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Q:

Is resistance training a necessary part of a weight loss program, or can I stick to cardio only?

Hey everyone,

I have been working on losing weight for a few months now and have been solely relying on cardio exercises such as running, cycling, and elliptical. While I have managed to lose some weight, I have noticed that I am not really getting the toned and sculpted body that I desire.

This has led me to wonder if resistance training is a necessary part of a weight loss program, or if I can stick to cardio only. I have heard that adding resistance training can help to build muscle mass and increase metabolism, which can aid in weight loss. However, I am not sure if I am ready to incorporate strength training into my fitness routine as it seems very daunting and intimidating.

So, what do you guys think? Can I stick to cardio only for weight loss, or should I start adding some resistance training into my routine? And if so, what are some beginner-friendly exercises that I can try out? I would really appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share!

All Replies

dmoore

Hello there,

I have experienced successful weight loss with both cardio and resistance training. In my experience, cardio is great for burning calories and getting your heart rate up, but resistance training has helped me to build lean muscle mass and sculpt my body.

When I started my weight loss journey, I focused primarily on cardio exercises such as running, cycling, and using the elliptical. While this was effective at first, I found that I hit a plateau after a few months of doing the same exercises over and over again.

That's when I decided to add resistance training to my routine. To be honest, I was intimidated at first and had no idea where to start. I hired a personal trainer who showed me the basics of weight training and helped me to design a program that worked for me.

I started off with bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups, and then gradually moved on to using weights. I found that resistance training not only helped me to build muscle, but it also improved my overall strength and endurance.

In conclusion, I believe that incorporating resistance training into your weight loss program can be very effective. While cardio is great for burning calories, strength training can help to build muscle and increase your metabolism, which can lead to long-term weight loss success. If you're new to weight training, consider hiring a personal trainer or starting off with bodyweight exercises until you feel comfortable using weights.

ihartmann

Hi there,

My weight loss journey started with cardio exercises only, and I was seeing some success, but I wasn't happy with how my body was looking. I didn't have the toned and sculpted physique that was my goal, so I decided to add resistance training into my workout routine.

At first, I was hesitant and unsure of what exercises to do as I had never really lifted weights before. So, I started with simple bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges at home and then progressed to using dumbbells at the gym.

It wasn't until I started seeing strength improvements that I realized how beneficial strength training can be. Not only did it help me with weight loss, but it also improved my overall well-being.

Resistance training helped me to improve my posture, increase my energy levels, and boost my confidence. As I built more muscle, I was burning more calories, even while resting. So, I was able to maintain my weight loss even if I missed cardio exercise.

If you are considering adding resistance training to your routine, start with light weights and slowly increase the weight as your strength improves. Also, focus on compound exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once, such as deadlifts, squats, and bench press.

In conclusion, if you want to achieve a toned and lean body, the combination of cardio and strength training should be a part of your exercise routine. It's perfectly fine to start with bodyweight exercises and progress to using weights gradually, and remember to keep things consistent and keep pushing yourself to see the best results.

okon.mayra

Hi there,

As someone who has struggled with weight loss my entire life, I can confidently say that incorporating resistance training into my fitness routine completely changed the game for me.

While cardio can certainly aid in weight loss, resistance training has been essential in sculpting my body and toning my muscles. In fact, I would say that it is actually more important than cardio for achieving a lean and toned physique.

When I first started incorporating resistance training into my routine, I was intimidated and unsure of how to begin. I started by using resistance bands and bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges.

As I became more comfortable and experienced, I started using free weights and barbells. Now, I absolutely love weight training! I love feeling my muscles work and seeing the physical changes in my body.

So, if you're on the fence about resistance training, I would definitely recommend giving it a try. Not only will it help you to burn fat and build muscle, but it will also improve your overall health and wellness. Just remember that it's important to start gradually and work your way up as your strength and comfort levels increase.

gerdman

Hello everyone,

As someone who has tried multiple weight loss programs, I can confidently say that incorporating both cardio and resistance training is the way to go. It's all about finding the right balance between the two!

When I first started my weight loss journey, I put all my focus on cardio exercises such as running and cycling. While it did help me to lose weight, I quickly noticed that I wasn't getting the toned and sculpted look I was aiming for.

