When people think of weight training, they think of athletes trying to put on bulk and strength. What people don't understand is that weight training programs lead to weight loss. Weight training speeds up your metabolism, which causes your body to burn calories at a faster rate. Weight training builds lean muscle, which causes your body to burn more calories at rest.
History
Weight training began in ancient times, and can be found in ancient writing. Wrestlers in Ancient Greece used training methods such as carrying animals for training purposes. Many forms of training tools began to be developed in the early 19th century, such as stones, barbells and dumbbells. In the 1960s, more machine-based weight training equipment started to develop, which led to more fitness gyms opening for business.
Misconceptions
People think that if you weight lift, you will get a bulky, muscular look, but this is false. Building muscle is a difficult task, and is determined by an individuals genetics. According to The Athletic Advisor website, both men and women, may or may not become add bulk when lifting heavy weights. Conversely, light weights and more repetitions may not prevent bulking up. These both are determined by genetics, not the lifting routine.
Benefits
Weight training programs for weight loss can help benefit anyone. Weight training increases strength, which will prevent joint and muscle injuries. When you weight train, your body will build lean muscle. When your body builds lean muscle, your resting metabolic rate increases, and that speeds up your metabolism throughout the day. Your body will use body fat as a source of energy. You'll maintain joint flexibility, increase bone density and better manage your weight, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Anaerobic vs Aerobic
Weight training programs are anaerobic, which is defined as without oxygen. Anaerobic training increases your metabolism more than aerobic training. With the anaerobic method, you will burn more calories in a given day, benefiting your weight-loss goals. Too much aerobic training can lead to muscle loss, strength decrease and power decrease.
Warning
Weight training is an effective tool for lean muscle gain and fat loss. Just make sure you do not over-train. Weight training too much can have a negative effect on your weight-loss goals. Your workouts do not have to be long. The Mayo Clinic recommends resting 48 hours between exercising each muscle group. According to Edward Laskowski,a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mayo Clinic, two or three 20- or 30-minute sessions a week are enough to show results.
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