Strength Training > Cardio (For Weight Loss)

Within my own workout routine I like to practice different types of exercise and switch up my workout program every few months to a year. It gives me a chance to be more well-rounded as a San Diego fitness trainer; let’s me see how these different exercise formats affect the body; and it helps keep exercising fun and exciting. So for the past six months I have been practicing yoga and running. My intention was to start training for a half marathon in June. However, plans changed and I got the opportunity to work with a personal trainer who specializes in getting women ready to compete in bikini physique competitions. So I am currently training three times a week with him for 10 weeks to get ready for this competition.

What I realized….that during those months of just running and practicing yoga I had a significant decrease in muscle mass and strength. I lost 3 lbs of muscle, and now struggle to lift half of what I was capable of before. In addition, as I work to put on muscle mass, I have to eat a significant amount of calories every day. I have now been working with him for 4 weeks, and have managed to put on 5 lbs.

So why do I bring this up? During my time period of running 3 times a week and doing yoga three times a week, compared to strength training 3 times a week and running once a week my caloric consumption is vastly different. I am consuming far more calories with strength training three times a week and am struggling to put on weight, however before I didn’t eat nearly the same and stayed the same weight.

So what am I getting at? Strength training is an essential component to anyone’s weight loss program. If you have just been running, and doing a few push-ups and sit-ups here and there you are not going to achieve the weight loss success you are looking for. Muscles demand a lot of calories to build and grow. By incorporating strength training into your program you are automatically increasing your metabolism fat burning furnace, not only for the rest of that day but the following day as well. I was utterly surprised with all the calories that I have been consuming that I have not gained fat, it’s all muscle.

In conclusion, strength training is a vital part of weight loss success. It burns more calories overall then cardio can do alone. Now, I am not saying to not do any cardio, because there are many health benefits from doing cardio exercise regularly. What I am saying is do not neglect making strength training a part of your routine.

If you are seeking an effective workout program that combines cardio and strength training, with nutritional advice, look into getting my weight loss program. It has proven success for many others, and can help you understand how to incorporate both cardio and strength training into a sound workout program.