Muscle-Building Weight Loss
In the pursuit of shedding pounds, most envision cardio as the go-to exercise, dismissing the potential of weight training. However, fitness experts emphasize that strength training is not just for muscle building but is a powerful ally in weight loss.
Mukul Nagpaul, Founder of Pmftraining and Fit India Movement Ambassador, challenges the misconception that weightlifting is exclusively for those seeking bulging muscles. He asserts that these seemingly intimidating dumbbells and barbells can be your allies in the journey towards weight loss.
Strength training initiates weight loss by building muscle mass. Nagpaul explains that muscles act as calorie-burning machines, continuously burning calories even at rest. The more muscle one has, the more calories are burned throughout the day. Additionally, strength training enhances metabolic rate, providing a sustained boost that continues for hours after the workout, leading to continued calorie burning.
Highlighting a study published in the journal ‘Obesity,’ Nagpaul points out that incorporating strength training into workouts results in a more significant fat loss (10.2%) compared to those relying solely on aerobic exercise (6%). This 4% difference underscores the efficacy of strength training in achieving weight loss goals.
While acknowledging the perceived difficulty of strength training, Nagpaul compares it to any worthwhile endeavor, emphasizing the dual benefit of building muscle and shedding pounds with each lift. He draws a distinction between cardio exercises, effective for immediate calorie burning and heart health, and strength training, which offers a more prolonged benefit akin to investing in a savings account.
In conclusion, Nagpaul encourages individuals to embark on their fitness journey, urging them to incorporate strength training as a valuable tool for reaching weight loss goals. The message is clear – it’s not about aspiring to become a bodybuilding champion but leveraging every available resource to achieve lasting results.
Thus, the article emphasizes the often-overlooked role of strength training in weight loss, debunking the myth that it’s solely for building muscles. The key takeaways include the calorie-burning capacity of muscles at rest, the sustained metabolic boost post-strength training, and the proven efficacy of combining strength training with aerobic exercise for enhanced fat loss.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Zee news
