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!

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!