Is resistance training important for weight loss?

With weight loss may be your primary goal, many make the mistake of focusing on cardio and not paying enough attention to resistance training. At the gym I often see girls glued to the treadmills and avoid the weights section like a plague for the feel of being "bulky". Well, I'm here to tell you that you do not have to fear this common misconception. resistance training is incredibly important to effective weight loss and should be a part of every workout routine.

The benefits of resistance training

Adding strength training not only helps you shed extra pounds, but it also helps maintain weight loss. One study showed that women who weight trained three times a week increased the number of calories the burning over the course of a normal day. These are in addition to those calories burned during exercise, so you are burning more calories around the clock. In short, resistance training simply translates to more calories burned. Unlike cardio workout, when you strength train, your body burns calories and continues to burn calories after your workout is done. In fact, because it takes more calories to make and keep lean muscles, adding strength training can boost your body's metabolism by up to fifteen percent!Resistance training will also make you fitter and stronger overall. Did you know that there are two types of resistance training? The first type is called isometric resistance and this is when your muscles are contracting against a stationary object. These are usually body weight exercises like pushups. The other type of strength training is called isotonic strength training. This is when you contract your muscles through a specific range of motion. This type of resistance training is typically done through weight lifting.One extra benefit of resistance training that most people are not aware of is that it can increase your overall energy level and boost your mood. Exercise, in general, will elevate your level of endorphins, making you feel really good. This makes working out a great antidepressant as well as a great way to improve your quality of sleep.

How to get started with resistance training

If you already have a gym membership, start using the weights more after than solely focusing on cardio. Starting weight lifting can seem intimidating at first. If you are unfamiliar with the equipment or how to properly use it, be sure to talk to your gym staff. In most gyms, they will happily give you a tour of the weight lifting equipment and show you how to use it. Do not use this equipment if you are not familiar with it because improper use leads to injury. Don't think that the only way you can do strength training is at a gym. resistance training is great because it can be don't at home and with zero equipment. Pushups, lunges, squats, planks are all great examples of workouts that can be done anywhere and at any time. There are also at-home workout programs like Jen's Bikini Body Workout that require zero equipment and complete workout plans specializing in resistance training. If you have any health issues be sure to talk to your doctor before starting new traing programs. You can also contact your gym for a personal trainer and will guide you one-on-one through resistance traingin programs custom taylored to your fitness needs.