Strength Training and Weight Loss

Strength Training and Weight Loss
by Chyna Dolores

the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. Truth of the matter is, those kind of results only
happen when you specifically train for them.

5 good reasons to add a weight training program to your exercise program:

It strengthens weakened joints, making them more stable and less injury-prone

It not only works the muscles - it also strengthens bones

Results are fast - regardless of age & sex. Your strength can increase by up to
72% in the first 4 weeks

It not only improves the overall tone of your body, it will also improve your
posture - which will help in making you look slimmer

It helps to burn kJ faster. Lean muscle tissue is 17-25 times more active than
fat. This means you will burn more kJ even at rest! By adding 1-2kg of muscle
to your body - you'll burn an extra 290-418kJ a day

When you first start a weight program, don't be disheartened if you gain a couple of
kilos. It is often said that Lean Muscle Tissue weighs more than fat. Do not listen to
this hype. 1kg of fat weighs the same as 1kg of muscle – muscle tissue is more toned
and compact than fat so you will start to look much slimmer.

If the scales are not moving, don't despair. Weighing yourself is not your only means
of tracking you progress. Several other ways exist to help keep track of your
progress and find out if your gain is muscle or fat.

Measure yourself. Get out a tape measure and measure various parts of your
body - common areas to include are hips, waist, thighs [mid and top],
bust/chest, arms, calves & stomach. You won't need to measure yourself every
week - once every 4 weeks is usually best, as you won't see much of a
difference on a week-to-week basis.

Use an article of clothing to help measure your progress. That pair of jeans or
skirt that is a little tight is perfect.

If you know absolutely nothing about weights and their proper use it is best to visit
your local gym and see the staff there. They will show you exactly what to do and
even draw up a program for you if you wish. If you are at school, visit your PE
department and ask one of your teachers to help you out. Most high schools have
their own weights area for student use. They can show you what you need to do,
how to do it and help you keep track of your progress.

If seeing someone or exercising with someone is intimidating for you (or you don't
have the money for the gym) you could try an 'at home' video or DVD. You will need
to buy some free weights (dumbbells or barbells) check out the program before you
buy any equipment. A couple of things to remember if you go this option:

Watch the video before you actually start participating. This way you can see
what you will be doing and the equipment needed to participate.

Make sure the instructors give a "beginners option". This means there should be
someone in the group using no weights - follow them until you are comfortable
and confident with the program to add weights. In addition, there should be a
section at the beginning of the video (or DVD menu) the focus on showing you
the proper form and technique of the lifts required.

When you first start using the weights, if at anytime, the weights become too
heavy for you, STOP. Change to a smaller weight or revert to the beginners'
option. The old saying "No pain, no gain" is completely outdated - you can do
more damage then good. Listen to your body, it'll tell you if it isn't coping.

Another point to keep in mind - the video/DVD should have a cardio/warm-up
section at the start - this is important because you shouldn't start a weights
session with cold muscles. A warm-up should last between 5-15mins and include
gentle aerobic activity. Some programs alternate between cardio and weights
workouts but it is important that the starting warm-up gets the heart beating. If
you don't feel that it is good enough or you want to make sure you warming up
properly - go for a walk [15mins minimum] before you start the session.

On that same note, make sure that the video/DVD has a "cool down" at the end
of the session. This can include a number of things, most usually include mini
Pilates/Yoga like sessions at the end to stretch out the muscle groups.

Aim for good technique when every time. Don't try to keep up with the
instructors. If you need to take a break or slow a section down then do it. You
want to get healthy not injured!

Weights not your thing? Going on holiday?

Try using resistance bands. These bands are usually used by people in rehab or older
people who can't lift weights. They give the same kind of workout as actual weights
but they tend to be a little easier on you.

The added bonus with resistance bands is that if you go away for a holiday or for the
weekend to visit family, etc they are easy to pack into your bag so you don't have to
miss out on your workouts. They also weigh less and don't take up much space in the
suitcase. Add in a daily walk or swim and you've got your cardio covered as well, so
there's no need to 'slack off' while abroad.

About The Author

Chyna Dolores is an author on which is a site for Writers.
You can view her personal work at .

So you've started out on your
weight loss journey.
Congratulations on making the
first steps. By now, you will have
looked at your nutritional needs
and added some sort of cardio
such as walking, swimming or a
fitness class to become more
active. It's time now to make
that daunting step into weight
(or resistance) training.

There is a common fear among
some people, especially women,
that if they were to start weight
training they will start to look like

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.