Weight training women don't lose weight

Apr 16 2004

Weight training offers many benefits, but by itself, it won’t burn enough calories to promote much weight loss, says the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source.

Circuit weight training, a program that involves several pieces of weight-lifting equipment in sequence, improves strength and muscle endurance and helps reduce the risk of orthopedic injury or low-back pain. But, most circuit weight-training programs don’t stimulate the cardiovascular system enough to be considered aerobic. An aerobic exercise raises your heart rate to a specific level for at least 20 minutes at a time.

To lose weight, most women need to complement weight training with aerobic and calorie-burning activities such as walking, swimming, jogging or bicycle riding.

Here are highlights from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource attribution is required. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.