Is Weight Training effective to Lose Weight?

Weight Lifting for Weight Loss is a new concept for many people. Its a common notion that Weight Lifting will make you look bulky. Lets see the logic of training with weights to lose weight.

Weight Lifting, Weight Loss and Weight Gain theory

I am sure you have heard that to lose weight you need to reduce your caloric intake. After all weight gain or weight loss is a function of calories in and calories out. If you think its easy to gain weight even when you eat less calories then ask any skinny guy how difficult it is to lose weight!

The matter of the fact is that you cannot gain weight on a low caloric diet even if you train with heavy weights.

So why should you train with weights?

Firstly, you should train with weights to prevent muscle loss. In your weight loss efforts not only you are eating fewer calories but you also perform aerobic activities. These call for muscle loss for energy provision. Your aim is to train with weight sat least 2-3 days a week to prevent this muscle loss.

Secondly, weight lifting has shown to burn more calories for up to 24-48 hours after a workout. The injured muscles require continuous supply of energy for repair. Thereby Weight Lifting revs up your metabolism.

Thirdly, Muscle at rest burns more calories then fat. So a little muscle gain is very helpful to lose weight.

Doesweight training weight loss always work?

Weight Lifting does help fasten your metabolism but studies show that you need to add at least 5 lbs of muscle mass before muscle shows these effects. Early on you will see the effects due to revved up metabolism but for longer results you need to add some muscle mass as well.

So what should you do?

The best way to lose weight is to reduce your caloric intake, eat more protein and perform aerobics. There is no substitute for these the above mentioned Weight Loss Tips, but Weight Lifting will help you maintain that weight lost in the longer duration.

So get started today and lift weights to lose weight, maintain it and get a lean body.