Should I lift Heavy weights or Light ones?

Question

I hear that building muscles burns fat . is this true. Like if I beef up the pounds on my machines and build muscles will it eat my fat? or should I keep the light weights on? Keep in mind Im already a big dude. Like Defensive end big. Warran Sapp Bigg, Center Big lol so my goal is to actually slim down to 230 lbs im 6 feet tall so what should I do?

Answer 1

Use a weight that is challenging for you, and use correct form. When you don't use correct form you will hurt yourself. It's common for guys to lift heavy weights to show off, but they go too quick and use poor form because the weight is too heavy for them. They will eventually hurt themselves.

I recommend that you challenge yourself, but take it slow. For example, if you were doing curls for your biceps, count 4-6 seconds to bring the weight up, hold for 1-2 seconds, then lower the weight 4-6 seconds. (repeat) You can even do it slower if you want. When you perform the exercises at a slower pace, you will not be able to lift as much weight compared to performing at a faster pace. They call that kind of training 'super slow'. It will challenge you and it will be tough, without lifting the heavy weights. It will be safer for you too. Stay focused on your form too. It's difficult to do 'super slow' because people have a tendancy to want to rush through the training to get it done more quickly. 'Super slow' takes a lot of discipline.

Don't be surprised when your muscles are sore the next day. Super slow is a challenging workout if done correctly. You know when you are doing it right when you feel the burn when you are exercising, but push on until failure (can't do any more reps). It's helpful to have a spotter for certain exercises if you go until failure (ie. bench press). If you don't have a spotter, then don't bench until failure you can hurt yourself.

Don't use weights that are too light for you, you will be spinning your wheels and get bored fast.

Diet is extremely important. I know a guy who won a contest in a magazine for the best before/after picture and he said 80% of his success was his diet.

Do cardio to burn fat too.

Answer 2

Tone muscles instead of building them. That strengthens muscles while still keeping them small. It's true that when you have muscles, it's easier to burn fat, but it's not true that working out will turn fat into muscle. Try endurance training to tone muscles and slim down. That means lighter weights, but more repetitions in a row. If you normally lift, say, 50 pounds and do 8 reps for 2 sets, instead lift 30 pounds and do 12 reps for 3 sets. Good luck!

Answer 3

This is true muscle burns fat. I am 6'5" and weighed 330 when I started my routine I lifted light weights and did a lot of reps, this will burn calories and tone what muscle you have. This routine brought me down to 185 then I started lifting heavy weights with few reps, this still burns calories but I began to put on healthier muscle weight now I am up to 225 and look a lot healthier that when I was at 185. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Heavier weights and lower reps to failure (5-8) are for bulking up and mass building.

Lighter weights and more reps are for strength, tone, and endurace.

Bulding muscles helps raise your metabolism because the more you weigh, the more calories you need to take in to maintain your weight because you are burning them.

If you want to slim the muscles down, stick with lighter weights and more reps (say 12-15). If you have fat you want to get rid of... start hitting the cardio training and eat a good diet.

Answer 5

j wrote: "Don't listen to the tone/mass bs people will tell you. The truth is doing light weights plus more reps will make your workout more aerobic. Heavy weights and lower reps will get you stronger." He is exactly correct. (There is a lot of misinformation floating around on this issue.)

Answer 6

If your already big and you want to slim down then use the lighter weights to keep your tone and not add anything. If you really want to slim down, put down the weights and do some swimming or cardio. Lots of cardio!

Answer 7

I agree with UR2FRIGID and really most of the other responses.

Since you're big, and you will likely work on training your muscles, cardio and diet will be a big part of losing fat. Cut refined carbs and sugars (white bread, candies, sodas). It's an excellent first step.

Answer 8

if you want to slim down you probablty wont want to lift heavy weights because muscles adds weight.