great for a beginner and easy to follow! And remember just by staying with in your allotted calories MFP gives you puts you in the weigh loss zone!! That plus walking is an awesome start!
  • I'm all for exercising and doing things you like. HOWEVER, I used to hit the gym by myself with my own routine (ellipticals, treadmill, machines, strength) but I then I started doing group fitness classes like spinning and conditioning classes and they completely DESTROYED ME (in a good way). And that's when I realized I was going easy on myself by building my own routine and such. Now because I have certified professionals direct me, I'm pushing myself more than I'd ever be able to on my own.

    Maybe some people can push themselves further than I can by myself, but if you're looking to really challenge yourself, I really recommend group fitness classes like zumba, spinning, TRX, pilates, etc.. I think they're more fun anyways because everyone's suffering with you and it feels less lonely.

    That's just my two cents.
  • LadyIntrepid
    LadyIntrepid Posts: 399 Member
    ^^^^ Totally agree. I work way harder in classes than I ever do on my own.
  • I am not sure I could DO a fitness class at this point.. I totally get tired and weak walking up ONE flight of stairs.. so i would be so embarrassed to even be in a class.. i would have to lay on the floor after 3 minutes.. lol
  • montana_girl
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    I have the best Answer !!!!!

    the best exercise for losing weight is the one YOU LOVE TO DO, THAT'S THE BEST ONE

    ^^ This is what I was thinking!

    You need to find something you enjoy (or at least are willing to do), so you will continue to do it on a regular basis. My suggestion would be to try the various classes (several times with different trainers, if possible), try various machines, and ask questions from the staff and knowledgable friends. Find two or three things you enjoy and go forth! :flowerforyou:
  • For me it was keeping my mouth shut :wink:

    LOL
  • i agree!! U need to love it or enjoy!!!:happy:
  • cespedes_liz
    cespedes_liz Posts: 2 Member
    I Joined "Curves" and loving it. I do a circuit training along with cardio. It only takes 30 min out of my day. Curves also have trainers there to show you how to work the machines properly. Hope you love it as much as I do.
  • cespedes_liz
    cespedes_liz Posts: 2 Member
    I Joined "Curves" and loving it. I do a circuit training along with cardio. It only takes 30 min out of my day. Curves also have trainers there to show you how to work the machines properly. Hope you love it as much as I do.
  • I love your answer! Everyone is different and you have to find what works for your body specifically.
  • ohhhhh I wish I had that will power!