AJLea's Logboek, 19 jun 15

My 2c: I think it's a good thing to try out and see if it works for you. Coming from this perspective: while cardio might burn more "in the moment", and brings endurance and cardiovascular benefit, what it can't do - unlike weight training, is help you develop muscle tissue that will burn MORE for you, simply by it's existence, 24-7. In addition, since some muscle is inevitably lost during weight loss, it helps you protect and maintain the tissue that you already have, which matters, because fat requires less caloric energy than muscle to maintain. That's not even counting things like the increased stability and skeletal support muscles can provide, and for me, at least, I gain some added motivation from feeling stronger, and seeing something emerging underneath the fat! ("Hello in there!") The caveat - from what I've read (for men as well as women), you can expect some degree of water-based fluctuation with weight training; it's natural, and to take it in stride. There's plenty online to Google on the subject as the idea of weight training "for" weight loss as opposed to cardio is still kind of...(surprisingly?) underground. But just for starters, this might be an article to get you rolling: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/fat_loss_training_wars.htm 

"Ah- A.J You can do this!:) You have already proven that you have done this in the past, and now I bet that you will be more determined to do this again- even better! You are such an awesome and a very nice person. I am rooting for you buddy! I added CLA-1250 to my dieting, and I began to drop faster. I don't know if this is what really helped me, but it sure seems like it did!:) Hang in there. G.B.~Ann :) 

Thanks Ann - is there a particular brand of CLA-1250 you recommend? I looked into it before and was thinking of giving it a try... 

I find weight training is essential to help create metabolic changes. The body has to burn more calories just to maintain muscle tissue - and we look smaller since muscle tissue is compact. It translates to losing inches. I used CLA when I remember to take it - got mine at GNC. I also add Omega 3. 

I agree with you that concentrating more on resistance training to maintain/build muscle is a good idea. Muscle definitely takes up less space than fat - and it burns a bit more calories, even at rest. But what I like most about weight training is that is keeps me functional. I'm not getting any younger, but I can do most things I was able to do 20 years ago. Weight training (I do lighter weights with higher reps) with minimal effort cardio (I walk 4 miles in an hour) should do the trick. I too have lost over 100 pounds (35 years ago) and one thing I have learned in all these years of sustaining healthy weight and fitness (I use BMI range as my guide) has taught me that being consistent in what and how much I eat helps sustain me more than exercise (making the effort to lose 10 pounds that have creeped up on me now :) I can exercise at the same level, but if I jump ship on my nutrition I can gain weight very easily. There have been studies to back my personal observation up. I put in from an hour to and hour and half most days (I walk in the morning, do weights and abs later on) I also do active things I enjoy - my favorite is hiking.  

Hi AJ-I use MRM CLA :) I get mine from Sprouts! Good luck with this! ~Ann 

Some of the newest research says that what you put in your mouth is a far greater determiner of weight changes however exercise is great for you heart and although it may not have a big impact on weight it will drastically change your shape - I vote for 30 min elliptical and weight lifting - less change of damaging joints or pulling muscles