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Fit Street

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August 6, 2024

You're doing fat loss all wrong

Many people want to get healthier and lose fat but aren't sure how to do it. There are many options like F45, Orange Theory, and traditional cardio workouts. But lifting weights is the best way to lose body fat. Let's explore why lifting weights works so well and why other workouts might not be as effective.


Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss

First, it's important to know the difference between losing weight and losing fat. Many people in the USA want to lose fat, not just weight. Losing weight can mean losing muscle, water, or even bone, which doesn't make you healthier. Losing fat while keeping or building muscle helps you look toned and fit.


Why Lifting Weights Works

Lifting weights, or resistance training, is great for losing fat for several reasons:

  1. Builds Muscle: Lifting weights helps you build muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat, even when you're not moving. This means you'll burn more calories all day long.
  2. Afterburn Effect: After lifting weights, your body keeps burning calories for hours. This doesn't happen as much with other types of exercise like steady cardio.
  3. Boosts Hormones: Lifting weights helps your body produce hormones that build muscle and burn fat. This makes it easier for your body to get rid of fat and stay strong.
  4. Long-Term Benefits: Lifting weights makes you stronger and better at everyday activities. It also keeps your workouts interesting so you don't get bored and quit.


Problems with Popular Fitness Classes

Popular classes like F45 and Orange Theory are fun but have some issues:

  1. Not Enough Muscle Building: These classes focus more on cardio and HIIT, which are good for your heart but don't build as much muscle as lifting weights.
  2. Short-Term Calorie Burn: These classes make you sweat and burn calories, but only during the workout. Lifting weights keeps burning calories long after you're done.
  3. Overtraining Risk: High-intensity classes can make you tired and stressed if you do them too much, which can slow down your fat loss and even cause your body to store more fat.
  4. One-Size-Fits-All: Group classes don't always fit everyone's needs. They might not help you progress as well as a personalized lifting program.

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