In fact, you’ve got the option to lose weight just by lifting weights no cardio necessary.
(Yes, really.
Just peep theseweight lifting body transformations.)
Photo: fotoliza/Shutterstock.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldneverdo cardio.
The reasons for this are pretty simple.
First, strength training changes your body composition.
The more calories your body burns on its own, the easier it is to lose weight.
In other words, if you want to lose weight, building muscle is a good thing.
(Here’s all the science onbuilding muscle and burning fat.)
That means-yep-more calories burned.
Plus, there’sthe “afterburn” effectthat comes along with higher-intensity resistance training.
Remember that saying: “abs are made in the kitchen?”
Well, it’s true.
(Only about 23 percent of Americans are meeting those requirements, though.)
That’s because getting your heart rate up is still crucial for keeping your heart healthy.
(Here’s a primer onhow to use heart rate zones to train for max exercise benefits.)
Because you’re working several muscles at once, your heart rate is going to climb.
“I would recommend cardio only on your off days,” says Michaels.
“Move from one exercise to the next in swift succession to keep your heart rate up.
I personally add a HIIT interval into every circuit as well to get the extra intensity.”
It’s also a good idea to choose your weights strategically.
Want to give this kind of workout a try?
Check out thiskettlebell cardio workout.
