Do I Need to Lift Weights to Lose Fat?

Do I Need to Lift Weights to Lose Fat?

Lifting weights is not the only way to lose fat. Everyone's body is different, which means how you grow, lose weight, and recover might be different from everyone else. I'm Siriji Lamenzo, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and owner here at Temescal Fitness & Movement, providers of the best personal training in Oakland. In this blog post, I will go over how lifting weights can help you lose fat, as well as other forms of exercise that may be beneficial to you. Keep reading to learn more, and be sure to contact me to answer any questions you may have and to set up your next personal training session today.

person picking up heavy dumbbell

Can Lifting Weights Help You Lose Fat?

The answer is yes, lifting weights can help you lose fat while also providing other numerous health benefits. For instance, lifting weights has been shown to strengthen bones, increase lean body mass, target body fat, help define muscles, and much more. There are countless reasons why you may turn to weight lifting as your preferred form of exercise, but if you're looking to lose weight, then you may want to heavily consider weight training.

As a certified personal trainer, I would highly recommend adding some form of weight training to your regimen. While weight training can be highly beneficial, I understand that you may not want to focus on weight training. If weight training isn't something you'd like to pursue, there are other exercises and training regimens we can employ to help you lose weight along your fitness journey.

women lifting kettlebells

Who Should Lift Weights?

Anyone looking for a way to lose weight. Weight training is a great way to burn fat and get stronger, so if you're interested in becoming more fit and healthier, then I highly recommend you try weight training. However, there are those who may not physically be able to lift weights. Whether that's from a physical ailment or a chronic condition, some people cannot lift weights safely on their own or with a certified personal trainer by their side.

If you're not sure whether or not you can lift weights, make sure you talk to your doctor to see if you're physically able to complete weight training exercises. If you can lift weights and would prefer other methods of exercise, there are other ways you can lose fat with minimal or no weight training at all.

women working out together

High Intensity Interval Training

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a method of exercise that involves high rates of intense exercise, usually cardiovascular or bodyweight training, for a short period of time followed by short periods of low to moderate intensities and rest. HIIT is a more intense form of cardio and can burn more fat than traditional cardio training methods. Most HIIT training involves fast movements using bodyweight, however, there are a few instances when light weight training may be involved.

group of people doing yoga

Yoga & Mobility Training

Yoga is a great way to relieve stress, and mobility training can help with injury prevention. Yoga and mobility training exercises are low impact, so it can be done without any weight training. Both of these forms of exercise are also a great way to burn calories and lose fat. There are many different types of yoga, allowing you to choose your preferred style, and mobility training will be adapted to fit your specific needs.

To answer the question, yes, lifting weights will help you lose weight and gain strength. However, it is not the method of exercise you can use to lose fat and achieve your health and wellness goals. Contact me to answer any questions you may have about weight training and other methods of exercise, and be sure to sign up for your personal training in Oakland today.