The Latest on Fat-Loss
Exercising fat away is simply a question of quantity – the more calories burned during a session, the greater the fat-loss. At least that’s long been the assumption. But you know what they say about assumptions (they make an ass of you and umption).
A recent Italian study compared three different modes of exercise: endurance (cardio), circuit training with light weights and circuit training with heavy weights. It was circuit training with heavy weights that showed the greatest reductions in body weight, body fat percentage and waistline size.
For those spending countless hours on treadmills and ellipticals, this information should translate into shorter, more intense workouts. High-intensity circuit training may not be easy but it is efficient. While one muscle group recovers, another is exercised. With appropriate exercise selection and intensity, this approach allows exercisers to keep their heart rates high and their caloric expenditure high. There’s more to it, than that, however.
Unlike conventional endurance training, high-intensity circuit training also promotes caloric expenditure after an exercise session is completed. And that makes all the difference in the world.
Most high-intensity methods of resistance (weight) training promote lean muscle mass, which can positively affect an individual’s metabolism. In other words, the increased metabolic demands of creating and maintaining lean muscle mass continue after exercise. If you’re like most people the number of hours you spend in the gym are dwarfed by the number of hours you spend out of it. Any increase to your resting metabolism can have a profound impact on long-term body composition.
We know all this and that’s why Bang Fitness structures its programs the way it does. However, it’s always nice to have academic research that confirms this.
GG
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