What About Weight Lifting??

[shari_dawn]

I got into a 'discussion' with a friend of mine because I use a set of 3 lb weights to enhance my workouts at home. She said that using weights will cause me to gain muscle and that the fat will sit on top of the muscle. She also said that you should not do weight lifting or work with weights until you are within 10-20 lbs of your goal weight. She of course was getting this info from her girlfriend who was a sports massage therpist for some well know people. What does everyone think? I'm a little conflicted now. HELLLLLPPP!

[2BME]

I started to work out with free weights and, in my opinion, it has helped my weight loss tremendously. Muscle tissue burns more calories than other tissues. If you build muscle not only do you get the benefits of uping your metabolism *while* you are working out, the muscle tissue will raise your metablolism during inactive times because it requires greater caloric intake then say fat does. JMHO. Perhaps research a bit online. Pick up an Oxygen or Muscle and Fitness Hers magazine and leaf through it. I won't give up my free weights! Love 'em.
I hope you have a fabulous day!

[AlaskaGirl]

Originally Posted by shari_dawn

I got into a 'discussion' with a friend of mine because I use a set of 3 lb weights to enhance my workouts at home. She said that using weights will cause me to gain muscle and that the fat will sit on top of the muscle. She also said that you should not do weight lifting or work with weights until you are within 10-20 lbs of your goal weight. She of course was getting this info from her girlfriend who was a sports massage therpist for some well know people. What does everyone think? I'm a little conflicted now. HELLLLLPPP!

That sounds very ignorant. Weight lifting has many benefits. I started strength training Sept 18 and I measure on a regular basis and I have not grown only shrank. There are 2 different styles of lifting one for strength and one for size (building/sculpting). You may want to look at the different styles and training to both so you know the difference.

I just started training with my husband who does it by the book. You should always try to incorporate some kind of aerobic activity first. I usually use the elliptical, bike, or treadmill for 20-30 minutes first and when I get the the weights we are concentrating on my core (back, shoulders, chest) for the first month or two (you are actually working the arms with all of the exercizes but not heavily). After I have sufficient strength in my core we will move onto arms (in more detail) and eventually legs.

I would suggest finding a trainer or a very good book that can help you acheive your goals and educate you about the different styles.

Good Luck

Julie

[Hudson]

Resistance training (weight lifting) is good for you any time, any weight. To get these big muscles your friend is talking about or to build muscle that your fat will go on top of is alittle goofy. Large muscles are very difficult to build. For many men and almost all women it is near impossible to build much muscle size.

[Richt]

Muscle burns calories actually being there so muscle is good! We like muscle!

[VGrace]

I LOVE Weight lifting! I think more then I do cardio. I lift heavy and slow. It will not Bulk you up! if you want to bulk up it has everyhting to do with your diet. here is some great info:

http://stumptuous.com/cms/stumptuousblog.php