There Is a Way to Burn Calories Doing NOTHING!

(I got your attention, didn’t I?)

Weight training is a great form of exercise for a variety of reasons. It increases your strength, tightens your muscles and gives your body a more toned appearance.

Here’s a secret that many people do not realize with regard to weight training:  intense workouts such as those often performed with weights can definitely help to increase your metabolic rate (the rate at which your body burns calories). Not only do they help you to burn calories, they also create what is known as an “after-burn effect.” This can continue for as long as 24 hours after a fitness program and it enables your body to burn calories and fat while at rest. Isn’t that wonderful!?

Training with weights that are heavier than what you typically utilize will help to expend more energy and lead to after-burn. Why? Because muscles need time to repair and the body needs energy to make repairs to the muscle tissues. Sometimes I hesitate giving this information as I know many individuals will interpret this as me suggesting you use heavy weights. ABSOLUTELY NOT! This does NOT mean you should lift weights that are far too heavy for you, but you SHOULD lift weights that push you just slightly out of your comfort zone.

Be mindful about the amount of protein you’re consuming as you begin to train with weights. Protein is CRITICAL to muscle building. You do burn almost twice as many calories while digesting foods that are high in protein than food that is high in fat.

Also keep in mind that these benefits will NOT come with just one weight session. Once you make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle and combine it with the appropriate amount of exercise your body will eventually follow!