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Can we safely bid sit-ups and crunches farewell
in battling belly bulge? Based on the findings of researchers
at the National Institutes of Health, sit-ups and crunches may
be as extinct as typewriters. Fortunately, a new wave of research
has shown weight training to be the new contender of stubborn
stomach fat.
The
clinical findings show that weightlifting for an hour twice
a week wrestles intra-abdominal fat (deep fat or visceral fat
– the unhealthiest fat that furls itself around organs associated
with heart disease). Over 150 participants (20s- 40s) were examined
by researchers who divided them into two sects. In group number
one, the subjects followed a two-year weight-training program.
The other group was given information to from a brochure to
create a half-hour fitness regimen.
All participants
were instructed to maintain their normal dietary habits – to
assess whether fitness without a strict diet would impact their
weight. During the two-year duration, the subjects given an
exercise brochure experienced a 21 percent jump in intra-abdominal
fat. On the contrary, the participants of the weight training
program showed only a seven percent increase in visceral fat.
Not to mention, the weight lifting group averaged a 4 percent
reduction in overall body fat.
The connection
between weightlifting and decreasing an emerging belly has been
found quite fascinating to researchers. At the same token, the
new way to slim down a bulging belly is far more satisfying
to people with an aversion to doing sit-ups and stomach crunchers.
Weight
lift weight loss tip: Lift weights bi-weekly using both free
weights and weight lifting equipment/machines. Be sure to take
a gradual approach to increasing the amount of weight. Nonetheless,
many physical trainers recommend aerobic exercise as the best
way to reduce fat around the mid-section. |
