The Advantages of Cardio and Strength Training
Losing weight can be difficult. There are plenty of sources on the internet, social media, or word-of-mouth vying for your attention. On any given day, you might hear a handful of conflicting advice on the most effective methods for weight loss. The Lap-Band® Program is a safe, effective weight-loss tool. As with all bariatric surgeries, exercise and other lifestyle changes are essential to long-term success.
Cardio Vs. Strength Training for Weight-Loss
After your Lap-Band procedure, you’ll want to begin an exercise regimen that accelerates your weight loss and promotes a healthy lifestyle. There is a lot of confusion surrounding cardio and strength training for weight loss. Depending on the source, you may hear that you should prioritize one of these exercise types over the other. But which type of exercise should you implement? New evidence suggests that utilizing both cardio and resistance training is the most effective solution for weight loss after your procedure.
Research shows that people who combine cardio and strength training see more results. In fact, doing both types of exercise is more effective than doing one type exclusively. Most guidelines, like the CDC’s recommendations for physical activity, recommend 150 minutes of training per week. But these guidelines also recommend splitting the time evenly between the two because of the distinct benefits of both. But what are these benefits, and how do they contribute to weight loss?
Cardio for Weight-Loss
Cardio plays an essential role in promoting weight loss. Because cardio is much less intensive than weights, you can sustain a cardiovascular workout for a more extended period. This increased duration increases the number of calories you can burn in a single session. Cardio also has a lower risk for injury, meaning you can keep a consistent exercise routine without needing to take time off. A more sustained practice will help you consistently burn calories and lose excess weight after a procedure like Lap-Band.
The Benefits of Strength Training
The main benefit of strength training is muscle building. Even though you burn fewer calories during a weight-training exercise, this type of exercise will help you burn more calories over time. Muscle building is advantageous for Lap-Band patients because the muscle will help raise your resting metabolic rate. With a higher average energy expenditure, you’ll see your average calories burned increase over time.
Both cardio and strength training play crucial roles when losing weight. By utilizing these two types of exercise, you’ll increase your ability to lose weight. If you’re wondering how to incorporate both into your routine, talk to your doctor. And to explore how Lap-Band can help you with your weight-loss efforts, contact us to get started.