Quote:
Originally Posted by unpretty
I'm a bit confused about strength training for fat loss- I thought that when you start to strength train, you put on a bit of fat because you eat extra calories (1500 a day or so)? I don't want to put on any fat, and I'm a bit worried I might put some on without realising, maybe because I won't be lifting enough or something. It makes it harder to monitor fat loss because you cant just measure your weight on a scale to determine it.
At your size, consistent 1500 calories should provide you fat loss whether you strength train or not. Strength training merely helps in the journey, the diet is what does most of the magic. The reason you lift is to really preserve muscle (and if a beginner, build a little) while losing fat.
Yes, it's harder to monitor. Which is why most women don't do it, and years later, they end up with a lower body weight and yet still unsatisfied with their bodies appearance. Taking up strength training means forgoing the scale obsession that most women go by. I don't know any women who do a proper strength training program, along with a proper diet, and are unhappy with the outcome, wishing they never bothered. None.
The plan will work - what you now need to deal with is whether or not you can mentally commit to it and accept that the scale will not move the same. And it will take time - months, years. Again, why most do not commit to it. But that's because they want short term scale results. Most good things are worth waiting for.