by Kathleen Parker

Happy mid-week!

I just finished reading an article on strength training and weight loss. Why are they so linked?

We all know that restricting your calorie intake drastically will lead to weight loss, but it will also lead to a great slow-down of your metabolism.

Unfortunately, many dietitians and nutritionists do not link the benefits of resistance training to weight loss. “If you have a calorie deficit, you are going to lose weight; if you consume extra calories, you will gain body fat” — While that is true, it is only PART of the picture. Sure you need a calorie deficit to lose weight, but how does your body actually use calories? It is your LEAN BODY MASS–your muscle mass–that burns calories 24/7, allowing you to eat more calories without gaining weight–therefore NOT slowing down your METABOLISM. Strength training will greatly increase the speed of your weight loss effort–in fact, it will DOUBLE the effectiveness of any weight loss program you are on!

Of course, you need to combine that with a good cardiovascular component at the same time–high intensity cardio is best.
Remember, it is the LEAN BODY MASS that is burning calories day in and day out, even when you are doing NOTHING. If you REDUCE that muscle mass by allowing it to go away (by not challenging your muscles), then your metabolism is going to slow. Many people end up at a place where they have lost the body fat and they are lighter on the scale, but it is suddenly so much easier to PUT ON THE BODY FAT. They don’t have the muscle mass they once did, they are not automatically burning calories, and if they overeat just a little bit, they will start packing on the body fat again.

Enjoy the abundance that we have in the way of healthy foods and enjoy life without having to restrict yummy things!!

Get your strength/cardio on!
Keep Moving and Keep the MUSCLE!!

Source:

Mike  Adams, NaturalNews.com

Leave a Comment