How To Use Strength Training To Lose Weight Effectively

Why It’s Better Than Just Cardio

While cardio does burn calories and fat, a high rep strength training regime has high EPOC or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, which describes how long your metabolism is elevated after exercise. Research shows a well-planned strength program can elevate EPOC or metabolism for up to thirty-eight hours after a workout, and the body will continue to burn calories long after strength training. In comparison, once you’ve completed a cardio workout, the calories stop being burned. Strength training builds lean muscle that burns calories at a higher rate, even while you are at rest.

Technically speaking, an individual might burn fewer calories during a one hour strength training routine than running for an hour, but the lean muscle built during that workout creates an elevated burn that lasts between twenty-four to forty-eight hours after you’ve completed the workout. This means an individual who solely uses cardio to lose weight will need to consume fewer calories just to maintain their current weight leading to yo-yo dieting, whereas an individual will struggle a lot less with strength training, as the body will need those extra calories due to the extra energy expelled.