Weight Lifting & Fat Loss?
Is lifting weights really that important? Important for fat loss or important in general? Let's discuss this topic.
I got asked a question on one of my YouTube videos yesterday:
“Would you say lifting weights is really important?”
The video it was asked on was a fat loss related video. (Watch it here)
So my assumption would be that the question was whether weight lifting is important for fat loss.
And the simply answer is no, it is not.
But hear me out here!
What is important for fat loss?
Your overall calorie consumption.
Meaning, your food choices.
Your nutrition.
And the consistency thereof.
Your nutrition is the pilot to your fat loss airplane.
Now, let’s have a look at cardio & weight lifting.
Cardio
Strengthens your heart.
Reduces risk of heart disease.
Increases aerobic capacity.
Boosts energy levels.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Improves sleep quality.
Increases lung capacity.
Better overall fitness.
Promotes longevity.
Oh yes, and it burns a few calories extra.
Weight lifting
Enhanced strength.
Improved endurance.
Enhanced bone health.
Improved joint health.
Muscle growth.
Injury prevention.
Improved daily activity performance.
Stress reduction.
Promotes longevity.
Improves quality of life, especially as you age.
Oh, and it burns calories, and increased muscle can slightly boost your metabolism.
The above benefits from cardio and weight lifting are not even all the different benefits. Cardio and weight lifting carry a few different benefits, and both are important to add to your plan.
Important for health and life benefits.
And not necessarily fat loss benefits.
So, in conclusion here it its:
For fat loss - Focus on your nutrition.
For cardio health - Add cardio to your plan.
For strength and bone / joint health as you age - Add weight training to your plan.
For your general, overall, health and well-being add more nutritious foods to your plan, add some cardio and lift a weight or two.
Exercise, whether it be cardio or weights, is about so much more than fat loss. It is about your health, your longevity, your strength, your heart health and everything else that is not fat loss.
Much Love
Mandy