Weight training, or resistance training, is sometimes over looked and out shadowed by its counterpart– cardiovascular training. It is important to have a healthy balance of the two when exercising. Weight training has many short term as well as long term health benefits that can support your healthy lifestyle. This article will outline some of the benefits of resistance training and why you should incorporate it into your workout routine. 

Many people pose the question: what’s the best or fastest way to lose weight? You may think the only way to loose body fat is to spend hours on the treadmill or stationary bike, but cardiovascular exercise is only half of the equation. To maximize fat loss, you should couple your cardio training with some sort of resistance training. Resistance training can range from free weights to simple resistance bands. It should be understood that losing body fat should be done at a healthy rate– usually one to two pounds a week.

Many think that resistance training is only for building muscle and cardio exercise is only for losing weight, but in fact by building muscle you aid your cardio training and burn more fat. Studies have shown that people with more muscle content burn more calories during exercise as well as at rest than those with less muscle mass content. So even after you’ve left the gym your resistance training is still aiding in your fat loss journey. By increasing your lean muscle content, you will decrease your body fat percent.

Weight training has many benefits and is not only reserved for bodybuilders and guys. Ladies, don’t be disillusioned into thinking if you lift weights you will become too muscular. To reap the benefits of resistance training but not bulk up, your workout should consist of a low to moderate amount of weight and high repetitions. It is important to keep your rep range between 10 to 15 reps per exercise. By doing this you will increase your lean muscle mass and become more toned. Weight training can also battle osteoporosis, which is a loss of bone content and occurs as you age– especially in women. By making resistance training a habit and a part of your workout, you can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.

Be sure to gradually introduce weight training into your workout and use proper lifting techniques. The benefits of weight training are endless and should be a part of every exercise routine–so next time you’re in the gym don’t pass by the dumbbells, instead jump in on the action and reap the benefits of resistance training. See you next week with more health tips.