Doing weights

[MikeInJapan]

So, I'd really like to start doing some weights in addition to my walking each day.

The reason I haven't started yet is that I don't want the increase in muscle weight to cloud my fat loss when I step on the scales. I put on muscle mass REALLY fast (my body will pump up in 1 or 2 visits to the gym), which I attribute to first doing weights when I was about 16, adding a lot of muscle cells.

I don't know though, I guess I would also be burning extra fat by doing the weights, and burn even more when the muscle mass increases.

Any opinions on this from people experienced in the area?

[Elizellen]

Re: Doing weights

Personally I would rather lose fat even if it meant the scales going up because my body was reshaping itself!

[chinadoll]

Re: Doing weights

Go by measurements instead of the scale and lift! You'll look better and burn more calories.

[allegra15]

Re: Doing weights

I agree with Chinadoll...the weight number is immaterial - it's the inches and how you look. I am similar - I pump up muscle easily - and there have been times that I have done the same, and avoided resistance training because it would marginalize my weight loss number. But I came to realize that was REALLY short sighted. Muscle burns more cals ... it's about how you look and feel - not the number on your scale. I say do at least some toning workouts....

[MikeInJapan]

Re: Doing weights

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I think what I will do for the moment is compromise - do some toning stuff as you say allegra, but not so heavy as to put on a lot of muscle.

One point about the weight is, it's not only a number when it affects things like your joints, which in my case, it is.

But the weight is coming off fairly nicely now, so it shouldn't be long until I am down to 120kg, and at that point I might start pumping some heavier weight.

[wrf954]

Re: Doing weights

Hit the weights, hit the weights, hit the weights! Let me repeat, hit the weights!

I think weight training is more important than cardio while losing weight because cardio can make you so ferociously hungry and can lead to wanting to cheat. Get a real workout plan and add that muscle and your Atkins experience will be enhanced. Then, when you hit your weight loss goal, really focus on the cardio as well.

[djb]

Re: Doing weights

lift light weights it will tone up what you have with out adding to much muscle