LIFT HEAVY?

I'm always curious when I see the weightloss threads on this forum. So my question is if you do workout to lose weight, do you stick to cardio or do you lift weights?

If you lift weights, do you opt for weight machines and high reps? Do you lift heavy with free weights?

I just wanted to share a little bit of information I found helpful. I used to attempt to lose weight through calorie restriction and cardio. It was a constant struggle. Either I would hold on to the weight or lose it to only gain it back when I felt famished.
Since I began lifting, I literally eat whatever I feel like. My body is much firmer and muscles are more visible than before. Energy is through the roof and overall feeling is pretty awesome.
Here's a great article on metabolic circuits. Simple concept and uhhhh-mazing workout that doesn't require a ton of time.  

http://www.livestrong.com/article/358265-metabolic-circuit-training/

I do not enjoy working out unless I am lifting weights. I do run as well, but lifting weights is something I really enjoy. I split my work out days between chest/tri's, back/bi's, legs, and shoulders. 95% free weights and the rest with machines.

You should do cardio AND lift weights. Lifting weights builds muscle, which burns fat faster and increases your metabolism.

I did cardio and free weights to lose weight lost 35lbs.. I tried to do an hour of both I did light weights with more reps, my trainer told me that would be best for me I was just looking to tone..

I do circuit training. And I enjoy it very much, I do one day of cardio then one day of training. But recently I had to switch cuz My muscles are getting too big on my arms....so I am just doing cardio for now

I lift heavy. And I do free weights.

I do have a trainer that I work out with every Saturday, and he kicks my ass. But I am the same. I lose weight no matter what I do or eat now. Granted I don't eat 3 fast food meals a day but I can cheat and I don't stress cause I still average 2 lbs a week loss.

It's so much better than just diet or diet and cardio

Quoting MommyDK:" I did cardio and free weights to lose weight lost 35lbs.. I tried to do an hour of both I did light weights with more reps, my trainer told me that would be best for me I was just looking to tone.."

It irritates me when people tell women that. It's not very beneficial to do lower weight at high reps unless you have all day. To tone up, you need to push your muscles to failure.

For so long, society has convinces women that they will "get huge" if they lift heavy but you can't get massive until you greatly increase your calorie intake.

Congratulations on the weightloss! 35lbs in a big deal!  

My trainer posted this a few weeks back and it's sooo true

Quoting Cait au Lait:" It irritates me when people tell women that. It's not very beneficial to do lower weight at high reps ... [snip!] ... can't get massive until you greatly increase your calorie intake. Congratulations on the weightloss! 35lbs in a big deal!  "

Yes!!!


When people do their cuts, they will eat like 5000 cals a day. It's insane.



But I went from this (2/17/12)






to this (taken this past weekend, being silly while doing yard work)





I am almost 40 lbs down and pretty solid. I love lifting and think it's awesome when I go back in to the gym and am so much stronger than I was the last time

Quoting Cait au Lait:" It irritates me when people tell women that. It's not very beneficial to do lower weight at high reps ... [snip!] ... can't get massive until you greatly increase your calorie intake. Congratulations on the weightloss! 35lbs in a big deal!  "

Thank you! for my cardio I do kickboxing but I have never tried anything different on the weights besides what my trainer told me to do but maybe I will have to switch it up I would like to lose 10 more but Im pretty happy with what I have lost. So I have a question we are currently ttc is it safe to lift if and when we get pregnant? I didn't work out besides walking with my first 2 but plan to keep exercising with our next one

Quoting packersgirl + 3:" Yes!!! When people do their cuts, they will eat like 5000 cals a day. It's insane. But I went ... [snip!] ... solid. I love lifting and think it's awesome when I go back in to the gym and am so much stronger than I was the last time"

You did that in 3 months? Tell me your smurfing secrets.

Quoting packersgirl + 3:" Yes!!! When people do their cuts, they will eat like 5000 cals a day. It's insane. But I went ... [snip!] ... solid. I love lifting and think it's awesome when I go back in to the gym and am so much stronger than I was the last time"

Oh the power of weight lifting.  
Awesome progress!!!! It looks like you feel loads better too.

I think it's addictive.   I love the feeling of a good pump and glancing in the mirror and looking slightly cut without flexing LOL.

Quoting MommyDK:" Thank you! for my cardio I do kickboxing but I have never tried anything different on the weights besides ... [snip!] ... if and when we get pregnant? I didn't work out besides walking with my first 2 but plan to keep exercising with our next one"

You can discuss it with your doctor but usually unless you're high risk, continuing any fitness routine after you get pregnant is not only safe but should be encouraged.
Maintaining a level of fitness while pregnant will not only make it easier to lose the weight afterwards, but it can make labor and delivery a little easier.
It usually isn't advisable to START a new fitness routine other than light, low-impact cardio (swimming, walking etc) after becoming pregnant.

Mara (creator of BG) ran pretty much her entire pregnancy without issues.

Quoting Mrs. Dexter Morgan:" You did that in 3 months? Tell me your smurfing secrets."

Weights on Saturdays, running 3-4 times a week. Eating clean. It came off a lot faster than I thought it would for sure. I hit my weight loss goal a month ago, and I was giving myself until July.

I am also BFing so I am sure that helps, lol.

Quoting packersgirl + 3:" Weights on Saturdays, running 3-4 times a week. Eating clean. It came off a lot faster than I thought ... [snip!] ... I hit my weight loss goal a month ago, and I was giving myself until July. I am also BFing so I am sure that helps, lol."

Good job!