If you want to lose weight, you could make your life far easier simply by opting for aerobic exercises over weight training. In a study by researchers at Duke University, it was noted that there was a dramatic change in the impact of aerobic or resistance training on the body and fat mass in overweight people. While resistance training is not a bad form of exercise as it promotes a leaner body mass, aerobic training is more effective at helping you to lose weight.
The results of the study showed that those in the aerobic training and combination groups, which combined aerobic and resistance training, lost more weight than those who performed resistance training only – in fact, those in the resistance training group actually gained weight due to the lean body mass built over the period. Those in the cardio group did lose weight but they also noted a loss in lean body mass as well. Aerobic exercises have been proven to help lower weight whilst maintaining the level of lean body mass at the same time, making it a more effective form of physical activity.
If you’re short of time during the week but still want to get fit and lose weight, aerobic training could be the way forward. With just a few hours a week, you could improve your energy levels, shift the pounds and build your fitness. If you have the time to dedicate to it though, you should include some resistance training where possible, as this can help to build stronger muscles and improve muscle tone. If you’re new to exercise, start by doing just a short session once or twice a week and build from there to improve your fitness gradually. If you aim to do too much, too soon, you run the risk of injuring yourself and damaging the joints or muscles.
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