Is STS useful when trying to lose weight?

[amandakaye]

Hi everyone, I've been looking for a great strength training program and found STS. I am VERY interested in the program! I have lost about 20 lbs and currently weigh 178 and am trying to lose about 40 more. I workout 5, sometimes 6 days a week. I regularly run, elliptical, and do some strength training with DVDs. I've read a couple of posts where people have said they have gained weight with the program, this is what concerns me. I am trying very hard with a clean diet and exercise, mostly cardio now, and don't want to start gaining if I begin the series. I still have a lot to lose and don't want anything to stop the progress I am making. I really want more than cardio, I want to improve my strength and have visible muscle. What are your experiences/suggestions for me?

Thanks!

[heartymax]

Have you read the "Tell us about your STS Results" sticky thread at the top? You will see tons of opinions of how STS has worked for others. I just completed the 3.5 month rotation and started over. My goal was not weight loss, but strength and definition so there was not a lot of "clean up" to my diet. My muscles look great and I lost a few pounds. However, that is what my goal was.

From what I have read, I would suggest that you plan to do more than the 3 days of cardio that is planned in the rotation. If you do this and keep the clean diet that has assisted you in losing the 20lbs. you should continue to see results. Everyone responds differently to various programs. You have to see what works for you. I have been doing Cathe for years but STS forced me to lift heavier and my muscles look nicer in my upper body than the past. My hips and thighs are slimmer.

Read through the results of STS thread to get ideas that have worked for others as well. You will love STS!!! Just give it a try.

[psusoccer17]

The first time I did STS I did gain weight during the first mesocycle. I think for me it was because of a poor diet and only 2 days of cardio. I started meso 2 by doing a half hour cardio after the weights and kept my other 2 days pure cardio and what a difference it made for me!! I have done STS now 3 times, presently on my 4th rotation and I have to say I have never looked or felt better!! I love all of cathe's other wt dvd's but STS is my favorite.

[Fit_mommy]

I am doing the 5.5 month rotation w/4-5 days of cardio each week. For M1 and the beginning M2 I did not change my eating habits and my weight stayed pretty steady. About 7 weeks ago though I joined WW and have been able to lose about 6 pounds while continuing with on with STS as scheduled. The weight loss has made my results even better or should I say MORE VISIBLE! I love it and hope to start M3 this coming weekend!

[DirtDiva]

I believe if weight loss is your goal you should do cardio at least 3 to 4 times a week. Cardio makes you a smaller person overall, while lifting weights changes your shape, and STS is the perfect program for that.

[tralaiven]

I think if we have to lose weight, the bottom line is hard work...but I am a definite proponent of serious weight lifting to increase muscle mass in the body which will, in the long run, provide for a greater calorie burn, and a stronger base from which to work in the Cardio dept.

I still have 9 lbs to go to reach my goal of 138 (just like you ), but I think that we will gain weight doing STS (I am in Meso 2 Wk 3) only if we are sloppy eaters. I have upped my cardio to at least 3x per week and generally 4-5. I know that for me, if I gain weight during STS, it is not STSs' fault, but mine, 'cuz I likes the food!

[MidgetDogg]

I lost 16 lbs. doing it, along with running and eating healthier. Lean muscle burns more calories and increases your metabolism. As long as you are paying attention to your diet, you'll lose weight.

[thebratee1]

Hi Donna,

That's amazing that you lost 16 pounds doing this. I'm getting ready to start STS on Monday and am very excited.

In regards to your running, are you training for anything specific like a half or full marathon? Just curious. I did my first half last October and my first full in January. In all honesty I really don't like to run, but love the results that I have gotten in my lower body because of it. I will be doing 3 days of running with STS and probably spinning 1 day and some other type of cardio for a fifth day. I am hoping STS will do the same for my upper.

Regina

[rhbrand]

How inspiring! I'm starting,(again) STS today and plan on doing 2-3 days of cardio along with good eating.

Here's hoping I lose some of the 25lbs I'd like to with STS.

[luvsdaleekids]

I recently finished the 3.5mo cycle of STS and am happy to report that I lost 10lbs and dropped from 128 to 118 pounds. Now I am a size 2 for the first time since high school.

Hopefully I will get around to writing my STS story