While exercise has many benefits, some forms of exercise are more effective than others when it comes to weight loss. Strength training is a form of exercise in which you lift weights for added resistance. Your body burns fat and replaces it with lean muscle, and this form of exercise also increases your metabolism so you burn calories throughout the day.
Burns Fat, Builds Muscle
According to MayoClinic.com, using weights can reduce your body fat, increase your lean muscle mass and burn calories more efficiently. Weightlifting is efficient because it takes less time to complete a workout routine because your body is working harder. Dr. Edward Laskowski, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, says on MayoClinic.com, "If you don't do anything to replace the lean muscle you lose, you'll increase the percentage of fat in your body, but strength training can help your preserve and enhance your muscle mass." Strength training will not only lead to weight loss, but also keep your muscles firm and toned.
Metabolism
Lifting weights also has an impact on your metabolism, which controls the calories your burn through the food you metabolize and the energy you exert. By doing an exercise routine that requires your body to exert strength and energy through lifting weights, your metabolic rate increases, burning more calories. So you not only burn calories during the workout, you burn them throughout the day, even at rest. Increased lean muscle also uses energy to sustain itself, thus increasing your metabolism.
Comparison to Cardio
While cardiovascular activity increases endurance and speed, it does not have the same effect as strength training when attempting to lose weight. According to "Women's Health," strength training has a much greater impact on weight loss than cardio. Because of a metabolic spike and an increase in lean muscle, strength training will help you lose weight and lead to noticeable results. While cardio exercises burn calories, it does not continue to burn as many of them after the workout as strength training does.
Considerations
Consult your physician before beginning any strength training regimen. Exercise with a partner so they can help you with weights and spot you while lifting heavy weights. Stretch before and after your workout to prevent any strains and injuries and drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration during and after your workout.
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