Weightlifting, which is also known as resistance training, has been practised for centuries as a method of building muscular strength. Research demonstrates that resistance training – whether done via body weight, resistance bands or weight machines, dumbbells or free weights – not only assists us with building strength, but also improves muscle size. In addition, resistance training can help to counteract age-related muscle loss.<\/p>\n
In recent times it\u2019s become popular among those looking to lose weight and burn fat. While exercises such as running as well as cycling are indeed effective for reducing body fat, these activities can \u2013 at the same time – decrease muscle size, leading to weaker muscles in addition to greater perceived weight loss. This is as muscle is denser than fat. However, unlike endurance exercises, evidence demonstrates resistance training not only has beneficial effects on reducing body fat, but it also increases muscle size as well as strength.<\/p>\n
Although a weight-training workout doesn\u2019t usually burn as many calories as a cardio workout, it has other significant benefits. For instance, weight training is far more effective than cardio at building muscle. In addition, muscle burns more calories at rest than some other tissues, including fat.<\/p>\n
Owing to this, it is commonly said that building muscle is the fundamental to increasing your resting metabolism. In other words, how many calories which you burn at rest. One recent study measured participants\u2019 resting metabolisms<\/a> throughout 24 weeks of resistance training. In men, resistance training led to a 9% rise in resting metabolism. The effects in women were smaller, with a rise of almost 4%.<\/p>\n While this might sound good, it\u2019s very important to think about how many calories this represents:<\/p>\n This means that weight training and building a little bit of muscle won\u2019t make your metabolism skyrocket, however it may increase it by a small amount.<\/p>\n\n