How benefitial is weight training to any exercise/weight loss regimen?

Question

My dad says it builds muscle and stuff. Is weight training (machines and free weights) imperative to any exercise regimen?

For the record, I used to be able to struggle lifting heavy stuff around 30 lbs.; now I can lift 30-35 lbs. with ease.

Answer 1

Weight training is beneficial in a lot of ways.

First, you will increase your muscle mass, so you will burn more calories so it will be easier to lose weight. Yes, the muscle mass weighs more than fat, and you may gain a little, but what you weigh doesn't matter near as much as what that weight is made of.

Second, lifting weights is work--not fun like dancing or something--but you will feel better from doing it. You'll not only release those great endorphins, but you will get a sense of accomplishment as you see yourself being able to lift more. And there's nothing wrong with a little extra energy.

Third--and this is especially important for women--weight bearing exercise helps you maintain bone density. Most women over 60 can't lift more than 10 pounds over their heads. You don't want to be one of them.

So, it's not imperative, but with all the benefits, it's a really good idea.

Answer 2

In short, yes, weight training will help in losing bodyfat. Intense weight training sessions with moderate to heavy weights will help raise the metabolism throughout the day. Furthermore, extra calories are expended as the body recovers itself. Also, if you're able to actually gain lean muscle mass, that's more calories the body must use each day just to maintain that muscle. If decreasing the bodyfat percentage is the goal, a combination of strength training, high intensity cardio and healthy adequate diet balanced in all macronutrients is optimal. If you're new to the weights, start slow doing full body workouts three days a week. For each weights day do different exercises, focusing primarily on compound movements mostly on the free weights and perfecting form. Compound movements, or exercises utilizing more than one joint, should be the first exercise you do after a good 10 minute warmup on a treadmill or bike. As you progress you can then try splitting up your routine into different muscle groups. Always be progressing in either weights or reps. Keep the workout under an hour and always do weights before cardio. Keep the volume down, between 6-12 reps (depending on your goals and the exercise).and the number of sets three or less. Don't neglect any bodyparts. Be sure that diet and nutrition isn't lagging either. Most people vastly underestimate the importance of diet, not only in how many calories that must be consumed per day but also the quality of nutrients. Most of the foods should be whole and unprocessed.

Answer 3

I feel that weight training is an absolute essential. It allows you to burn more fat and calories faster, in addition to your regular workout routine. It gives your body an overall healthy appearance while strengthening your core muscles which improves your balance and stability, endurance and helps protect your body from injury. It also just feels great!

Whether you do several repetitions with light weight for toning purposes, or opt to go with a more moderate to heavy plan for gaining muscle mass, I highly recommend that you partake in some form of weight training and am sure you will be pleased with the results!

Answer 4

It's hard to believe that exercise, which seems to be a relatively simple topic, can cause so much debate. However, when assessing the efficacy of weight training vs. cardiovascular exercise, there are plenty of conflicting opinions on which is better — and this debate may never get resolved. Therefore, the staff at BioFit and Wellness decided to compare the benefits and risks of the two forms of exercise so you can make an educated choice as to how to approach either type of workout. (Note: For the sake of simplification, we will use the term aerobic and cardiovascular interchangeably.) CHeck out the link for some great information on the topic.

Answer 5

Weight training is essential to all workout programs! When you weight train, your body is constantly tearing down muscle and rebuilding it, which in turn increases your metablolism - the rate at which you burn calories. You don't need to lift heavy weights to take advantage of weight training. Just lift as much as you can for 8-10 reps until you reach exhaustion.

Your body needs to burn 3500 calories more than it takes in in order to lose a pound. Eating smaller portions, cardio workouts, and weight training in combination will get you to your fitness goal quickly.

Answer 6

Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, so even if you pick up some muscle mass, the net effect is to burn more calories and, therefore, lose weight. Light weights with repetition are all that you need. Don't try to become a body builder.

Answer 7

It is activity that helps in weightloss, along with eating a sensible diet. The traditional theory is to burn more calories than you take in. To that end, as long as you do something physical you will be okay. In that sense, weight training is not essential but merely one option of many.

Answer 8

Weight training is mostly for toning. As your body sheds fat, you will see flatter stomach, etc. You can see a flat stomach, or a 6-pack, right? Strength training builds the muscle under the fat, so cardio is equally important, to actually burn the fat.... BUT... the more lean muscle you have, the better your body burns fat. So, keep up the strength training, because it has multiple benefits... But remember to balance it with cardio, too, like walking/jogging, basketball, tennis, dancing, etc. Good luck!

Answer 9

crank your ipod as you walk at 3 5 mph for 23 minutes

Answer 10

Better to prepare slow to eat foods like hot soups whole fruites etec