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Q:

How important is it to incorporate strength training into my workout routine when aiming to reduce body fat?

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to lose some body fat and I've mainly been focusing on cardio exercises like running and cycling. However, I've been reading a lot about the benefits of strength training and I'm wondering how important it is to incorporate it into my workout routine if my main goal is to reduce body fat.

I'm a 32-year-old female, and I have about 25 pounds of excess weight that I want to lose. I've been doing cardio exercises for the past 2 months and I've seen some results, but I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to reach my goal.

I'm not very familiar with strength training, and I'm a bit intimidated by the idea of lifting weights. But if it's really necessary for me to do so in order to reduce my body fat, then I'm willing to give it a try.

So, what do you all think? How important is strength training when it comes to losing body fat? And if it is important, what are some beginner-friendly exercises that I can start with?

Thanks in advance for your help!

All Replies

enid.mcdermott

Hello! I also used to believe that cardio was the key to losing weight and reducing body fat. However, I realized that strength training is just as important in achieving these goals.

When I started incorporating strength training, I noticed that not only was I losing body fat, but I was also able to build muscle which gave me a more toned body appearance. I also noticed that my overall strength improved, and I was able to do more challenging exercises that I never thought I could do before.

As far as beginner exercises go, I recommend starting with dumbbell exercises that target the major muscle groups such as chest, back, legs, and shoulders. Incorporating exercises such as dumbbell bench press, dumbbell rows, squats, and shoulder press can be a great start for beginners.

Don't be afraid to start light and gradually increase the weights as you build strength. Also, be sure to fuel your body with proper nutrition to provide your muscles with what they need to recover and grow.

Overall, incorporating strength training into your exercise routine can yield great results, so don't be afraid to give it a try!

ulindgren

Hey, I've been in a similar situation as you are. I used to focus solely on cardio exercises, but I didn't see much progress in terms of reducing body fat. It wasn't until I incorporated strength training into my routine that I started seeing significant results.

Strength training helps in building muscle which is important to boost metabolism and burn more calories even when at rest. In my personal experience, I found that I was able to burn fat more efficiently and lose weight more effectively when I combined cardio and strength training exercises.

For beginners, bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges are a great way to start. They can be done at home without any equipment, and gradually increasing the difficulty level will help build strength and challenge your muscles.

I would recommend seeking guidance from a trainer to ensure proper form and technique to avoid injuries. Don't be intimidated by strength training; once you incorporate it into your routine, you'll start seeing the benefits!

fay54

Hi, I used to be in your shoes when I started my fitness journey. I used to think that doing cardio was enough to lose weight and reduce body fat, but I found out that incorporating strength training is essential to see significant changes in my body.

Strength training helps in building lean muscle mass, which increases metabolism and helps to burn calories even when you’re not exercising. I also found that strength training helps to tone the body and gives a more defined look. Furthermore, it helps to prevent injuries and improves balance and overall strength.

If you are a beginner, don't be intimidated by strength training. I recommend starting with bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. These exercises don't require any equipment, and you can do them at home. Once you feel comfortable, you can start lifting weights, and I recommend starting with lower weights and gradually increasing the weight as you progress.

In terms of diet, I found that eating a balanced diet with enough protein is essential for building muscles. Therefore, you should aim at consuming lean proteins such as chicken, fish, turkey, and eggs with your meals. I also recommend staying hydrated and eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.

Overall, adding strength training to your workout routine can make a big difference in achieving your fitness goals; don't give up, stay motivated, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

bvonrueden

Hello, I was in a similar boat as you before starting strength training. I relied solely on cardio to reduce body fat and lose weight, but it wasn’t until I started incorporating strength training that I began seeing the results I was looking for.

Strength training helps to build lean muscle mass, which in turn helps to burn more calories throughout the day. With more muscle, even when you are sedentary, you burn more calories compared to someone with less muscle mass. I also found that strength training helped me with my posture and improved my overall body composition.

As for beginner exercises, bodyweight exercises are an excellent starting point. Squats, push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, and planks are all examples of bodyweight exercises that are effective in building strength. Once you get comfortable with bodyweight exercises, adding weights like dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells or resistance bands can also be an excellent way to increase the intensity of your workout.

To get the most out of your exercise routine, it's important to fuel your body with a balanced diet with an emphasis on protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery, and I found that incorporating lean proteins such as chicken, fish, turkey, and beans into my diet was crucial. Additionally, ample rest and sufficient hydration are equally necessary factors that contribute to your overall fitness.

In conclusion, strength training is just as important in losing body fat and achieving fitness goals as cardio, if not more. With time and dedication, strength training becomes a fun and enjoyable way to progress in your fitness journey.

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