Strength Training for Fat Loss

There’s nothing for you to lose except the unwanted and unhealthy fat.  If I am wrong in my advice then simply stop.  If my advice helps you then keep going. 

Here’s the thought that  shocks my potential clients:  Limit your cardio and increase your strength training.  That’s it.  Sounds simple and the truth be told, it is simple.  The very basic concept causes many people to think I’ve lost my mind. After all isn’t cardio the ultimate fat burning workout?  Nothing beats 45 minutes on the treadmill.  Right???

WRONG! The reality and cold hard truth is that strength training is the best and surest way for men and women to increase their metabolism, burn fat and sustain long term weight loss.  Cardio is important, but not nearly as important as many believe it is.

Use the following advice at your risk. Its works for me and my clients.  It has been one of the few ways folks lose fat and keep it off.  Just a little tidbit for you:  A pound of fat burns 5 calories per day.  A pound of muscle burns 50 calories per day.  Simply adding 5 pounds of beautiful, lean and toned muscle equals an additional 250 calories burned per day…. I think that is pretty impressive.

And to the women!  A lot of women are deathly afraid to touch a dumbbell, and I find myself lucky to get them to consider this outrageous idea…. They do not want to lift a 10 pound weight for fear of bulking up.  THAT WON’T HAPPEN!  For years I’ve tried to educate the public about strength training.  Take the next few weeks and focus on a good strength program. Do not fear the weights. Lift heavy and push your muscles. Your muscles should be fatigued by the last few reps of each set.  Always maintain perfect form and always have complete control over your workout.

Cardio is wonderful. Nutrition is vital. Strength training is the master of fat loss. Whether you have a few pounds or 70+ pounds to lose, strength training is your answer.  Go ahead and give it a try.  Give me a call if you need additional help and always ask your doctor if it’s okay to start a fitness or nutrition program.

Remember, it takes 10 pounds of unwanted ugly fat to burn the same 50 calories  as one  beautiful pound of muscle per day.  Imagine shredding the fat and replacing it with muscle.  You’ll have the perfect body you’ve always dreamed of— lean, toned, more defined and always burning fat.

Train Smart, Train Hard, Go Full Force

Sam Martin