Cardio vs. Weight Training

[Yoly1001]

So I had an excercise question for all the pros out there who have been doing this longer then I have and may offer me some insight, I'm so conflicted.

I used to do Slim in 6, which is mostly cardio in the form of squats, lunges and pliets, that kind of stuff, also Slim in 6 has some weight routines, but very limited, nothing like an entire workout, maybe 20 minutes max. With this workout I got down to my slimmed down and toned up.

Now I am doing P90X, which has cardio days and then it has different days when all you do is weight training. For example this morning I worked out chest and back in the form of push ups and pull ups as well as weights. Tomorrow I will do Plyometrics, which is super cardio intense. It alternates like that every other day.

The reason that I am so conflicted is that with Slim in 6 I would see a noticable difference almost immediatly. I think with P90X I am building muscle mass (which is why the scale went up, grrr) and not burning as many calories in the moment and I did with Si6.

Anyway, I just wanted to get opinions on what I should be doing. I really enjoy P90X and am pushing myself harder then I have ever done in the past but i'm nervous that it may cause me to get bigger instead of shrink.

help???

[ValidRouge]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

yoly, I can tell you from my experience that when I weight train, I don't lose pounds as fast, but I can SEE (and so can everyone around me) dramatic changes. I will also gain during the first few weeks. Don't let that stop you. If you want dramatic results getting smaller and making incredible changes, continue with the weight training program (including the yoga). It will make the biggest difference in your physical appearance. HOWEVER, it might not make for a big reward on the scale. You might not change weight at all. You might even, *GASP* gain weight on the scale. BUT, you will have an amazing body.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

When I first started weight training I gained 10 pounds of muscle. Go me! However, I was saddened. I wanted to see the scale go down, but instead it went up. My body has changed. Matter of fact my family now asks to see my muscles I've never felt so strong in all my life. I am not bulky from weight training, I am defined. I think by losing more weight I'll continue to see more and more definition. From doing 60 minutes of strength training I burned almost almost 360 calories. That's awesome! Just think about how many calories I burn to just keep these lovely muscles.

I enjoy cardio, but I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE strength training. It's all in what you enjoy. I do both because I love the definition and fat burning of both.

[Yoly1001]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

Thanks guys, great feedback from both of you. I am going to stick to P90X. I am going to work as hard as I can in both weight training and cardio and just forget about everything else. The cardio workouts are a killer and I know I am burning a ton of calories. I am going to take the batteries out of my scale and just notice the changes on my body with the tape measure.

I already feel so much stronger and fitter, and it's only been 8 workouts so that's a huge change in and of itself. I'll keep at it and I'm sure it'll take me to good places.

Before I started the excercise I was doing nothing, so as conflicted as I am about what to do I know that it is a heck of a whole lot better then nothing. Bring on the X factor.

[ValidRouge]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

I think that's a great idea, yoly. Just focus on measurements and how your clothing fits. FInd something that is tight and try it on every couple weeks to judge your progress. Not just a pair of jeans either. Get pants and a shirt that are tight. You'll find that your body will change in the most odd places. Across the top of your shoulders, your ankles, calves, knees thighs, etc. It's hard to measure your entire body with a tape measure, but clothing tells a VERY different story.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

I couldn't agree more with Joy. I've seen changes in my body that I wasn't expecting.

You're doing a great job and you look amazing!

[whereami]

Re: Cardio vs. Weight Training

hey! I m not tryng to hijack this thread but just wnderng those of u that strength train when u first started out was it in the gym or were u doing exercises at home? and if so can anyne direct me to those exercises?