07/02/2008
Resistance Training Increases Weight Loss
Contrary to some common misconceptions, recent studies have shown that weight training can be more effective in tackling weight loss and diabetes than endurance training.
Weight Training Increases Metabolism
What was found was that the second group of muscles, those created by doing weights training, generated continuous increases in metabolism, thus tackling body fat and a whole range of other potential health issues. Whilst it’s hardly recommended that you go on a crash diet of junk food and attempt and counteract this with an increase your weights training, it does perhaps give a clearer indication that resistance training has an integral part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Scientists at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) conducted a series of tests on mice, resulting in what some may consider a surprising conclusion. Activating a gene within the mice, which simulated the muscle mass created in lifting weights, they found that the mice were able to stomach a fast food diet without any associated weight gain. Conversely, when denied this gene, the mice ballooned in size and became ill with liver problems.
The science behind the study is based around the differing muscles that are generated and worked on in varying exercise disciplines. Essentially, whilst doing endurance or cardio vascular exercises, such as jogging, cycling or rowing the muscles used are completely different to those generated whilst doing weight or resistance training.
So if you’re serious about losing those excess pounds, maybe it’s time to stop pounding the streets and start pumping some iron.
Further Information from the BBC