The Glade 4.0

Ok, so I've been doing the exercise thing for a number of months now and I've shed some noticable pounds. I've been stuck on this weight though for a couple of months and usually flux 2-4 lbs. I'm thinking I need to make more of a change to my diet now. I rarely consume soft drinks and I don't do a lot of candy and sweets on a regular basis. I think I need to cut out or cut down on bread(cry).

But anyway, my main goal is to lose about 13 more lbs and then start toning up. Would it help with weight loss to start doing weights? I know muscle weighs more so I might not get to where I want to be. My routine is usually that..I can't spell it..eliptical for 30-1hr and I try to hit the riverwalk when I can. I really just want to burn some more fat and then firm up what's left...I have no desire to become Mr. Universe.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm motivated when I have a set plan.

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"It is true that democracy undermines freedom when voters believe they can live off of others' productivity, when they modify the commandment: 'Thou shalt not steal, except by majority vote.' The politics of plunder is no doubt destructive of both morality and the division of labor."

Would you rather lose 13lbs or put on 2lbs of muscle?

Weight, like age, is just a number so what's your preference?

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You're in no danger of becoming Mr. Universe unless you put on something more like 20 pounds of muscle

Do about 30 minutes of cardio before you lift to burn some extra calories, then lift lower weights at higher reps (10-15 per set) so you don't bulk up.

13, definitely.

Soooo...lose 15 then tone up and I hit my goal?

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"It is true that democracy undermines freedom when voters believe they can live off of others' productivity, when they modify the commandment: 'Thou shalt not steal, except by majority vote.' The politics of plunder is no doubt destructive of both morality and the division of labor."

That sounds like a trick question. Wouldn't that be lose 11lbs and be more fit?

That seems like the better option. Trade fat for muscle any day (unless you already have an abundance of muscle).

I lost weight first by hitting cardio hard and then started to work weights into my routine. The weight lifting came in naturally as I started to get bored. I lost 30 lbs and I am pretty much stable right now.

What ever you decide to do, just don't give up!

Good luck!

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Dream as if you'll live forever...
...Live as if you'll die tomorrow

Vivere Senza Rimpianti

Essentially you are saying strip the car down to the frame before you restore it? Good approach.

Stick with just cardio and diet though as low-weight high reps still builds muscle mass:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/n ... muscle-too

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Plateaus are normal when dieting. Changing things up will probably do you good. My advice is to write down everything you eat for a day or two. Post here if you'd like some feedback. Usually when people write it down they see what they need to address.

As for weights, as a relative beginner you have the envious and magical potential to both lose fat and gain muscle at the same time believe it or not. This most definitely does not last forever, but it sure is nice while it lasts. Lifting weights will help you achieve that goal more than anything else you can do. Overall though I'm a fan of the saying the best program is the one you actually do. Meaning do whatever you'll stick with.

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“Strong people are harder to kill than weak people, and more useful in general”. - Mark Rippetoe