Exercise & Hypothyroidism
 

I have hypothyroid and am on meds. I'm resigned to the very slow weightloss, but am curious as to what exercise works better for slow thyroid.

We hear that building muscle increases your metabolism. Wouldn't it be better to focus on weight and resistance training with less emphasis on cardio?

I'm curious to see what you think and what type of results you've achieved either way.

Thanks,
Amy in Charlotte

Hi Amy! :wave: I'm hypo and on Levoxyl (and was when I lost the weight four years ago). I'm not sure that you have to resign yourself to 'very slow weightloss' -- I lost 122 pounds in a little less than a year with calorie counting and LOTS of exercise and wouldn't call that particularly slow. :)

Everyone's body is different, of course, but my doctor always told me that if my TSH was properly regulated, then I'd be able to lose normally. Once I stopped kidding myself about how much I was eating and began exercising ... she was right!

I agree with you 100% that exercise is essential for us to be able to lose weight, and especially to keep it off once we reach goal. Rather than picking weights over cardio or cardio over weights, my opinion is that BOTH are equally important for fat loss. As you said in your post, building muscle will help keep your metabolism up. But cardio is going to be your big calorie burner -- it would be very difficult to create the calorie deficit necessary to lose fat without cardio. Add in calorie counting/good nutrition and you've got the winning formula for fat loss!

My suggestion is to work up to 30 minutes of cardio 5 - 6 days a week and 3 days of weights. What are you doing for an eating plan?

I'm also on Levoxyl and have been since I was 23 when I had my thyroid removed. If your medication is properly regulated, you shouldn't have any problem losing weight unless you have other health issues (like PCOS, for example). Even in my 50s, I'm still losing at a normal rate when I eat what I should and exercise like I should--those are the key points for me. :) My workout regimen consists of 45 min to 60 min. of cardio six days a week and lifting weights six days a week (focusing on different muscle groups) with one day of "active rest." Cardio burns the fat and weight lifting builds the muscle. I'm very happy with the changes I've seen in my body--even when I don't lose weight, I lose bodyfat and muscles are just popping up everywhere.

Thanks for the advice. I have to get to the dr and have the blood work done again. I'm doing weight watchers for diet. I know what to eat, but I need portion control. This should help.

I have an elliptical trainer for cardio and do pilates and weight training for toning. I'm not consistent yet and need to form some habits and make it a priority.

Thanks for the great advice.

Amy