good workouts for losing weight

[Bad JuJu]

its very importants, especially was we get older to work the heavier weights and few reps (like 10-12 reps).

I've read somewhere that it's using the heavier weights that really helps prevent osteoporosis. Anybody know anything about that?

[equus123]

could be because lower reps = heavier weight = increased muscle mass.

increased muscle mass = increased bone growth and regeneration.

increased bone regeneration = reduced risks of osteroporosis?

Well that's MY logic

[li10up]

Good thread.

Higher intensity workouts are better than low for weight loss - unless you are unable to maintain a high intensity work out for very long. Here is a great article explaining this:
http://www.prevention.com/article/0,...4219-1,00.html
The gist of this article is: "It's true that the body burns a higher percentage of calories from fat during more mellow exercise like walking and easy cycling. But, when you pick up the pace for a higher-intensity cardio workout, you burn a greater number of overall calories (which should be your focus for weight loss) and subsequently just as much total fat."

Also, building muscle allows the body to burn more calories, even at rest. When lifting weights you should "max out" the muscle. That means using a weight that you can only lift for 8-15 reps before the muscle is fatigued. This is what breaks down the muscle. Resting is how it repairs itself and therefore gets stronger. So it is very important not to lift on consecutive days. This will also allow you to spend less time in the gym - no more doing endless reps that really aren't doing much other than increasing muscle endurance....unless that is your goal. If weight loss is the goal then more weight, less reps. LBTC is correct - the larger the muscle group being used the more calories being burned. Be careful though...you don't want to start out lifting more than your connective tissue can handle. This could result in injury.

[Bad JuJu]

Definitely an informative thread!

Here's another question, since Li10up brought up not lifting on consecutive days. I've often heard that this rule doesn't apply to abs, but if not, why not? I mean, they're also muscles--don't they need the same kind of time to recuperate and strengthen?

[IFjane]

Definitely an informative thread!

Here's another question, since Li10up brought up not lifting on consecutive days. I've often heard that this rule doesn't apply to abs, but if not, why not? I mean, they're also muscles--don't they need the same kind of time to recuperate and strengthen?

I have heard the same thing - is it because they are "core" muscles and therefore better able to recover? Or is it a myth that they can be worked on consecutive days?

[Veronica]

I'd like to be disciplined enough to work Core every day. But my two or three times a week leaves me too sore to do it every day!

V.

[han-grrl]

Depending on what core workouts you are doing, i dont recommend doing abs every day. If you are doing some basic things like kegel, or standing on one leg and some other very light postural work, those can be done daily, because you are trying to get muscles to fire. but stuff like pilates and tougher ball work should be done every other day as those will definitely challenge your muscles much more.

having had all my abs now cut through from my surgery, and as i am sure anyone here who has a c-section can also agree, abs are incredibly important from simple movements like bicep curls to big movements like squats. if your abs are too fatigued from a hard workout, they can't engage properly and you can injure yourself when doing something non ab related.

[GLC1968]

Definitely an informative thread!

Here's another question, since Li10up brought up not lifting on consecutive days. I've often heard that this rule doesn't apply to abs, but if not, why not? I mean, they're also muscles--don't they need the same kind of time to recuperate and strengthen?

I think the theory is that the muscles are relatively small and not normally worked with weights, so daily is ok. It's a bit dependent on the person and the workout. If you do heavy-duty 45 minute core busting workouts, then no, you shouldn't do them every day. But if you do a few lower core exercises one day, and then mid-core the next and then upper on day three...that's fine. Rest days are necessary because your muscles need time to rebuild and recover. Since no one wants to gain size in their core (or most people, anyway) then you don't need quite the length of recovery periods recommended for other muscle groups.

[GLC1968]

I've read somewhere that it's using the heavier weights that really helps prevent osteoporosis. Anybody know anything about that?

Any weight-bearing activity will improve bone density...improved bone density means greater risk prevention from osteoporosis. Lifting heavy, hiking/backpacking, running, tennis, boxing, etc... would all qualify.

Unfortunately, cycling and swimming don't count as 'weight-bearing'!