Resistance training is just as beneficial for losing weight as cardio exercises, academics have said.
A study conducted by the Edith Cowan University in Australia has cast doubt on the idea that cardio is a necessity when it comes to weight loss after it found that weight training and healthy eating is just as beneficial.
According to the scientists, weight training has a massive impact on weight loss, muscle mass and fat mass.
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First author Pedro Lopez said: “Usually when we talk about obesity, body composition or weight loss, we only hear about aerobic exercise.
“This paper shows we can use resistance training and achieve meaningful effects with a diet based on caloric reduction. We can reduce body fat percentage, whole-body fat mass, body weight and BMI.”
He added: “If you’re comparing the literature, these effects are similar to aerobic exercise with caloric restriction in adults who are overweight or obese.”
Having more weight loss options will hopefully inspire more individuals to lose weight, according to the academics.
Mr Lopez said: “This group may be uncomfortable by the prospect of 30 or 40 minutes on a treadmill or a bicycle.
“They can injure knees, joints, ligaments and more because they have to carry their whole body weight during a lot of aerobic exercises.”
He concluded: “The study also showed resistance training was effective in avoiding losing muscle mass when lowering the number of calories being consumed. If you want to lose weight, you have to reduce your calorie intake.”
The study has been published in the journal Obesity Reviews.
