Weight training and aerobics combo best for weight loss?

According to a recent study, combining aerobics with a resistance training is the best bet for overweight and obese teenagers to reduce weight. Ron Sigal, co-researcher from University of Calgary in Canada said, ‘Adolescents are advised to exercise regularly, but there is limited evidence on what type of physical activity works best to lose fat. As a result, the researchers have conducted a study in 304 overweight teenagers in the age group of 14 – 18 years to find out the best type of exercise for weight loss.

All were given the same four weeks of diet counselling to promote healthy eating and weight loss before being randomly placed into four groups. The first group performed resistance training involving weight machines and some free weights. The second performed only aerobic exercise on treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bikes. The third underwent combined aerobic and resistance training while the last group did no exercise. 

Among the youth who completed at least 70 percent of the study’s exercise sessions, the percentage of body fat decreased ‘significantly more in those who did combined aerobic and resistance exercise than in those who only did aerobic exercise,’ co-principal researcher Glen Kenny from University of Ottawa noted. ’Waist circumference decreased close to seven centimetres in those randomized to combined aerobic plus resistance exercise, versus about four centimetres in those randomized to do just one type of exercise, with no change in those randomized to diet alone,’ Kenny noted. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics.

Top 8 reasons to start exercising today

Do you exercise regularly or live an inactive life? We live in a culture where a sedentary lifestyle has increasingly gained popularity, predisposing us to many health complications. This said, what is good about physical inactivity is that it is a modifiable risk factor of various chronic diseases and conditions. Several studies have proved that exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your physical as well as mental performance in addition to providing various health benefits. Here are top 8 health benefits of regular exercising –

Good for heart

Boosts your libido

Exercise improves blood flow to your genitals and hence, ensures that you last longer in bed. Studies have shown that increased physical activity in men above 40 years of age is directly related to better sexual activity and long-term effects on erectile function. Read about exercises that will make you a better lover!

Lowers blood sugar levels

Diabetics are recommended to exercise (aerobic or stretching) for 30 minutes for 5 days a week in order to reduce their risk of various health complications associated with diabetes. Regular physical activity increases insulin sensitivity, regulates blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of diabetes. (Read about more reasons to start exercising)

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty Images

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• 6 ways exercise helps your heart stay healthy


• Can aerobics help you lose weight?


• Compound exercises that help you lose weight and build a killer body

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Weight training and aerobics combo best for weight loss?