Like everyone we wish to lose weight, most of us judge it off what numbers pop up on the scale. That’s not always accurate. The type of training you’re doing has something to do with the amount of movement on the scale you’ll see.
If you’re looking to just lose fat, cardio is the answer. BUT if you start running, only running, then decided to switch to weight training you’ll see some of that weight return. Because your body has adapted to the cardio you’ve been doing to lose the weight you've lost. You're going to have to continue the cardio you’ve been doing in addition to weight training.
A good rule of thumb is to have a little of everything. While lifting weights you’re going to see your strength increase, and you’ll start seeing definition in your body, but there may be a few “problem spots” that don’t seem to tone like you want them. Add in some HIIT (High intensity interval training) instead of running. HIIT is short burst of high intensity exercise followed by a brief low intensity activity.
Here’s one of my favorite HIIT
Muscle weighs more than fat, so as much of a mind fuck the scale can be, you can be lean but at the same “weight” you were before you started. Because you’ve lost fat but gained muscle.
The best thing to do is to take progress pictures. You think I’m kidding, I’m not. These are something for you to look at and compare where you were to where you are now. I also suggest measuring. The scale can only tell you your weight, it can’t tell you the number of inches you’ve lost around your tummy, arms, or thighs.
Your training is something you need to feel comfortable with. What I normally say is never be afraid of weights, and never skip cardio. I’m not telling you to run 5 miles a day, but for me personally, running at the beginning of my workout to warm up I feel better when I lift.
It may take you some trial and error to figure out what works for your body, but the only way you’re going to know is if you try. Trust me, everyone has had that same period at gym. No one is judging you, and as weird as it is, if you have questions about something or if you don’t think your form is right, ask someone.
So, while the scale can be great and may help you judge where you want to be. Don’t put all your trust in it. Rely on how your feeling, what your progress pictures look like, how your clothes are fitting.
DON’T GET HUNG UP ON ONE STUPID NUMBER!
Follow me on Instagram @befitwith_ally