Weights are an essential part of your workout session

Aug 15 2008

CARDIOVASCULAR exercise, whether running or cycling, burns more calories than lifting weights.

So what is the point in lifting weights?

When many people first join Bannatyne’s they say: "I only exercise to lose weight so I only want to exercise on the cardiovascular equipment.”

Another favourite is: “Is weight training right for women? I wouldn't want to become too muscular.”

Well those of you who are unsure about weights, I’m here to convince you that it is an essential part of your exercise routine.

Cardiovascular exercise is a great way of burning fat.

But adding resistance training to your routine will allow your body to burn extra calories every day – even while you’re watching TV or sleeping.

You’ll usually burn a few hundred calories with an average cardio session – enough to see off the average dinner.

However, for every additional pound of muscle you gain, your body will burn an EXTRA 50 calories a day.

Research has shown that regular resistance training can increase your basal metabolic rate (your inbuilt energy burner) by up to 15 per cent.

That’s a potential 300 calories daily for someone using up 2000 calories a day.

But before you all start your new weights routine, take note – your weight may stay the same or you may even gain some. For muscle weighs more per square inch than fat.

While your weight might not be dropping as quickly as you would like, your clothes will become baggier and the transformation to a healthier, slimmer body will begin.

And women shouldn’t worry about ending up like Arnie.

For testosterone is a very important factor in developing muscle.

Women have very low levels of this hormone and muscle will develop differently from men.

Not only will resistance training make you look and feel better, research has shown that it can reduce health risks.

It has a positive effect on insulin resistance, blood pressure, resting metabolism, and body fat – all factors linked to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Paul has been a fitness professional for seven years and is health and fitness manager at Bannatyne’s gym in Ayr.

He is also a 1st XV player with Ayr Rugby Club where he also serves as the club’s senior conditioning coach.