By Ty From You First Pt
Studies have found a combination of weight training and aerobic exercise not only helps shift unwanted weight, but can also prevent loss of muscle tissue, or muscle atrophy, and other preventable diseases.
Studies have found results in both men and women, particularly those aged between 20 and 40.
Observations by Dr Micheal Colgan found the average female loses 3.6kg of muscle and gains 10kg of body fat between 20-40 years of age, while men lose almost a quarter of their lean mass between 20-80 years of age.
According to US researches at McMaster University, running, cycling or other aerobic sports on their own will not prevent lean tissue loss.
Instead a combination of weight training and aerobic exercise is imperative in maintaining lean tissue while supporting increases in cardiovascular capacity.
A six-year study by Bae and Cussler in 2010 found women who maintained a high frequency and volume of resistance training impacted significantly on body composition change (fat loss) particularly in post-menopausal women.
The study found resistance training is a viable long-term method to prevent weight gain and unfavourable changes in body composition.
Despite the overwhelming evidence that lifting weights assists in losing weight, it is a reminder to us that resistance and aerobic training are feasible options for us as individuals to maintain or improve health outcomes irrespective of weight loss.
