I know that muscle burns fat. But what if you are not really trying to burn fat? I mean, I weigh 102. And I started working out. I found that I really enjoy doing cardio more than any of the weight lifting machines.

Is cardio enough for me? I did a mile on the ski machine and a mile on the treadmill. And felt great afterwards. I also did some spot training..but am not really liking it too much..

Any input would be appreacited.

Sinnrah

i dunno if this is true everywhere, but all the smaller ppl i know HATE lifting weights... dunno what it is... just tough for them to gain str so they dont like it or something... dunno

Hi,

It isnt that it is hard for me..I just dont like it. LOL

Sinnrah

Have you tried pilates or power pump classes? Often, people don't like weight lifting because they are bored by it or intimidated. I would try a class that integrates weights (power-pump) or a class that uses resistance (pilates). However, there really isn't a substitute for weight lifing as far as muscular development goes.

Classes can be very motivating and less intimidating because others are in the same boat as you.

Hi,

Well I am far from intimidated from the weights. I just dont like it.

I have pilates tape at home. So maybe I will start doing that.

Sinnrah

Muscle doesn't "burn fat". Muscle requires energy to maintain and therefore rasies your metabolism. This makes burning fat a little easier or allows you to eat more and maintain your weight.

If you don't enjoy "weight training", then you might consider a different type of resistance training like the Pilates already mentioned or resistance bands or even just doing crunches, pushups, squats, lunges, dips, etc. with just your body weight. Weight training, and exercise in general, is a great way for women to avoid the shrinkage caused by osteoporosis. I highly recommend you pick up one of Miriam Nelson's books that I mentioned the other day.

And really, YOU have to decide if cardio is "enough" for you. What are your goals? If your goals are just to maintain your current weight and not get out of breath when you walk up some stairs, then yes, cardio will probably be "enough".

I know that I am the one who has to make that decision as far as cardio being enough.

I feel really comfortable w/ what I am doing right now.
I am thinking I am going to incorporate strength training every other day w/ cardio.

Thanks for the replys.

Sinnrah