While daily cardio exercise is the core component of a weight
loss exercise regime, many people don't realize that strength training
is also essential if you're trying to lose weight. Though this type of
training might not be a part of your daily workout, it's still a
necessary part of your overall workout plans.
But why is strength training so important? Isn't it all about building muscle, rather than burning fat?
It's true that strength training doesn't burn as many calories as cardio, and helps build muscle instead of burning fat. However, many people don't realize that muscle does play an important role in weight loss. When a person has a higher muscle mass, his or her metabolism rate is raised, as muscle uses up more calories than fat in the body. So by raising the amount of muscle in your body, you will automatically be burning more calories, helping you lose weight at a faster rate.
Not only does a higher muscle mass help you lose weight, it will also help you maintain your weight loss better as you won't gain weight again as easily as when you consume more fat. That's not to say, however, that you can eat whatever you like - you'll still need to control your calorie intake if you're trying to lose weight!
Another benefit of this type of training for weight loss is that it helps tone your body to look better. Incorporating strength training into your regime can also help a little with the "loose skin" issue that some people face after losing a lot of weight, as muscle can replace some of the lost fat to fill in the skin.
One thing to take note of is that strength training isn't only suited for men; women should also engage in this type of training regularly to tone up and build some muscle. Contrary to popular belief, building muscle does not make you look bulky or masculine. Because of the different hormones, women will not usually build up their muscles in the same way as men, unless they take things to the next level and decide to make this a goal.
The bottom line is that strength training is a must-add to any serious exercise regime, as it provides additional benefits to cardio in aiding weight loss. For best results, do some strength training every alternate day, to allow your muscles to heal and repair themselves adequately before the next session.
But why is strength training so important? Isn't it all about building muscle, rather than burning fat?
It's true that strength training doesn't burn as many calories as cardio, and helps build muscle instead of burning fat. However, many people don't realize that muscle does play an important role in weight loss. When a person has a higher muscle mass, his or her metabolism rate is raised, as muscle uses up more calories than fat in the body. So by raising the amount of muscle in your body, you will automatically be burning more calories, helping you lose weight at a faster rate.
Not only does a higher muscle mass help you lose weight, it will also help you maintain your weight loss better as you won't gain weight again as easily as when you consume more fat. That's not to say, however, that you can eat whatever you like - you'll still need to control your calorie intake if you're trying to lose weight!
Another benefit of this type of training for weight loss is that it helps tone your body to look better. Incorporating strength training into your regime can also help a little with the "loose skin" issue that some people face after losing a lot of weight, as muscle can replace some of the lost fat to fill in the skin.
One thing to take note of is that strength training isn't only suited for men; women should also engage in this type of training regularly to tone up and build some muscle. Contrary to popular belief, building muscle does not make you look bulky or masculine. Because of the different hormones, women will not usually build up their muscles in the same way as men, unless they take things to the next level and decide to make this a goal.
The bottom line is that strength training is a must-add to any serious exercise regime, as it provides additional benefits to cardio in aiding weight loss. For best results, do some strength training every alternate day, to allow your muscles to heal and repair themselves adequately before the next session.
Russell (Rusty) Hart is the founder of the Health, Fitness &
Sport Club, an online network of websites devoted to the promotion of
health, fitness and wellness. The sites encompass a wide variety of
health and fitness activities including general health matters, Pilates,
yoga, CrossFit, treadmill training, running, kettlebell, swimming, and
more. Also covered are Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Positive
Thinking, the Law of Attraction and related topics. Those interested can
visit the HF & S Club home site at http://www.healthfitnessandsport.com and http://www.healthmattersx.com Also visit our online sports store at
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