This is a very popular topic on health forums as more and more people start hitting the gym. But can weight training really help you lose unwanted kilos? The answer is ‘yes - sort of.’
There are some weight loss benefits, because weight training can help speed up your metabolic rate, which burns more calories, but most of its health benefits are in other areas.
But having said all that the body of research shows that weight training is just not as effective for weight loss as cardio exercises like running, walking, biking or high intensity exercise classes. One American study showed that cardio was four times more effective in producing weight loss than weight training. Cardio training has other benefits too. It protects the health of your cardiovascular system and it makes you feel good - although as we mentioned above, weight training will do that too.
So what does all that mean? We’d suggest including weight training as part of your overall exercise regime, balanced by cardio sessions.
The main thing is to make exercising a regular and frequent part of your healthy lifestyle, which naturally also includes healthy eating at every meal. This Fitfood article explores the role of protein in weight loss.
There are some weight loss benefits, because weight training can help speed up your metabolic rate, which burns more calories, but most of its health benefits are in other areas.
- Weight training is helpful for bone health, especially if your job involves sitting for most of the day.
- Weight training tires your muscles which causes a drop in cortisol which can help you feel less stressed and sleep better.
- Weight training can help sculpt your body and improve your posture - especially if you target your core.
But having said all that the body of research shows that weight training is just not as effective for weight loss as cardio exercises like running, walking, biking or high intensity exercise classes. One American study showed that cardio was four times more effective in producing weight loss than weight training. Cardio training has other benefits too. It protects the health of your cardiovascular system and it makes you feel good - although as we mentioned above, weight training will do that too.
So what does all that mean? We’d suggest including weight training as part of your overall exercise regime, balanced by cardio sessions.
The main thing is to make exercising a regular and frequent part of your healthy lifestyle, which naturally also includes healthy eating at every meal. This Fitfood article explores the role of protein in weight loss.
