Tip 23: Add Strength Training to Your Workout

We all know that cardio exercises such as running or biking burn calories and help us lose weight.  Want to add some variety to your routine while increasing your calorie burning potential?  Add strength training to your workout.  Strength training is any form of resistance training designed to improve your strength.  Your workout could include weight machines, a toning class, rubber bands, or free weights—even pumping soup cans will work.  No matter which type of workout you choose, strength training can help you get fitter faster and lose weight.  Strength training increases lean muscle mass, which in turn increases basal metabolic rate (the rate at which we burn calories at rest).  The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest and, amazingly, the easier it is to lose fat.  Strength training also gives us better posture, muscle definition, and makes us stronger.  Strength training has also been demonstrated to increase bone density while building muscle.  These exercises are beneficial to men and women at any age.

How much should you do?  That depends on your ability and your goals.  A good rule is to plan to perform a strength training workout at least 2 to 3 times per week, with your usual cardio exercises after your strength training or on the days in between.