The case for resistance training as a strategy for fat loss.

Let’s take a closer look.

When we think about losing fat, the first thing that comes to mind is usually cutting calories and doing lots of cardio. While these strategies can certainly help with weight loss, they often neglect the importance of building muscle. In fact, putting on muscle can be a highly effective strategy for losing fat and achieving a leaner, more toned physique.

One of the key reasons why putting on muscle is a good strategy for fat loss is that muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue. This means that the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest. In other words, having more muscle increases your basal metabolic rate, which can help you burn more fat even when you're not exercising. This can make it easier to create the calorie deficit necessary for fat loss, without having to drastically reduce your food intake.

Building muscle through resistance training can also lead to an increase in post-exercise calorie burn. This is because resistance training creates microscopic tears in the muscle fibers, and the body has to expend energy to repair and rebuild these muscles after a workout. This process, known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), can lead to an increase in calorie burn for several hours after a workout, which can contribute to fat loss over time.

In addition to these metabolic benefits, putting on muscle can also improve the overall shape and appearance of your body. When you lose weight without building muscle, you may end up looking "skinny fat" – a term used to describe individuals who appear thin but lack muscle tone and definition. On the other hand, building muscle can help create a more sculpted and athletic physique, even at higher body fat percentages.

Finally, building muscle can also improve overall strength and functional fitness, which can enhance your ability to perform daily activities and exercise more effectively. This can lead to an increase in overall physical activity and potentially more fat burning throughout the day.

Putting on muscle is a good strategy for losing fat because it increases your metabolic rate, leads to a greater post-exercise calorie burn, improves body composition, and enhances overall physical fitness. While it's important to incorporate cardio and a healthy diet into your fat loss strategy, don’t underestimate the power of resistance training and building lean muscle mass. By incorporating strength training into your routine, you can create a more effective and sustainable approach to losing fat and achieving your fitness goals. Go get some. 👊👊