When You Lift Weights, Does Your Whole Body Expand?

[Frank2500]

I'm curious about this. I began going to the gym to lift weights consistently since last February, and I do my best to go there at least 3 days a week. My question is, when you start lifting weights regularly and begin developing muscles, does your whole body expand? I'm 6'0 and used to weigh 160lbs. Last month, I stood on a scale and it said that I was 19 pounds over my ideal weight, which it listed as being between 150-170lbs. I know for sure that I've gained several more pounds since then. The reason I'm asking this question is that I seem to notice a change in the sense that these days, when I walk on the street, I feel like a semi-giant, taller and bigger than most people who walk past me. Although I'm a tall guy, I didn't often used to find myself in situations where I had to look down at people to talk to them or people had to slightly look up to talk to me.

One last question: Does lifting weights help prevent heart disease or is that in itself not enough to prevent heart disease? Most people tell me that I have to do cardio at least 3 days a week for my heart. I haven't done cardio in a very long while because having been such a skinny guy in the past, (I used to run 3 days a week) I worry that my body may start to readapt to its former shape and I may start burning muscle instead of fat, and become skinny again.

 

[spesmilitis]

Yeah, your whole body expands if you do the heavy compound lifts like deadlifts/squats. But some areas will grow faster that other (you get a v-shape, shoulder stick out, prominant glutes, ect).

Lifting weights is better for your heart than nothing. But to really get heart benifits, you gotta do cardio. However if you're still young (under 25), I don't think you need to be in a hurry to worry about your heart.

But yeah, bulking while doing cardio is a *****. However you won't lose muscel if your protien and carb intake is good. I don't lose any weight/strength while doing bjj and wrestling.

When you do cardio, you lose calories, but your metabolism increases also, so it'll be easier to eat more.

 

[Frank2500]

Re:

Thanks for the response, bro. I'm 28, so I guess I should start worrying about my heart.

 

[dj ben2]

usualy ppl start having haeart problems at like 35 onwards but strengthening your ticker will is a good thing to do no matter how old you are heart probs these days are so common

 

[Ice Cold]

You feel like a semi-giant at 190 pounds? That's kinda funny man... sorry.

Don't neglect cardio just because you you can get bigger without it. In the end - if your cardio system gives out, there won't be ANY muscle mass to speak of.

Personally, I try to train every day and end up missing 1-2 workouts per week. One day cardio and one day weights. I run for an hour or so.

Besides the benefits to the cardio system and long term health, I noticed it helps you recover from the gym MUCH faster. Especially after heavy squats and deadlifts. If I don't run it takes up to 5 days for my body to recover. If I run on the second day, then I can squat again the day after.

All that blood flowing around the mucle I guess brings nutrients and helps to repair and grow.

I'd never give up running.

I'm 225 pounds or so, with a small gut.

 

[Throttle]

lifting has given you confidence, which is probably the vast proportion of why you feel bigger (especially the taller part -- unless you've been zapped with gamma rays, "getting big" won't make you taller -- or shorter)

at this point the best evidence suggests that you need some sort of regular cardio for optimal heart health as you age. this is anything from moderate walking to moderate jogging and beyond. whatever you can sustain in the long haul.

if you're inclined to worry about your heart, make sure you get a physical every year or two. one of the things doctors are reasonably good at is catching all the warning signs of heart trouble early, but only if you go to see them from time to time.