Health before weight loss?

M

madviperseven

New member
Hi guys. So, I've started a diet and exercise regimen with the end goal in mind of getting healthy and losing weight. I'm 280 lbs and waay out of shape. I had lost 60 lbs five years ago and was around 180 lbs but then gained it all back and then some when I fell off the wagon.

So anyway, here's my thinking: I'm thinking I should get in shape before I lose the weight. My thinking is that if I try and lose the weight now, I'm just gonna lose muscle mass and reach a plateau later. So what I'm doing is eating less than normal but not dieting and I'm exercising more. I've been running every day for the last two weeks. Unfortunately, the most I can do right now is 12 minutes on the elliptical before running out of gas. I started at 10 minutes and increased every day and today I'm gonna reach 13 minutes if I go. I want to increase by 1 minute every day until I can do 30 minutes comfortably every day. I'm also doing a little weight lifting.

Questions: If I'm feeling fatigued all the time am I overtraining? Should I take a break today? Am I doing the right thing by putting my fitness goals ahead of my weight loss or can I do both simultaneously?

Thanks
 
I guess the question I'm asking is "should I skip the gym today?" Yesterday, after my workout and post-workout meal, I couldn't concentrate and felt extreme fatigue. I pushed through it and a couple double expressos later I felt better.
 
The key to maintaining your muscle mass while in a calorie deficit it to spend time strength training, it does however need to be heavy for you, lots of light weight reps won't do the job for you.

Moderate exercise (walking, light cardio) is fine everyday however pushing yourself hard every day is not a good option as it does lead to over training and injury, with lifting there should be at least a day gap between training the same muscle groups to allow for adequate recovery time, however depending on the training program 2 or 3 days may be needed.
 
Thanks, Trusylver. I appreciate the advice. I'll be sure to wait 2-3 days before working the same muscle group again. I chose to skip the gym today as I was just getting more and more exhausted every day. Thanks.
 
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