Exercise question

[Droopy]

I started working out 1.5 months ago. I bought a membership to a gym and went to town lifting weights and walking. I've seen a lot of improvement over the the last month and a half, but I've still got a long way to go to reach my weight loss goal. I weighed in at 258 yesterday.

Over this long weekend I started walking twice what I had been. The last two days I put in 7.5 miles a day and today I will walk 9 miles. I'm thinking that I should just walk and give up the weight lifting until I get down to my target weight- about 200 pounds.

What would you do? Stay with the weights and walking shorter distances? Or go for the marathon walks? It should be noted that I like walking better than lifting weights. :)

[jpgray]

1. Weight-lifting is key, because muscle mass helps metabolize fat

In broad terms, don't go for strength and low reps, high intensity. Go for high reps and low intensity. And make -sure- you are getting enough rest. If you overwork your muscles, eat too few nutrients, or get too little rest, you will start to burn muscle mass for energy and that will make weight loss harder. Just listen to your body--you should feel pumped up after your weight-lifting, and fairly drained but feeling good after the cardio/walking. You can lose weight without lifting it, but doing so will make it easier for you. And congrats on your progress thus far!

:toast:

[Droopy]

3. Thanks

Yeah, it seems like I read somewhere that the more muscle you have the higher your calorie burning potential.

I've been lifting weights kind of like you suggest, but not a whole lot of reps. I do three sets of ten on everything I do.

[jpgray]

7. 10 is a good middle choice

For strength and size 6-8 is the general rule (with a few more for legs, usually), and 11-15 is usually the range for toning.

[terrya]

2. Actually, I'd stick with the weight lifting, also.

Working with the weights can maintain muscle tone. Most reading I've done is that you should do both weights and some form of cardio.

Of course, that's just my .02 :-)

You can also pose this question in the Exercise and Fitness Forum.

[Droopy]

5. Thanks

I probably will cross post to the exercise forum. I'm an active member in there, I just wanted to get some input right away and the lounge is good for that.

[derby378]

4. What's the best way to trim love handles?

I got 'em, and I'd like to trim 'em. Along with cutting down on food portions, what's the best exercise to whittle them down some?

I've got some dress shirts that are telling me, "Yeah, right, pal. Deflate the spare tire and we'll talk."

[Droopy]

8. Ha ha

Watch what you eat and start doing some cardio. Walks around the neighborhood qualify as cardio, but you gotta pick them up and put them down. According to the fellas above, weight lifting sessions wouldn't hurt, either. But depending on how much you want to lose and how buff you want to get, a membership at a gym may not be necessary.

[TimeChaser]

9. Great cardio...

DDR! That's my absolute favorite exercise :)

[derby378]

11. Thanks, guys

Cardio! Duly noted. But, for the time being, I suck at DDR.

[alarcojon]

6. I'm also trying to lose weight

5' 10", about 205. I lift twice a week, mainly for basketball, play hoops about three times a week, and also play some golf. Your story is inspiring me.

I think jpgray's advice here is good.

[Droopy]

10. Thanks

You're right about where I want to be. I'm 5'10" as well with big bones and a stocky build. I was at around 190-200 when I was 20 and I looked fit. That's the last time I've been in good shape and I'm 32 now.

[BamaGirl]

12. Don't stop the weight lifitng

For the reasons already stated above. More muscle, higher metabolism. Plus, you'll look better as you lose weight. ;)

You're really getting some mileage in! I walk 3-4 miles a day with my son (in a stroller). I'd like to do more but that's all my knees will take. I think I'm going to get us a bike next month.