Question for those knowledgeable about fitness...

[TeaBag]

I admit, I love to workout, I love the results, I know which kinds of workouts I like, but I'm not knowledgeable about the mechanics of it. So I was asked a question the other day and I couldn't answer it... Here goes.

When you're working out regularly, you tend to lose weight. And your workouts get easier. So is it that you're losing weight and therefore it's easier to workout, or is it that your working out and getting used to it? Did that make sense? Okay, so I've lost (I'm guessing) about 12-14lbs since I started workout out at the beginning of February. I'm finding that I'm having a harder and harder time getting my heartrate up to my target zone. Is it because I'm working out regularly and therefore, I'm in better shape and it's easier? or is it because I've lost that weight and it's easier to move myself around than it was when I started? And to follow up, is it safe to add weights to a cardio routine in order to get your heartrate up? My ankle weights for example, or a 2-5lbs dumbbell in each hand? I've been adding my ankle weights but then that poses another question, what happens when *that* doesn't get my hr up? Do I switch routines (which I'm doing to an extent anyway, just for the variation)? Or do I add MORE weights? Is that really safe? Do I start some other type of cardio?

And one more question, if you dont' mind. I've been trying to lose weight. I don't actually watch my eating all that much, meaning, i don't deprive myself of the foods that I really love. I'm looking at this long term, if I can't see myself not eating something (ice cream, for example) five years down the road, there's no point in giving it up now, otherwise, I'll just end up eating it again when I lose all the weight I want to and I'll end up yo-yoing, right? So I try to make healthier choices regularly, I grill instead of fry, salad with fresh veggies and low fat dressing instead of a burger, etc. I make sure to eat all my veggies and fruit every day, but I still eat cookies and ice cream and snacks. I just limit my portions and make sure I eat higher fat foods earlier in the day instead of late at night like I did before. So what do I do when I've lost all I want to? WIll the weight keep coming off? Do I need to actually figure out how many calories I'm eating and up it? I don't want to cut back on my workouts, because I really enjoy that, but I don't want to be a skinny minny, I want to maintain a healthy weight, a healthy BMI with healthy body fat %....does that make sense?

Okay, more questions than I originally thought. I just haven't ever been this close to my goal before and it's bringing me more questions than answers. I hope someone has some insights for me! Thanks so much!

Florence

[khrisday]

I'm certainly no expert, but I woudl imagine that your workout gets easier after a time of doing it as a combination of the weight loss and the improved stamina, etc. You will need to change your workouts occasionally- if you hit a weight plateau that's a good sign to eithet workoutout longer or harder, but not both. I woudl think you coudl add some light weights to a cardio routine, but there are also cardio routines that combine weights as well and you might want to look for one of those. I imagine that once you've lost all the weight you want, you will find a plateau of how much to workout and how much to eat- and I don't think you necessarily need to count calroies to do that. I don't think you will just keep losing and losing forever.

[Quirky]

I agree, I think your weight loss will plateau when you're at the right weight for your body. You will get fitter and leaner but not necessarily drop weight (especially if you lift).

To add intensity to your cardio workout, I wouldn't add weight, as the ankle weights or dumbbells could throw off your biomechanics and lead to an injury. Rather, I would change up workouts or increase the speed/duration of your workout to try to get your heart rate up. Your heart is getting in better shape; it's a muscle and the more you work it, the stronger it gets, so you could stay the same weight and have improved cardiovascular fitness and have a harder time getting your heart rate up.

[kerc]

Originally Posted by APMom98

Is it because I'm working out regularly and therefore, I'm in better shape and it's easier? or is it because I've lost that weight and it's easier to move myself around than it was when I started?

both.

Originally Posted by APMom98

And to follow up, is it safe to add weights to a cardio routine in order to get your heartrate up?

don't know. i never use those kinds of weights. generally i try to find ways to push myself harder -- faster running, more incline on the treadmill, more hills on my bike, etc.

Originally Posted by APMom98

So what do I do when I've lost all I want to? WIll the weight keep coming off?

i say play it by ear. It would depend on your body -- how aware you are of a "full" feeling, what kinds of foods you eat, what kind if exercise you are doing.

[Millie Ivy]

You could try a sport or activity that is new to you! If you normally walk or run on the treadmill, get outside and hike. If you do aerobics, go take a yoga class. Try learning soccer or raquetball, or learn a defense art, like karate!

Lots of things out there to try, and your body just wants to be challenged. And I wouldn't worry about not eating enough, since you aren't counting calories right now. Listen to your body and eat what you need. I am having a hard time now listening to my body instead of looking at what my numbers say. ( Although for me counting cals was necessary! I never have not overeaten... )

HTH!!!

Shelley

[MamaSoleil]

I"m not sure about adding weights, but your body definitely needs a bigger challenge. For me, with running, when I get to a plateau, which has been happening last two wks, I go longer, with intervals of faster running. Before, I was just concentrating on learning to run. Basically, whatever you are doing, make it more challenging. If you are doing aerobics, kick higher, bounce more, exagerate that body!!!
Congrats on getting fit!!!!