to weight or not to weight ?????

I am 3 1/2 months out and I'm curious about lifting weights. I do a lot of cardio/aerobic exercise daily , but was told I should be doing weight training. I know the benfits of lifting weights, but I wanted to know the ramifications of not starting a weight program. I have a hard time fitting it in and I really hate doing weights. I'll do them if I have to as part of my program but I was curious if anyone else had just as much success with jusy regular exercises. Thanks !

I lost so much strength and muscle because I didn't weight train.  Now I am having an uphill battle to try and regain some of that strength/muscle.

I was so focused on the cardio and weight loss that I didn't notice the loss of strength until it was too late.  It's like starting all over.



I recommend you start and keep it up as soon as you are cleared and for as long as you can.

Good luck.

Scott

Thanks. I appreciate the tip.

Definately do weight training. I love it....gives you muscle definition....makes you feel stronger and helps fills out some of the loose skin...they say that actual strenght is more related to longevity than doing cardio. You don't have to do very much of it compared to cardio. Also helps prevent injuries...I do most of mine at home and have some video tapes. I started weight training a few months out and haven't had much problem maintaining my weight loss compared to lots of folks. I am all for it but I guess everyone has to figure out what they can do.

deb366

I think you should do the strength training, but it doesn't have to be lifting weights.

However, I have to admit that I was rather late to add it in and it doesn't seem to have hurt me. However, running is a weight bearing activity and I also found I was getting muscles from swimming.

But, if I was doing a lot of cardio that wasn't weight bearing, I would have been in trouble. I did have a weak core (and still do IMO) and I'm sure doing some pilates or weigh training earlier on would have helped.

Now I do Crossfit 2x a week and a Group Power class (weight lifting as a group to music) most weeks. I had to cut back on my biking, swimming and running to fit them in though.