Weight lifting is making a difference in my life

Hello

I wanted to tell you guys about my experience so far with weight lifting.  I see so many people not including this important aspect to their workout.  They think weight lifting will stop them f from losing weight.  Well I am here to say it is quite the opposite.  I have been weight lifting for  8 months now.  I weight lift 30 minutes a day (I also do  cardio 60 minutes a day) I do 3 days on my lower body and 3 days on upper body.  When I first started to work out the weight came off fast and furiously...my first month I lost 16 lbs, I was averaging 13 lbs a month.  Of course all good things have to come to and end and my weight loss slowed down to a normal 1-2 lbs a week....still good and I'm not complaining.  But over the last month I have noticed something...although my weight loss has slowed, my measurements have been dropping and I have gone down one pants size in a month...even though I only lost about 6-7 lbs during that time.  I am so glad I keep track of my measurements because it really shows my progress. 
So I am here to say please add weight lifting to your workout...you won't get fat or look like a muscle head...you will look better than ever.     

I am also including an article on weight lifting.  It is very interesting all of the benefits you can reap  from weight lifting.  If you are working out and not weight lifting you need to add this to your routine ASAP. 
http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/WH/lose-your-fear-of-lifting

AGREED!!!!

I've always incorporated strength training into my daily routine...  but I got lazy with it.  I joined a new gym about a month and a half ago, and they have a bigger selection of strength training equipment (I like the free weights the best).... but in the past 6 weeks, I've really noticed a difference.  The scale isnt saying so, and I'm okay with that because I've given away 4 pairs of pants in the last 2 weeks. 

LOVIN IT!

Yes!!!  I have to keep reminding myself not to be so concerned with the number on the scale.  As long as I keep going down in size.

 Thanks for the motivation. I need to add this to my workout!

I'm not a fan of weight lifting on my own because I'm not knowledgeable as to what machine to use for each body part besides the basics... So I take body pump 2x a week.. it's my idiot proof to weight lifting.. I love it.. plus I do better in classes...

My weight has stalled but I have lost a ton of inches... so I'm okay with that..

I might add another day later on but I need to lose weight... and my thighs started to get very muscular so I had to tone down the resistance on my elliptical ... and when I do squats and lunges I use my own body weight no added weight... but it's important for everyone to find what works for them .. this is my method.

I have lifted weights for years and in fact it is the only thing that gets me going to the gym, I love love it......I even lifted before becoming and when I was morbidly obese. ( I know how can you become morbidly obese while lifting....simple calories in vs calories out)

The best part was that as I lost the excess weight the muscle was still there..........you are correct you won't bulk up like men do we don't have the amount of testosterone to get there.  I have tried to get "big"  and trust me you won't get big.... what you will get is strength, definition and yes some bulking but not like fitness pros (unless you want to) it is incredibly hard to achieve that level, low body fat, very clean strict eating and intense weight lifting.............

I do gain however and know I weigh more because of the weights but I love my upper body, the bigger your shoulders are the smaller your waist looks.......the benefits of lifting more than outweigh the slight initial weight gain and having a higher BMI.

I do suggest though if you haven't lifted you'd might want to consider a personal trainer for basic instruction, utilize the weight machines or do extensive research...... when I started lifting years ago there where only men's muscle magazines now there are plenty geared just for women and lots of info on line. Correct form is crucial to prevent injury......I herniated a disk years ago and it was not fun.

I think the reason I did get some bulk is that I don't do cardio on weight lifting days I do cardio one day then a full body workout with weights the next and rotate. If you do lift do it before cardio.

I love love love my muscles.............plus now that I am getting up in age it will help prevent bone loss.............. 

Thanks for posting, you have done amazing!!!!!!

Michele 

I weight lift too and really enjoy it. It does make a big difference -- the times that I've slacked off  it for a few weeks/months I've noticed I feel weaker, start slouching and my clothes start fitting badly. Love feeling strong and healthy!

Body Pump