Strength training will tap into your fat stores long after…

OK, my fellow-followers…if you have not read the link I posted, “Step Away From the Treadmill,”  let me some it up for you…

Strength training workouts give you TWO, possibly THREE big advantages over endurance exercise (what we all like to call our “cardio”).  These advantages are:

1.       The afterburn is far greater after a high intensity strength training routine.  Sorry ladies, I am not talking about doing bicep curls with 3 lb dumbbells.  Oh no,   even better…doing the inner/outer thigh machines while reading a magazine will definitely NOT cut it, lol.  You know I love you:)

2.      A higher percentage of fat calories are used for energy after the workout.  Sweet, while I am in the shower after I lift…I am still burning calories, I will take that!

3.     An increase in resting metabolic rate to give you extra calories burned in a day.  Add this up over a week and look what happens in a month my friends!

Having said all that, I know exactly who you are…who will come to me and ask, “But Jess, if I just do more cardio, wont that equal the benefits/calories of a strength training routine?” I will answer, “Sure, go waste away and do 2/3 hours of cardio a day on the treadmill or stepmill.  Fun stuff, huh!”  Here is my thinking behind NOT killing yourself doing long, low intensity, monotonous cardio…

When you perform and complete a strength training workout (a Jessica-approved strength training workout:)), you WILL burn more calories, you WILL get a greater after burn than you would doing an hour on the treadmill, you WILL train your body in ways that force your body to adapt to the stimulus of an intense strength training routine, and you WILL use a greater percentage of fat calories when you do go for those long runs, swims, or cardio sessions on the other days!

Conclusion for the day: Strength training will tap into your fat stores long after the workout is over!

Now who doesn’t want that!

J`