Then I decided to introduce resistance training to my routine, and it was a game-changer. Not only did it help me to build lean muscle mass, but it also helped me to increase my metabolism, making weight loss more sustainable in the long term.

I started off small, with basic exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups, and gradually moved on to using weights and machines in the gym. It was intimidating at first, but I found that regular resistance training helped me to feel strong and empowered.

Overall, I believe that incorporating resistance training into a weight loss program is necessary for achieving a toned and sculpted body. However, it's important to find the right balance between cardio and resistance training that works best for your individual needs and goals.

If you're new to resistance training, I recommend starting with bodyweight exercises and gradually increasing the intensity and weight over time. Consistency is key; aim to include resistance training in your workout routine at least 2-3 times per week, and you will undoubtedly see progress.

Remember, achieving your weight loss goals is all about finding what works best for you and sticking to it. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll see the results that you want!

clemmie96

Hello everyone,

I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and I have tried numerous weight loss programs and diets over the years. While I have had varying levels of success with different methods, I have found that a combination of cardio and resistance training has been the most effective approach for me.

In the past, I have tried relying solely on cardio for weight loss, but I found that I was not seeing the results that I wanted. My body was not getting toned, and I wasn't seeing the improvements that I was looking for.

Adding resistance training into my routine was a game-changer. Not only did it help me to build lean muscle mass and sculpt my body, but it also improved my overall strength, endurance and even increased my metabolism. This enabled me to burn more calories at rest, resulting in more weight loss over time.

At first, I was intimidated by weight training, and I was unsure of where to start. I began by incorporating resistance bands and bodyweight exercises into my routine, focusing on exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges and planks.

As I progressed and became more comfortable with weight training, I upgraded my equipment to using weights and machines. I found that the variety of exercises I could incorporate kept my workouts fresh and interesting.

Overall, I believe that a combination of cardio and resistance training is the most effective approach to weight loss. Although it might seem daunting at first, take your time and ease yourself into weight training. You might be surprised at the way your body changes and how much you enjoy training with weights.

abernathy.liana

Hi there,

I used to be in a similar situation as you where I solely relied on cardio exercises for weight loss. While it did help me lose some weight, I didn't achieve the toned and sculpted look that I wanted. It wasn't until I incorporated resistance training into my routine that I started noticing the physical changes in my body.

I started with simple bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups at home and eventually moved on to using weights at the gym. It was definitely daunting at first, but I found that starting small and gradually increasing the weight and intensity over time helped me build confidence and strength.

Not only did resistance training help me build muscle mass and lose weight, but it also improved my overall fitness level and made me feel stronger and more energized. So, in my personal experience, I believe that incorporating resistance training into your weight loss program is definitely beneficial.

Of course, everyone's fitness journey is different, so it's up to you to decide what works best for you. If you do decide to try out resistance training, I recommend starting with simple exercises and gradually increasing the weight and intensity as you get stronger. Good luck, and don't forget to listen to your body and take breaks when needed!

dgrady

Hi everyone,

I'm a personal trainer, and I've been asked this question many times by my clients. In my professional opinion, resistance training is a crucial part of a weight loss program. Cardio can certainly aid in weight loss, but resistance training is non-negotiable when your goal is to lose weight and build muscle.

Resistance training helps to increase lean muscle mass, which in turn increases your metabolism. That means you'll burn more calories throughout the day, even when you're not exercising. Building muscle also gives your body shape and definition, which is often a key motivator for people who want to lose weight.

When I first started incorporating resistance training into my workout routine, I found it to be challenging, both physically and mentally. But with persistence and dedication, I gradually built strength and saw the results I was looking for.

If you're new to resistance training, I recommend hiring a personal trainer to show you proper form and guide you through basic exercises that will help you build a solid foundation of strength. Some great exercises to start with include squats, lunges, deadlifts, and push-ups.

Remember that consistency is key. Aim to include resistance training in your workout routine at least 2-3 times per week, and gradually increase the weight and intensity as you get stronger. By doing so you'll undoubtedly see significant progress towards your weight loss goals.

In conclusion, while cardio certainly has its place in a weight loss program, resistance training is a necessary component for achieving optimal results. Stay consistent, stay committed and you'll see incredible results not just towards weight loss, but in overall health and fitness.

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