| 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.
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