Serious Weightlifting/Nutrition Questions

[Landon S]

I have been lifting/exersizing for about two months now. I have a few questions...if anyone can help I would appreciate it.

1) I have been lifting almost every muscle except abs. My fear is that if I started abs right off the bat, the muscles would build underneath my fat and push out my stomach. Is there any truth to my theory? Will only cardio burn my stomach fat?

2) How good of a cardio workout is swimming compared to running?

3) What are the weight loss benefits to lifting as opposed to cardio?

4) Any recommened supplements other than protein. I have been taking Pump Fuel before lifting and some **** called After Glow after I lift. My buddy works at GNC so he gives me the hookup. What do you guys know about supplements?

Thanks

1) Dont worry, your abs dont grow very fast at all, in fact Ive been trying to build mine bigger years and their only marginally bigger, they dont grow like your back or your biceps can.

2) Swimming is good because its a full body workout and is easy on the joints. Running is good because you actually have to support your own weight and so it works the your muscles harder but it isnt full body. Both have their benefits, it just depends on your goal. Frankly I think running is better because of convenience, you can do it anywhere so theres no excuses.

3) Lifting weights can build muscle, more muscle raises your metabolism (slightly...veery slightly like 5 calories a day per lb or something like that if you do absolutely nothing) it burns calories and when your body is recovering after the workout you burn extra calories for 24-48 hours afterwards.

Cardio, it depends on which type. Aerobic (relatively easy, your still able to talk decently as your doing it) is easily maintainable and you can do it for a long time, its main energy source is fat. Anaerobic exercise (really hard, all out effort) cant be maintained as long but you burn alot more calories and the same amount of fat (per minute not session) and it increases your metabolism for about 8 hours afterwards.

4) I dont personally use supplements because I think you can just eat right and you dont need them. If what your taking is a protein powder (or some macronutrient supplement) it might not help you lose weight because since when does eating more help you get thin? it could just be extra calories that are stopping you from trimming down. You only need about 1.5g protein per kilogram of body weight (lean bodyweight) to maintain your muscle when trying to lose weight so long as you dont restrict calories too much.

Lift heavy **** to give your body a reason to keep the muscle (just dont lift too much) and get in both anaerobic and aerobic exercise to rip the fat off you.

[THE REED]

I have been lifting/exersizing for about two months now. I have a few questions...if anyone can help I would appreciate it.

1) I have been lifting almost every muscle except abs. My fear is that if I started abs right off the bat, the muscles would build underneath my fat and push out my stomach. Is there any truth to my theory? Will only cardio burn my stomach fat?

2) How good of a cardio workout is swimming compared to running?

3) What are the weight loss benefits to lifting as opposed to cardio?

4) Any recommened supplements other than protein. I have been taking Pump Fuel before lifting and some **** called After Glow after I lift. My buddy works at GNC so he gives me the hookup. What do you guys know about supplements?

Thanks

1) Technically speaking, yes if you build your abs your stomach will push out... what you have to realize first is how incredibly minimal it will push out your stomach... you wont be able to tell the difference, do your abs, its a core exercise and extremely important.. your back and your abs support your body...

2) Swimming is EXCELLENT, and VERY easy on the joints.. running is also excellent though, and they are seperate types of exercises, your best bet would be to split the two and do both equally... most people dont.

3) Lifting builds muscle, and muscle burns fat... lifting also increases your metabolism, do 3 heavy sets in a row with 30 seconds of rest in between... Are you breathing hard? are you starting to sweat? is your heart beat rising? yes, yes, and yes. Your burning calories.

4) I've used Hot-Rox extreme numerous times, the fat loss is OK, but the biggest benefit was the appetite suppressant. I didn't feel hungry, and it made it WAY easier to diet. Usually when your stomach feels empty and starts growling thats when you go for the burger. When your stomach feels full, thats when you can eat a salad and not really care...

Hot Rox is a thermogenic fat burner, it works by increasing your body temperature (only a few degrees) and this burns more calories. You usually take two in the morning and two about 6 hours later.. after a solid month of running your body a little warmer, you can tell a difference.

This will NOT make up for poor diet.

Hope this helps...

[Mizzou]

I have been lifting 3 days then one day rest

Day 1- Chest and triceps. I do four lifts for chest and three or four for triceps. Each lift is usually between 12-6 reps. I increase weight and try to do what I did before with lighter weight.

Day 2- Back and Biceps. Pretty much the same deal reps and weight wise

Day 3-Legs and core- Just started doing this a couple of weeks ago.

Day 4- rest

I bike ten to fifteen minutes before lifting and swim twenty minutes afterwards. I know that you are supposed to mix up your workouts after a while to trick your muscles. I'm gonna keep with this regimen for a while.

Does anyone know how many grams of protein someone who is about six feet 230 pounds should take per day with this type of lifting regimen? One of my friends said at least 250.

[THE REED]

I have been lifting 3 days then one day rest

Day 1- Chest and triceps. I do four lifts for chest and three or four for triceps. Each lift is usually between 12-6 reps. I increase weight and try to do what I did before with lighter weight.

Day 2- Back and Biceps. Pretty much the same deal reps and weight wise

Day 3-Legs and core- Just started doing this a couple of weeks ago.

Day 4- rest

I bike ten to fifteen minutes before lifting and swim twenty minutes afterwards. I know that you are supposed to mix up your workouts after a while to trick your muscles. I'm gonna keep with this regimen for a while.

Does anyone know how many grams of protein someone who is about six feet 230 pounds should take per day with this type of lifting regimen? One of my friends said at least 250.

the ideal amount of protein is your body weight in grame...

200lbs - 200 grams of protein

[Bendigo]

Thanks for the responses fellas. I used to be in tip top shape until I was 24. Very ripped and strong. Then I tore my rotator cuff and never really got back in the gym. Combined with poor eating and beer drinking, I put on a good 50-60 pounds. I've lost a solid 7-8 pounds since I started back, and am gaining strenghth quickly. I forgot how good it feels to exercise. The first month getting back I only did lifts I enjoyed and was good at. I pretty much chalked legs and abs. Now I have been incorporating all that back in. Trying to eat good and get my swoll on negroez.

Damn. My brother tore his rotator cuff as well. Before then he could easily bench over 300, but now he says he is physically unable to lift anything much over 100. Take it easy on the rotator cuff; it's an injury that takes a long, long time to heal--if it ever heals completely.

[JabSandwich]

supplements r ******, save the money and spend it on healthier food.

i've never hurt my rotator cuff but i tore some ligaments in my foot last summer and its been giving me some problems, mainly loss of flexibility (i imagine u'd have a similar problem with ur rotator cuff). i tried a lot of different stuff and nothing helped more than yoga. yea, yoga. u use a lot of muscles that prolly don't even have names, it increases flexibility, tones ur physique, and its a great way to meet ladies (God bless lululemon)