A recent study published in the Obesity journal not only supports the role of resistance training in weight loss, but also suggests that a diet and aerobics alone may result in lost muscle and a decreased metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Alabama studied three groups of overweight women, each on a different exercise regime: aerobic, resistance, and no exercise training. All women followed a calorie-restricted diet, and all subjects lost weight, but the differences in body composition following the weight loss was astounding:
- The aerobic group lost less fat than the resistance group
- Both aerobic and no-exercise groups decreased their metabolism and their muscle mass
- The resistance group conserved muscle and metabolism
Thanks to Josh at Fitfilter for linking to this. I agree with his conclusion: strength training is vitally important if you’re trying to maintain your muscle and metabolism while losing weight. Moreover, strength is just as important for women as it is for men. So don’t be afraid to get hard, ladies. Scared? Then check stumptuous.com for a little inspiration.
Resistance Training Conserves Fat-free Mass and Resting Energy Expenditure Following Weight Loss
That’s good to know. I’ve been doing mostly resistance training but haven’t noticed any real weight loss (in terms of numbers, though my shape has changed). I was starting to get a little discouraged, and was thinking about doing more CV (switching to primarily CV, in fact). Seems fairly clear I’m on the right lines though, and if this isn’t working as I’d hoped, it might be that my diet needs some work!
amen amen AMEN!!
This confirms what I kinda thought. I really dislike weight training, but at least it’s good to know I’m doing it for a reason!
Dave and Crabby – yes, keep it up! I’m no scientist but from personal experience this seems to be true. A couple years back after hurting my ankle, I stopped running and starting lifting weights. Shock of a lifetime: I actually lost weight, even though I know I was burning less calories during my weight workout than my running. The weight loss must have been fat loss because I’m pretty sure I was getting stronger just based on the weight I was lifting. Really amazing. Right now the only resistance training I’m doing is swimming (does that count?) but I really want to start doing more (alas, we all know how much I hate the gym!). Why is it so hard to get a good resistance workout at home? I’m guessing my problem has more to do with motivation than lack of equipment, but I’ll save that rant for another time. =)
So true! It all comes down to balance, balance between weight, aerobics, and nutrition. Fitness really does involve it all.
your right a diet and aerobics alone may result in lost muscle and a decreased metabolism.
Good work
Thanks for sharing