Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding

Does Bodybuilding Lose Weight? Myth or Truth?

Nowadays, it is notorious for the growth of the population interested in the practice of physical activities and exercises. 

With this, the search for gyms grows alarmingly. However, when you start the process of joining a gym, you may feel “lost”. After all,   dietarious there are countless exercises that promise to tone and dry you out. 

You have probably already had contact with the famous aerobic exercises, which are always indicated for weight loss. But have you ever stopped to wonder whether weight training is as effective as these exercises?

Bodybuilding workouts are usually indicated for those who want to gain muscle mass. In general, the workouts strengthen, enhance, and increase muscle tone. In addition to defining and shaping the body.

In short, to find out if weight training is really slimming, we first need to understand some concepts, such as what it is and how it works. This way, it is possible to better understand and find out whether or not this type of exercise can help in the weight loss process. That said, check it out below.

What is bodybuilding and how does it work?

Basically, weight training is a type of physical training, also known as strength training. Its objective is to increase muscle tone, strength, and to increase the physical power of the practitioner through the use of external weights. The modality also demands high-intensity exercises, several repetitions, and can be customized into short, medium, and long workouts.

In practice, bodybuilding exercises cause some neuromuscular alterations. In other words, they cause small micro-injuries in the muscles, and, during the rest period, a recovery process occurs, known as “overcompensation.

Subsequent to recovery, the muscle fibers are rebuilt and, in a way, “programmed” by our body to be stronger. Thus, by adding up several of these episodes – in the long term – what is called hypertrophy occurs. This in turn increases muscle tone.

But after all, does bodybuilding lose weight?

In general, all physical activities – if practiced regularly and with the help of a good diet – provide calorie burning and, consequently, weight loss. In this category, we can also include weight training.

We can say that weight training is slimming because the exercises performed with weights stimulate the gain of lean mass and the substitution of fat by muscles. Initially, it is quite possible that a significant weight loss will not be observed on the scale. However, with an adequate workout for the new practitioner’s profile, it is possible to observe the reduction of measures and good aesthetic gains to his/her physical shape.

It is important to point out that the results to be obtained do not depend exclusively on the type, intensity, and load of the workout. In other words, other factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness, diet, heredity, and flexibility can influence the results in a positive or negative way. For a comprehensive approach to achieving your fitness and weight loss goals, you may also want to consider dietary supplements. You can explore PhenQ Reviews to see how this product can complement your fitness and nutrition plan side by side.

Yes, weight training loses weight! Now, learn about other benefits

Besides burning calories, countless other benefits of weight training can be observed, both for general health and physical appearance. Thus, the execution of well-guided activities results in:

  • Increased metabolism;
  • Prevention of osteoporosis (stimulating the production of bone mass);
  • Prevention of diabetes;
  • Improved posture
  • Improved respiratory conditioning;
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Increased flexibility
  • Increased caloric expenditure;
  • Combat emotional problems;
  • Muscle definition – helping to model the body;
  • Helping to prevent injuries, back pain, arthritis, and arthrosis;
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem;
  • Promoting physical and mental well-being.

As observed, the practice of weight training slims and promotes several health benefits. Thus, transforming the body and mind. Next, understand how it is possible to increase fat burning through weight training.

How is it possible to burn the most calories with weight training?

As previously mentioned, physical activities such as weight training result in caloric expenditure. 

Therefore, when we practice these activities, energy expenditure is divided into two phases. The first one is when we are still practicing and the second one is when we are recovering from the workout.

In the case of bodybuilding, the caloric expenditure during training is as considerable as the energy expenditure to recover the body after exercise. Thus, there is a significant increase in the metabolism and consequently helps in the weight loss process.

Know 3 weight-training exercises to lose weight

We can say that the best bodybuilding exercise to lose weight is the one that demands the most from your body and metabolism. Do you know those exercises that make you move from head to toe? So, these are exactly the ones that will help you lose weight.

A good tip to boost your workout is the use of dumbbells. These in turn, help in the process of weight loss with weight training. 

For this, you can set up sets using dumbbells and a combination of strength and resistance training. Thus, using them during exercises to lose weight will guarantee a greater caloric expenditure and the development of muscle tone. Below, learn about the 3 best exercises to lose weight with weight training.

Squat

The squat is an exercise designed for the lower limbs. However, by using loads (bars and washers), you can work your entire body. By doing so, many muscles are required to perform the exercise, which causes the body to increase the release of anabolic hormones, thus speeding up the metabolism.

Supine

The bench press is considered one of the most complete exercises to define and tone the pectoral muscles, because it is an exercise that moves many muscles in this area. Normally, appropriate volumes and loads are used, which generate hypertrophy of the triceps and deltoid muscles. Therefore, it tones the entire shoulder, triceps, and chest area, and in this way, provides satisfactory and balanced muscle growth.

Unilateral rowing with dumbbells

Considered as one of the classic bodybuilding exercises, unilateral barbell rowing promotes a greater concentration of effort in the muscle to be worked and allows the compensation of eventual imbalances. 

Besides this, it is one of the most efficient hypertrophic workouts indicated to tone the back muscles, also allowing several variations that can be linked to the amplitude of the movements and loads. This, in turn, enhances fat burning and, consequently, weight loss.

Besides the aforementioned, the several squat variations, pulldown exercises, land lifting, and others, are also super-efficient in burning calories and toning muscles.

Demystifying bodybuilding in the quest for weight loss

In the past, bodybuilding was stigmatized as a workout intended only for those who wanted maximum muscle gain through toning. 

Therefore, it was not even remotely offered to women, young people, the elderly, or people with special needs.

However, with the advancement of science and various studies, it was observed that strength training offered numerous benefits for all sectors of the population, no exceptions!

Even if you know that weight training is a way to lose weight, you may not give up aerobic exercises, and that’s okay. 

The fact is, no specific type of workout cancels out the other. Therefore, both provide distinct benefits and each allows adaptations that favor weight loss and muscle toning. In addition, they can be combined to enhance the desired results.