Is Cardio more important than weight training?

JamaicanVixen · 05-06-2007, 09:16 PM

I dont want to be slim, but I do want to lose fat around my mid section, and build muscle all around.. tighten up my legs and my stomach.. What type of workout would you recommend for my body type, keeping in mind I want to stay curvy...think "Beyonce"

To keep a body curvy but have muscle definition what kind of workouts and eating habits would I have to keep up with?

Thanks in advance.... Pic attached ...

P.s. I'll try to get some regular pictures up, those are what I have right now.. but just so you can get a idea of my body type and what I want to work on...

-Aaron- · 05-06-2007, 09:17 PM

Well, for immediate weight loss, yes.

To keep you metabolism high, weight training is needed.

Edit: You can lose weight on diet alone though.

Dave P · 05-06-2007, 09:19 PM

Personally I think weight training is much more important than cardio.

Can you make progress with just cardio? Yes.

Diet is whats going to make or break you when it comes to fat loss however.

-Aaron- · 05-06-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave P

Personally I think weight training is much more important than cardio.

Can you make progress with just cardio? Yes.

Diet is whats going to make or break you when it comes to fat loss however.

I disagree with him until the bold part.

T.Soprano · 05-06-2007, 09:23 PM

I used to think that just doing cardio would be OK until I started reading this forum. Even though I lifted often in school, I always just believed that to get the weight off I could do cardio until it was gone.

But now, after incorporating a solid lifting plan, I see how wrong I was. I do 40 mins. a day on the elliptical but the free-weights are making me notice the losses even more.

My biceps are getting definition, my quads are solid and my pecs are getting solid.

JamaicanVixen · 05-06-2007, 09:24 PM

I'm not really a heavy eater, I'm actually trying to get used to the six small meals a day.. I'm use to eating twice a day or just snacking throughout the day.. I really dont have big appetites, after lunch... but I need help with workout routines and a eating plan to follow...

T.Soprano · 05-06-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamaicanVixen

I'm not really a heavy eater, I'm actually trying to get used to the six small meals a day.. I'm use to eating twice a day or just snacking throughout the day.. I really dont have big appetites, after lunch... but I need help with workout routines and a eating plan to follow...

It takes awhile to get used to eating the smaller meals, especially if you have a busy schedule. I am still trying to get a steady eating schedule down. I am also still trying to grasp the proper caloric intake and whatnot. This forum is a god-send though. Reading it has really helped me. I hope you have the same success with getting started as I did. Good luck!

JamaicanVixen · 05-06-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.Soprano

It takes awhile to get used to eating the smaller meals, especially if you have a busy schedule. I am still trying to get a steady eating schedule down. I am also still trying to grasp the proper caloric intake and whatnot. This forum is a god-send though. Reading it has really helped me. I hope you have the same success with getting started as I did. Good luck!

Thanks...

quest55720 · 05-06-2007, 11:46 PM

I would say lifting is more important than cardio. Doing both is preferable IMO but like others have said diet will make or break you.

mpipes · 05-07-2007, 01:23 AM

If You want the hips and butt, you need the muscle which is what defines those curves, so you need the weight lifting.

Hallelujah · 05-07-2007, 06:59 AM

It depends on your goal. Generally, most people want to be fit and look 'toned'. For this you need to balance weights - to maintain strength, muscle mass and power - with cardio to maintain your aerobic capacity- things like VO2max, lactate threshold and endurance. If you want to run a marathon, you must train specifically, and the same for bb. Firstly decide on your goal and then ask the question again.

AgreeWitMe · 05-07-2007, 08:32 AM

Cardio is by far much more important than lifting. I would say do a combination of both. Read some of the articles on the bb site.

KingOfChaos · 05-07-2007, 08:38 AM

They are two parts to the same equation. You need both.

Stigmatas · 05-07-2007, 08:41 AM

to add to what I don't anyone has mentioned yet.
1lb of muscle burns 50 calories.

DarinK · 05-07-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamaicanVixen

I dont want to be slim, but I do want to lose fat around my mid section, and build muscle all around.. tighten up my legs and my stomach.. What type of workout would you recommend for my body type, keeping in mind I want to stay curvy...think "Beyonce"

To keep a body curvy but have muscle definition what kind of workouts and eating habits would I have to keep up with?

Thanks in advance.... Pic attached ...

P.s. I'll try to get some regular pictures up, those are what I have right now.. but just so you can get a idea of my body type and what I want to work on...

You should mix cardio and weight training. You want to lose weight but still stay curvy. Walking lunges are a great exercise to build/maintain curves while losing weight. Do some squatting also. And don't forget your basic upper body exercises. Try to work your way up to at least 5 cardio sessions a week if you aren't already doing so. What helps me is to log my food intake on a daily basis. Calories add up fast for me so if I don't do this I can easily wind up taking in too many calories. Try to keep every meal clean, but once a week have a cheat meal.