looking for some thoughts....

SO, my goal for 2009 is to lose weight as much as I can!!

In the beginning is is OK for me to just concentrate on cardio and getting into a good solid routine. In the last few weeks I have worked myself up to 40 mins on the treadmill a few times a week.

I want to eventually work on strengthing my muscles and get stronger but wondering if it is more important to just focus on the treadmill and losing weight and getting myself into a "happy" rountne.

What do you think??

Re: looking for some thoughts....

for me- I need to foucs on cardio first

I get bulky very fast if I start lifting- which can make me loss motivation

but if I run/job I slim down very quick- and also get lean muscles at the same time

then I add in other exercises

Re: looking for some thoughts....

Thanks Beth

I am thinking that it would be better for me to just concentrate on slimming down and then work on building up muscle. I just feel weak and no that ultimately I want to gain strength. But I also know that walking on the treadmill will also gain muscle.

Re: looking for some thoughts....

I think it's totally fine to focus on cardio for now... that's pretty much what I've been doing too.

Re: looking for some thoughts....

That's what most people do - usually people see fast results with cardio, and then start to plateau. When the plateau occurs, that's when people are told to incorporate weight training....

Re: looking for some thoughts....

I'm torn. Part of me wants to say yes...but then another part wants to say no.

Strength training using your own body weight is a great way to burn fat and get your heartrate up at the same time without being too intimidating. womenshealthmag.com has some great routines already planned out. If you can do 20 minutes circuit or strength training and 20 minutes on the tread a couple times a week, then the rest of the time do cardio, that would be ideal, IMO. But that's not to say that you still won't lose with cardio alone.

Good luck!

Re: looking for some thoughts....

Posted by pmpkn087

I'm torn. Part of me wants to say yes...but then another part wants to say no.

Strength training using your own body weight is a great way to burn fat and get your heartrate up at the same time without being too intimidating. womenshealthmag.com has some great routines already planned out. If you can do 20 minutes circuit or strength training and 20 minutes on the tread a couple times a week, then the rest of the time do cardio, that would be ideal, IMO. But that's not to say that you still won't lose with cardio alone.

Good luck!