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Getting in Shape
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Running vs Weightlifting

aloisk57aloisk57
500 Comments
in Getting in Shape
So I know that technically weightlifting is better for you since you get the "afterburn" of calories.  I've been doing a weightlifting program 3x/week since January and seen terrific results.  I weigh less that I ever have (119 lbs at my best - I'm 5'2" so I've still got some meat on me haha).

Anyways, I've gotten REALLY bored of the program, even though it's different just about every day.  I find myself making excuses not to go to the gym, and when I do go, I kind of phone it in.  However, I've re-discovered my love of running.  Unfortunately, since I started running more and doing weights less (Running 2x/week, weights 1x/week), I've gained 4.5lbs.  I know I haven't been eating as well as I should, but I feel like running a 10K and a 5K in a weekend should do a bit more for me than it has.

Has anyone else experienced this?  What are your thoughts on the balance between lifting/running?
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Re: Running vs Weightlifting

  • sparent2010sparent2010 member
    1000 Comments
    I do a balance of cardio and weight lifting. I also really enjoy cardio mixed with weights.

    Monday, Wed, Thur: 30 Min Core, 30 Min Cardio, 30 Min Weights

    Tue/Thur: 1 1/2 Hr Cardio (usually swimming or running mixed with biking)

    Sat/Sun: Are rest days and if I have time to workout I will- which is usually an ab or cardio/weightlifting dvd. Or we go hiking etc?

    I think the important thing is to make if fun for yourself. Start mixing up your routine to include the cardio, but I would recommend weights at least  2 times a week.
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  • firsttimersluckfirsttimersluck member
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    Neither is BETTER than the other. You need both cardio and muscular strength to be in prime health. 
    I do NOT believe, however, that your lack of weight lifting has caused you to gain weight. If anything, dropping the weights for a while would make you lose muscle, which would give the illusion of LOSING weight. 

    I'm calling it on your diet. If you are running during the same amount of time that you would be lifting, you should not have just.. put on 5 pounds. No way. Running is one of the fastest ways to drop fat, so I'm just not buying it. 
    It's time to fix your diet. 
    Yes, you need lifting, (and if you're only lifting once a week, it needs to be stuff that doesn't get worked from your running.. so don't waste your time with ab work when that gets worked on those runs. Focus on things like your arms/shoulders) but cardio is just as important. I think 2 times a week for cardio isn't enough, personally, but it's more than a lot of people. 
    Diet. Diet. Diet. Diet. Are you food logging online? Are you still eating the same amount of protein that you were when you were lifting more? If so, that excess protein may be getting stored as fat in your bod. Cut back on that if that's the case. 

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  • Lobsters25Lobsters25 member
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    To your question of if anyone has experienced this - YES.  I took a huge time off from biking when I got back into running, a huge time off from weights when I got back into biking, and it keeps going.
    It's okay to have this happen, because it's better to be working out in whatever way you're currently enjoying than making the excuses to avoid your 'scheduled' routine.

    I agree wholeheartedly with the statements above - diet.  I understand that both weights and cardio will boost your metabolism, but I FEEL so much hungrier when I've been running more.  I never really pay attention to it until a few days in, and then have to be careful to watch my calories.  If it's anything like this for you, then you've probably been eating even more than you realize, which has caused the weight gain.
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  • sparent2010sparent2010 member
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    Sassy FTL :P

    OP she is right. I was working out like crazy and the second I changed my deit I dropped 12 lbs in a month. So... there is that.
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  • aloisk57aloisk57
    500 Comments
    Thanks guys!  I know diet is a big part of it and I've been falling off the wagon lately haha - gotta get back on!  I have noticed that running makes me so much more hungry throughout the day.  Thanks for the input!
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  • radleybooradleyboo member
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    I can't recommend using a calorie tracker app enough.  There are tons available online and for your phone.  I use the LiveStrong app for iPhone and it tracks all meals, snacks, water intake, and exercise.  Then it texts you when you haven't tracked.  Whenever I consistently food log, I'm amazed at how much I'm actually eating some days and try to reach for water before a snack when I can.  Keep up the good work!
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  • aloisk57aloisk57
    500 Comments
    The only thing I found about a calorie tracker is that it told me I should only eat 1200 calories a day, which seems pretty unhealthy to me.  I used MFP for a bit but I didn't like it.
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  • Lobsters25Lobsters25 member
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    Try spark people - I found it a bit easier to understand the calorie intake on my workout days.
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  • sparent2010sparent2010 member
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    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_running-vs-weightlifting?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:9722512a-077d-429a-97ec-dfcbbf816b3cPost:df538f88-248a-4ec4-a653-a4ee2ea4e72a">Re: Running vs Weightlifting</a>:
    [QUOTE]The only thing I found about a calorie tracker is that it told me I should only eat 1200 calories a day, which seems pretty unhealthy to me.  I used MFP for a bit but I didn't like it.
    Posted by aloisk57[/QUOTE]

    You are only working out 3 times a week buring around 400 calories. I mean 1200-1400 is normal for net calories when you are trying to lose weight.
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  • radleybooradleyboo member
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    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_running-vs-weightlifting?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:9722512a-077d-429a-97ec-dfcbbf816b3cPost:df538f88-248a-4ec4-a653-a4ee2ea4e72a">Re: Running vs Weightlifting</a>:
    [QUOTE]The only thing I found about a calorie tracker is that it told me I should only eat 1200 calories a day, which seems pretty unhealthy to me.  I used MFP for a bit but I didn't like it.
    Posted by aloisk57[/QUOTE]

    The LiveStrong app allows you to adjust your caloric intake, so you could essentially put yourself on a 3000 calorie per day diet, if that's what you wanted to do.  It's not a free app, but it's the best one I've found by far, in my opinion.  Hope that helps...
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  • MdosenMdosen
    First Comment
    If you have a high salt intake it may cause excess water retention as well. Also, maybe consider trying cross-fit if you are getting bored, it burns fat and builds muscle with insane results and short workouts
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