So I am not new to the concept that weight lifting is an incredible healthy and important addition to a woman's life. I have lifted weights off and on since I took a weightlifting class in high school. But recently due to some reading and research on the subject I have been converted as a believer that resistance training is also the key to losing this weight I have been battling for years. I'm happy to say I have been consistently lifting now for a couple weeks (hooray) and I am already feeling some good results.
Here is my question for you ladies that have lost weight and are weightlifters. I am wondering how much cardio you all do? I have run half marathons for years now, and like i said it was only recently that I discovered that a focus on cardio cardio more and more cardio is not the answer to getting rid of this extra fat. I have a hard time however getting out of the mentality that if I dont kill myself on the treadmill or stair machine then I am not making strides towards weightloss.
How much do you successful losers do cardio? Will I lose weight even faster if I combine cardio and weightlifting? Can too much cardio hinder my strides I am taking at getting stronger and building metabolism boosting muscles?
Currently I workout with weights 5-6 days a week. Usually 6 lifts a day. Each day I lift a different muscle group. So I do chest, back, legs, shoulders and arms, and sometimes a second leg day (larger muscle group so more metabolic burn in those workouts).
Any input would be great. I think I need to hear what worked for other people so I can ease my deep seeded fears that since I am not running 10 miles twice a week then I am failing at my exercise routine!
Oh also as far as diet, I count calories and eat between 1750-2100 calories a day. I try to stay towards the lower end, but if I feel hungry let myself eat up to the 2100 calories. I am trying to avoid processed foods and eat more protein and at least 5 servings of fruit and a salad with dinner and lunch everyday. (Not that I have made it 100 percent everyday but I am feeling good about the changes I've made). Oh also I take a whey protein supplement after I lift.
Thank you!