When to start lifting weights vs cardio only?

Hi.  I was looking for some input on my workout routine.  I've lost 87 pounds over the past 7 months thru counting calories and cycling and jogging, with no weight training.  I'm starting to get closer to my goal weight of 190-195 (I'm at 213 now) and was wondering if I should wait until I'm at my goal weight or now-ish.  Whats more effective?  I jog 3 miles a day, five days a week and consume about 2000 cals a day.  Any input is appreciated!  Thanks!

I don't know of a good reason to not start weight training, unless there is a physical issue that prevents it. It will help you in your overall goal to lose fat.

I was just thinking about the difference between the two.  If i start hitting the weights, I'll be doing less cardio.  I know that building muscle burns more fat, but right away?  I'm doing so well and the weight loss has not slowed down.  Either way, I'll be adding in weight training eventually.  So I'll count you as a vote for starting now then.  Thanks!

I would go ahead and start now.  The earlier you start training your muscles, the earlier you get to benefit from the increased metabolism.  (Even if you gain no muscle mass at all, muscles that are used to being used burn more calories than ones that aren't.)  Plus, it'll help to tip the weight lost toward being more fat than muscle (whereas cardio tends to tip the balance the other way - maybe not quite as far as burning more muscle than fat, but strength training does more to convince your body it *needs* to keep the muscles so it's the fat that has to go).  A good mix of cardio and strength training (say three days a week of each, or something like that) would give you the best of both worlds.

I think starting now - it'll help get those muscles into good form under the layer of fat so when your weight loss goal is reached you'll look even better.  Also doing weights helps lose inches faster.  I know I currently weigh what I weighed a few years ago ( gain due to stress and quitting smoking) - but the good news is even though the scale number is depressing I'm still wearing size 12s and 14s and not 18's like I did the last time I weighed this much- and its all due to weight lifting.  I do cardio but also weights- and don't be afraid of those heavy weights either!!

I'd also suggest starting now as well. You'll still burn the calories and all, and build up muscle, and increase the focus on fat loss, like others have said.

Yes, start weights right away!

Admittedly, once I started being serious about weights I stopped losing any weight at all (then again, my appetite increased as well), but now my inches have dropped......not a single pound gone in a year, but 5 inches gone when adding all the "areas" together.....

I no longer focus on weight loss and it only means a revolution in thought.....

start focussing on the inches lost, the changing body shape, and the ability to lift more, run longer, elliptical longer, swim farther (whatever your passion).

And push yourself -- lift heavy once you've mastered the movements.

So, I get it.  Start sooner rather than later.  Does anyone do single sets?  I was reading an article that beginners can benefit from doing just one set instead of three.  Does anyone have experience with that?  I haven't lift any weights in 17 years and I'm sure training methods have changed since high school.

dbackerfan - you made me laugh! when someone tells me i look much skinnier, im going to tell them "oh yeah! you should see the muscles under this fat!"

thanks all!

I agree start lifting weights. Doing just cardio does burn fat, but it also burns muscle. There is a reson I look so damn scrawny. :(

UD

Original Post by umneydurak:

I agree start lifting weights. Doing just cardio does burn fat, but it also burns muscle. There is a reson I look so damn scrawny. :(

UD

This post will single handedly stop scads of women from doing weights. I know it.

lol Forgot the audience.

UD

geez, I'm honored to have such influential people commenting!

Original Post by adamcz1973:

So, I get it.  Start sooner rather than later.  Does anyone do single sets? 

 Not anymore, but I did for the first month or so I started lifting weights.  Would I have been better doing multiple sets?  I don't know.  But I do know I got stronger just doing the single sets. 

Original Post by smartjock256:

I'd also suggest starting now as well. You'll still burn the calories and all, and build up muscle, and increase the focus on fat loss, like others have said.

 smartjock...where in the baloobas have you been (formerly rnjt)??

anyway yes, there are so many other benefits to weight training than just looking good.