Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Does Lifting Weights Burn Fat?



I always get asked does lifting weights burn fat? People who want to drop extra pounds often turn to cardiovascular exercise in order to burn fat. Many trainers recommend aerobic exercises to burn calories, saying that strength training is only good for building muscles.

Does Lifting Weights Burn Fat?

Does Lifting Weights Burn Fat?

Does Lifting Weights Burn Fat?

However, more and more people these days are becoming aware of the importance of muscle development for long-term fat loss. That is why people are beginning to ask, “Does lifting weights burn fat?”

Combine Cardio and Weight Training

Not too long ago, people who wanted to lose weight performed intense aerobic workouts such as running, jogging, swimming, or exercising on an elliptical trainer. Cardiovascular exercise elevates the metabolism during workout and for a short time after the workout session.

Weight training, on the other hand, develops muscle mass and increases the body’s metabolism long after the exercise session is over. The reason is that muscles require more calories to maintain than fat does. Thus, lifting weights actually burns fat faster.

Does Lifting Weights Burn Fat – Higher Metabolism

Strength training builds more muscles in the body. Because muscles use up more calories, your body turns into a fat-burning furnace. With more lean muscle in your body, your metabolism will increase. Lifting weights actually helps you burn fat even while you rest. After your weight lifting session, your body will continue burning more calories for a longer period than you would after an aerobic session.

Build More Muscles

Many people think that bigger muscles are developed during strength training. Lifting weights actually tears down the muscles. Muscle development and repair take place during the rest period following the weight lifting session. It is while you rest and recuperate that your muscles grow bigger and stronger.

Burn Fat Faster

Cardiovascular exercise provides a calorie-burning workout that melts fat from all over your body. However, if you want to keep the fat off it’s necessary to combine weight lifting with your cardio workout. This will increase your metabolism so your body burns more calories even while you are resting or sleeping. Strength training using resistance methods or by lifting weights helps you burn fat and keep it from coming back. For every 3 pounds of muscles gained, you burn about 120 calories more per day.

Avoid Quick Weight-Loss Diets

You may be tempted to go on a miracle or starvation diet when trying to lose weight quickly. This is bad because it will cause the loss of muscle mass. Any weight lost will be quickly regained. It is best, instead, to work towards a gradual fat loss by combining weight lifting and cardio activities. This will allow you to build up muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Although it may take longer to attain your ideal weight, the results will last longer.

So, does lifting weights burn fat? You know now that it does.


Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Aerobic Workouts
Categories
General Weight Loss Tips

Journaling for Health

This is something I’ve wanted to work on for a very long time. I love the idea of art journaling through a process. This practice is a daily reminder of where I’m at and where I’m headed. I think it’s easy to for me to forget my goals on a day to day basis and let life get in the way. Creating this took about 15 minutes and it was just focused writing and doodling, which is so peaceful and mind-clearing.

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on fat
Categories
General Weight Loss Tips

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 – September Challenge

I’ve decided that September will be the month of Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30. I’ve had the DVD for some time, but never made it through all four week sessions. This is the month.

Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD Review

What I love about the DVD:

It’s fast, only 37 minutes and I’m done.

Less jumping. Insanity is insane, this DVD is hard, but there isn’t a lot of jumping around.

It hurts and I swear a lot. If I’m going to exercise I want to feel it. I want to sweat and pant and beg for mercy. I want to feel it the next day. This DVD is good for that.

It’s a challenge. Planks and push-ups are hard for me, but I do my best. She also has a new workout for each week in a month.

What I don’t love:

This is me being petty, but sometimes Jillian says things that are really corny and silly. She makes weird noises and I just feel embarrassed for her. But, I try to pretend she isn’t talking. I think when I’m suffering, I don’t like jokes, so it makes me want to throw my hand weight at her. Other than that, I love it!

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on fat