Lift heavy, lose weight! Is this for you??

Lift heavy, cut out cardio completely, lose weight and get lean.  "The heavier you lift, the quicker you will see results."  "Cut cardio, lift heavy." This has been popping up all over fitness forums the last couple years.  I don't disagree with the premise that lifting heavy can get you some bad A** results.  It can! However, it bothers me how this comes across as a reckless recommendation without proper instruction to the reader on how to get there. Not to mention that cutting cardio isn't necessarily a sound idea but that is for a different post.

You can't just dive right in and starting lifting the most that you can and build from there. Do some do it? Yes, but not without some compromise to form and longevity and sustainability of results. Not to mention the mental and emotional garbage that comes from sustaining injuries  that throw you out of the game when you have yet to reach your goals!

Almost every beginner and some intermediate fitness enthusiasts have poor posture with subsequent muscle imbalances and a considerable lack of core stability. (Yes, even I have areas of core stability to work on and I have been in this world of fitness for over 10 years. )  Whether lifting or doing cardio, your body has to learn proper form, this is especially important before lifting HEAVY! Without proper form, your body will rely on the wrong muscles to perform an exercise and will resulting in joint and muscles injuries. It's only a matter of time before the effects begin to affect more than just your workout but also the functionality of life. Equally important is the need for your connective tissues and joints to be prepared for higher demands and more intense exercises. Again, without proper progression you end up in the same boat that improper form produces; muscle and joint injuries.  Any way you look at it, jumping head first into lifting heavy without proper preparation, ends in a bad situation.  Your body must be conditioned. Even athletes have to go through I strict conditioning process to reach their goals. Having looked back on my own fitness journey these some 14 years, I see where proper guidance could have alleviated injuries that took me out of the game and helped set the stage for long term joint issues.

Lifting heavy is a reward that comes from diligence and hard work.

diligence

- constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body

or mind.

It's a journey. It won't happen overnight and for some people they will have more muscle imbalances and flexibility to work on than others. For them, heavy lifting will take even longer. So folks, this is your post of caution. Don't jump the gun. Be patient, be diligent, educate yourselves and/or get proper help on your fitness journey. No dream physique is worth the cost of your well-being.