At some point in time, everyone has heard that muscle weighs more than fat. While this is true, the information has really messed with a lot of people who are battling the struggle of weight loss. Weight loss occurs when a person burns more calories during the day than they take in. Physical activity helps a person burn calories, no matter what it is. Weightlifting might not seem as impactful as cardio, but is it a great way to lose weight? Discover how lifting weights to lose weight is a trend you haven’t tried.
Lifting Weights for Weight Loss
The first step to losing weight by lifting weights is to put together the right type of workout routine. Having the right routine is going to allow a person to see results sooner rather than later. This helps with motivation during the early stages. Intensity is the key to success when weight training. If a person is just passively lifting weights and hoping for the best, they are not going to see the results they are hoping for.
There are several weight loss lifting plans out there, but the goal is to focus on high intensity and improving metabolism. Circuit weight training is a very popular model to follow. Instead of focusing on lifting as much weight as possible one or two times, circuits will focus more on repetitions at lower weights. Weight training also doesn’t always mean using traditional weights. There are bodyweight exercises that are very safe to work on every single day.
It really comes in handy as well for those people who are so busy, they have trouble getting to the gym. Bodyweight exercises are doable at the office, home or virtually anywhere. Circuit training is similar to any type of cardio because the goal is to raise the heart rate and keep it elevated throughout. That is why it’s important to always pick manageable weight when lifting. If too much weight is used in the beginning, it’s just not going to work.
Trust the Process
It is very frustrating for people to put in the work with weights, but not see a difference when stepping on the scale. The truth is, losing weight the right way takes time. There is no magic formula other than sticking to healthy routines. Don’t feel as though you have to continually push your body every single day. It’s actually beneficial for the body to not weight train every day, because muscles need time to recover. After they are worked out, they need that extra time to build back up. This is when cardio or some other form of exercise should work instead.
Fuel the Body Correctly
As with any form of exercise, it’s extremely important to also eat correctly when weight training. Building muscle takes time but fueling the body the right way will speed up the process. Keep a watchful eye on total caloric intake, but also focus on getting enough protein every day. This helps muscles specifically, even if the goal is not to bulk up. Protein can help a person build lean muscle, and that muscle can help burn calories at a faster rate in the end.
A Note from GR8NESS
Different forms of exercise can keep things interesting for those trying to lose weight. Cardio every single day can get monotonous. Weight training is not just for those trying to become bodybuilders. Lifting weights to lose weight is a great way to work on building muscle and leaning out the body.