Exercise is an essential part of any weight loss program, as it allows you to burn more than you consume. While cardio workouts remain popular for their calorie-burning abilities, strength training also helps contribute to weight loss. Here's what you should know if you're wondering why weightlifting is so beneficial.

4 Ways Weightlifting Benefits a Weight Loss Program

1. Increases Metabolism

Weight training improves the body’s ability to burn calories by building muscle and increasing metabolism. Muscles burn calories at a highly efficient rate, even up to 72 hours after a workout. Adding these exercises to your weight loss program also preserves muscle mass, which prevents muscle loss from cardiovascular workouts alone. This keeps your metabolism efficient, allowing you to continue burning calories and shedding pounds. 

2. Contributes to a Leaner Physique

Because muscle weighs more than fat, the changes on the scale might not be what you expect. However, you'll see the difference in your measurements because the muscle that replaces fat is denser and takes up less space. Increasing muscle definition while shedding fat creates a slimmer, more toned appearance. 

3. Eliminates Belly Fat

As you preserve existing muscle and build more lean muscle mass, your body starts to burn fat more efficiently—especially around the midsection, where the body prefers to store fat. Building muscle in this area through strength training gets rid of fat faster than cardio alone. 

4. Reduces the Risk of Injury

Strong, flexible muscles are less susceptible to injury because they make heavy lifting and labor-intensive activities easier. Strength training also helps shorten your recovery time, allowing you to continue with your weight loss program and see results sooner. You’ll feel better physically during and after workouts, which keeps you motivated for future sessions. 

For a customized weight loss program, reach out to Nebraska Weight Management Institute. With locations in Lincoln and Omaha, this compassionate team of experts works closely with clients to help them reach their health and wellness goals. Call the Lincoln location at (402) 483-4770 or the Omaha location at (402) 399-9386 to schedule a consultation, and visit the website for more information about their program's benefits.