EXERCISE: Can Lifting Weights Turbocharge Your Weight Loss?

- September 24, 2023

EXERCISE: Can Lifting Weights Turbocharge Your Weight Loss?

First things first, let's debunk a myth:

Weight lifting isn't just for bodybuilders or those looking to bulk up.

It's a fantastic tool for weight loss too!

When you engage in resistance training like weight lifting, your muscles experience tiny tears,

which may sound daunting, but it's actually a good thing.

Your body expends energy to repair and rebuild these muscle fibers, and guess what?

That process continues long after your workout is done.

It's like having your own internal calorie-burning furnace!

Now, let's crunch some numbers.

On average, an hour of weight lifting can burn around 200-400 calories, depending on factors like your body weight, the intensity of your workout, and the specific exercises you're doing.

But here's the real kicker – your body continues to burn calories for hours and even days afterward as it repairs and strengthens your muscles.

This process, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), can elevate your metabolic rate by up to 10% for 72 hours post-workout.

Talk about a metabolic boost!

Let's put some real faces to this theory.

Take my cousin M, for example.

She incorporated weight lifting into her fitness routine and saw a noticeable change in her resting metabolic rate within a few weeks.

Her journey isn't just anecdotal; it's science-backed.

Numerous studies have shown that regular resistance training can significantly increase your resting metabolic rate, making it easier to create the calorie deficit necessary for weight loss.

But here's the icing on the cake:

Weight lifting not only burns calories but also helps preserve and build lean muscle mass.

Why is this important? Well, muscle is more metabolically active than fat, meaning it burns more calories even at rest.

So, by building muscle through weight lifting, you're setting up a sustainable calorie-burning machine in your body.

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds fantastic, but where do I start?"

Don't fret! Begin with a well-structured weight lifting routine that includes compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

Gradually increase the weight and intensity as you progress. Aim for at least 2-3 sessions per week.

In conclusion, if you're looking to supercharge your weight loss efforts, incorporating weight lifting into your exercise routine is a smart move.

It's not just about shedding pounds during your workout – it's about reaping the calorie-burning benefits long after you've hit the gym.

So, grab those dumbbells, work those muscles, and watch your metabolism soar!

And here are my recommendations to turbocharge your calorie burning machine: