I stumbled across this while I was looking for info that would help me understand my 8-10 lb weight gain since I went back into the gym and started lifting about 3-4 months ago. I found it very informative. Especially since I am someone who knows little about the benefits of resistance training. Kind of turned my head around. Just thought someone else here might benefit.

Is Cardio Or Weights Better For Burning Fat?

I knew this

Testosterone Nation on Facebook ran this article. I lost 35lbs in 4mos while training down 2 weight classes on powerlifting. There were times I wondered if my bench would increase but it did. I went on to set records in 2 federations (drug free).

It can be done but will take raw discipline to stick to a diet. At snack times I would have a protein drink and used vite/min supps. Small, good meals is the ticket.

Weight training is a huge stress on the body but you must keep the progression or your body and metabolism will adjust quickly.

You and others gave me good advice in the other thread I started. Fits right in. Thanks. I noted he said that unless you were the fastest runner in your high school you weren't going to see quick/big weight gains. (not verbatim). In a HS class of about 500 I was maybe the 4th or 5th fastest at the 100 yd. dash. (remember yards not meters?) Not exactly World Class but I once ran a 10.9 100 yd. from a standing start in sneakers. Not bad back then (1964). In baseball I was also the guy who stole home a few times. So, this would account for my body responding more quickly than others. The article and the advice given here are helping me to get a better perspective on what I need to do. BTW your accomplishments are impressive to me.

Thanks, Bruce. We have a lot in common and similarity. You must have the mesomorphic body type with an abundance of fast-twitch muscle composition. That would nicely explain your excellent acceleration (your stealing home story puts a grin on my face). I'm the same body-type. In my senior year I ran a 10.8 at a regional meet with 36 schools on a cinder track. Oh for the fun days! 10.9 in sneakers is pretty darn fast.

In contrast, I am not a natural athlete, and I have always had poor coordination, a slow metabolic rate, and an abundance of slow-twitch muscles, so I have focused on endurance events over sprints. (My one "big" athletic achievement was a 12:18 double century two months before I turned 22.) I do weight lifting to maintain what little upper body strength and muscle (and skeletal) bulk I have. I consider both strength and cardio conditioning essential to my fitness.

People with your kind of body and fitness amaze me. I can't imagine doing anything for that long.

I'm another one, although I taught and trained myself to sprint better than most folks. Broke 12 hours on a double when I was ~60. I sprinted for the line. Train on.