ObesityHelp

Ok, I'm just throwing this out there for opinions, feedback and your "own" best practices in the exercise area.  This particular subject, I realize after doing some general research, is certainly an ongoing continual debate with really no right or wrong or definitive answer.

Initially my weight loss was done with diet only and clearly that only gets you so far.  When I started working out I did mainly focus on cardio and notice a drop.  Recently since the new year I have been doing more weight lifting and the scale isn't moving so much but I was not concerned.

I went to see my PCP yesterday and we were discussing my weight loss, my concerns and wanting her onboard as documenting skin issues for possible insurance coverage of extra skin down the road and I casually mentioned that I as lifted weights and she stopped me right there! 

She asked, why are you lifting weight? And I gave the same old answer that well.....muscle burns more than fat and "everyone" always says you have to do both to get results and you burn more calories after a weight lifting workout than you do a cardio workout etc and so on...the things i've heard over and over forever. 

Then she proceeded to say, you aren't a body builder and you don't want to build muscle, so you don't need to lift weights.  You need to focus on cardio.  Cardio will burn the fat you need to burn to lose the weight and you are still using your muscles to do those exercises which will build enough muscle NOT to add muscle weight or bulk up.  She said switching up the cardio routines and machines will give enough variation for the weight loss and toning without lifting.  

She also used the example of weight lifting and building muscle that if that routine is not kept up and the muscle mass is lost whatever bulked up will just go back to flab vs if I am actually burning the fat completely off in those areas by doing cardio. She followed it up by saying if you want to use weights for any strength training I recommend doing it for your core only.

My goal is to burn as much fat and calories and of course have some toned areas.  My initial goal for lifting weights was to see what definition I could get between muscle and skin/fat to see how much would potentially have to be removed particually on my thighs and arms. 

So I'd apprecaite anyone who would like to share their routine or what has worked for them. 

While everyone always says follow doctors orders, I don't think there is ever one answer for anything.  I don't love weights enough to be sad about giving them up but in the end I want to be doing what is going to get me to where I need to be!  Perhaps that is different for everyone.  I see some guys with amazing bodies that lift all day long and never touch a cardio machine...I guess there is something to be said about that as well being that they do not do both!

I also found this video below of a testimonal from a woman doing weights vs. cardio and receiving 2 different professional opinions....just interesting.

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/video/weight-loss-card io-or-weights

Perhaps the real answer is just like all of our bands work in different ways for us so do our exercise routines.  Who knows!!!

Again, while I am still a little stumped from my doctor visit yesterday and not sure how I personally want to move forward with myself next time I hit the gym, I'd welcome any feedback or input from other OHers.

Thanks,
Nikki