| 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. |
