Why Weight Training over Cardio for Weight Loss?
It really comes down to the inherent differences that separate aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (resistance) activity. With aerobic work, you are keeping your heart rate elevated for an extended period of time, which essentially limits the intensity with which you can work. Anaerobic training on the other hand, couples periods of high intensity with lower intensity or rest intervals.
Here are the benefits of Weight Training for Weight Loss:
• Increased metabolic effect
• Increased EPOC effect (more calories burned after workout is over)
• Increase in lean body mass
• Increase in bone density
• Greater stimulus on central nervous system
• Easier to progress in levels
• Complete in interval style (less time with more results)
• Less repetitive motion
• Far less boring!
The list goes on, but it's safe to say building lean body mass alone makes resistance training the clear cut winner. Without an increase in LBM, you are just burning calories day in and day out. There has to be a long-term solution to weight loss and it is most definitely found in weight training.
If you're looking to spend less time working out and get far greater results, don't slash your cardio program completely, but instead rethink where your emphasis should be.
Long-term results don't come overnight, but they can last a lifetime!