Building muscle is crucial in improving overall body composition. If you’re looking to lose weight, resistance training is just as important as improving your diet. Here’s why:
Muscle burns fat
Yes, you heard that right! Muscle burns calories, which burns fat. Not only are you burning calories during resistance training, but 24-48 hours after your workout too. After training, your body is using excess oxygen to repair strained muscle tissue — and as a result, burns even more calories. The more muscles you have, the more calories you burn.
People who live more sedentary lifestyles burn calories at a much slower rate than people who live active lifestyles. In general, incorporating movement throughout your day will support your body in its efforts to burn fat. So, get lifting!
Boosts metabolism
Many people struggle with losing weight and keeping it off. Resistance training can actually help sustain weight loss over time by boosting your metabolism. The size and amount of muscle you have actually helps determine your resting metabolic rate (RMR). Your RMR is simply the rate at which your body burns calories while at rest. The more muscle you have, the greater your RMR will be.
There are three factors that influence your daily energy expenditure: RMR, food, and activity. RMR accounts for 60-70% of your daily expenditure. Therefore, boosting your metabolism is key to losing weight and keeping it off.
Improves mobility and strength
As you train your muscles, you may start to experience ease in mobility. As you build muscle, daily activities will require less effort and your coordination and balance may improve. You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with weight loss?” Well, with more ease, you will be motivated to move your body more — and with physical activity, you burn calories.
Tasks that once felt like chores seem less intimidating and more manageable. With greater muscle mass, your body will be capable of so much more.
At Your Lean Life, we believe fitness and nutrition are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and weight loss. We offer nutritional coaching in 1-on-1 and group settings, as well as personal training programs. Change your life today with Your Lean Life!
