Can Adding Strength Training Help Weight-Loss?
Dieting and cardio exercise are equally important to losing weight, but when it comes to raising your metabolism and changing how your body looks, weight-training wins hands down. Plus, if you want to lose fat, one of the most important things you can do is strength training. But, if you've hesitated to start a weight-lifting program, it may help you to know the benefits:
- Weight-training can help raise your metabolism because muscle burns more calories than fat, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn.
- Lifting weights is especially important for women because it also strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis.
- Strength training can make you stronger and increase muscular endurance which will help you with your cardio exercises and everyday life.
Even though strength training burns fewer calories than other forms of exercise, it's no less beneficial for weight loss. A 1995 study by the 62nd Medical Group at Fort Lewis found that fat loss is a function of calorie burn and not exercise intensity. The important thing is to burn calories. It may take longer to burn a comparable amount of calories while strength training; however, you nevertheless achieve the same weight loss results with regular workouts.
Chris Dinesen Rogers, LiveStrong.com
Forms of strength training:
- Weight machines. Most fitness centers offer various resistance machines. You can also invest in weight machines for use at home.
- Free weights. Barbells and dumbbells are classic strength training tools.
- Body weight. You can do many exercises with little or no equipment. Try push-ups, pull-ups, abdominal crunches and leg squats.
- Resistance tubing. Resistance tubing is inexpensive, lightweight tubing that provides resistance when stretched. You can choose from many types of resistance tubes in nearly any sporting goods store.
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