Getting fit does not have to be an epic battle. It is possible to burn more fat through strength training.
In order to lose weight and body fat, the body must burn more calories than it consumes. This requires eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet and getting at least thirty minutes of daily moderate cardiovascular exercise. The more intense the exercise, the more calories and body fat can be shed. The key to burning away these calories and fat is increasing your metabolism. The higher the metabolism, the better results you will have.
The most common and simplest way to boost one’s metabolism is to incorporate a weight lifting program into their exercise regimen. This is effective because muscle tissues burn more calories than fat tissues. Experts recommend adding light to moderate weight training or activities to two or three of your regular weekly workouts. These sessions can be as formal as lifting dumbbells on a weight bench at a local gym or as relaxed as lifting canned goods at home. The goal is to build lean, healthy muscle, not become a body builder.
Utilizing proper body mechanics while lifting is a crucial part of reaching one’s desired fitness level. Failure to do so could result in serious injuries or further agitation of existing injuries. Starting small and increasing the amount of weight and repetitions slowly and gradually is the best way to ensure that the body is not being overworked. It is recommended that you consult a physician before starting any new exercise program.
Just as pounds do not magically fall off, muscle is not immediately built. With regular, steady routines, muscle mass and density will increase over the course of several months. During this process, your metabolism is increasing and burning more calories during the day. In addition to these changes, there are several others happening that may not be visible to the naked eye. Among these are increases in tendon and ligament strength and elasticity, denser bones, more stable balance, decreased risk for serious illnesses and diseases, and more correct posture.
It is widely misunderstood that building muscle directly burns away fat. This is not accurate. Building muscle through strength training increases the amount of calories that the body uses to function in a given day. As calories are consumed, the body uses them as fuel to perform the processes required for life, such as respiration and digestion. A body with more muscle needs more calories than a body with less muscle. As a result, the metabolism is increased to accommodate the insufficiency, thus burning away fat.
To effectively build muscle and promote health, it is important to engage and strengthen all major muscle groups. The major muscle groups include upper and lower legs, hips and glutes, chest, back, shoulders, abdominals, and upper and lower arms. These groups should be rotated and cycled throughout the week to prevent overuse, fatigue, and injury. There are many great books and websites available to demonstrate fun, energizing ways to incorporate several muscle groups at once and the proper body mechanics for doing so.
Introducing a few small changes to one’s regular workout schedule can be all it takes to achieve their fitness goals. A healthy balance of a low-fat diet, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training can be that last little push towards success.
