Is weight gain normal from resistance training?
Question:
So I’ve been doing resistance training for a week… I drink lots of water, and keep my diet to 1500 calories or less per day…I’ve gained 3 pounds, which i know not to go by scales, it could just be water weight… but I feel bigger, meaning fatter… I’m doing this mostly to lose fat and build muscle… I don’t do much cardio, but would jumping jacks be good for cardio?? I really am not a fan of running.
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One Response to Is weight gain normal from resistance training?
Don’t worry about the weight gain, the same thing happened to me when I started lifting. Right now it’s probably water, but you’ll find yourself gaining more weight as you start putting on muscle. In a couple more weeks it should completely reverse itself and you’ll start dropping pounds like crazy until you hit your first plateau.
Resistance training is definitely the most important aspect of fat-loss exercise, but cardio helps and is good for you. I try to do about 30min a day/ 3-4 days a week. The best type of cardio for fat loss is High Intensity Interval Training. You could do jumping jacks in this way. Warm up by walking or jogging in place for about 3 minutes, do jumping jacks very intensely for 1-2 minutes, lower the intensity and walk in place for a 1 minute, then go back to high intensity jumping jacks for about 1-2 minutes. Keep repeating this cycle for 30minutes and remember to throw a 5 minute cooldown of low intensity walking at the end. You can do interval training with any type of cardio exercise.
If you find you’re ever short on time and have to choose between weights and cardio – always choose the weights. Also try to do your lifting and cardio on separate days, but if you have to do them together – always do your lifting first so that your muscles are fresh and you’re able to work them to your fullest potential. Good luck and I’m sure you’ll feel tighter and more fit in no time.