If you have an interest in fitness, chances are you've encountered resistance training at the gym, your workout class, or in at-home workout videos. Resistance training can be a great way to help tone and strengthen your muscles, but does it also make you gain weight? Let's get into the impact that full body workout strength training, such as resistance exercises, have on your weight.

What is Resistance Training?

Resistance training is a form of exercise that uses weights, resistance bands, or other forms of external resistance to increase your muscular strength and endurance. The heavier the weight used in resistance training, the more muscle mass will be built over time.

The Impact of Resistance Training on Body Weight

Muscle is denser than fat, so if you’re regularly engaging in resistance training, you may gain weight, even if you’re losing fat. This is because muscle weighs more than fat and as muscle mass increases, your body will become heavier overall. Here’s what resistance training does for your body:

• Increased Muscle Mass: Resistance training primarily increases muscle mass. As muscles are denser and heavier than fat, you might notice an increase in your body weight.
• Improved Metabolism: High-intensity workouts like resistance training boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even after your workout ends.

Does Gaining Weight Mean Gaining Fat?

While resistance training may lead to weight gain due to increased muscle mass, it does not necessarily mean gaining fat. In fact, resistance training reduces body fat percentage. So while you may see an increase in the scale, you're likely to notice a decrease in fat and increase in muscle definition.

Tips for Effective Resistance and Full Body Workout Strength Training

To help you get the most out of your resistance training, here are some useful tips:

• Maintain Proper Form: While resistance training can be intense, maintaining proper form is crucial to target the right muscle groups and prevent injuries.
• Choose Your Reps Wisely: Depending on your fitness goal, choose an appropriate number of reps. For strength and power, stick to 6-8 reps. For general fitness, aim for 10-12 reps. For endurance, target 15-20 reps.
• Pick Appropriate Weights: Choose weights that challenge you but still allow you to complete your reps with correct form.
• Include Essential Stretches: Don't skip your warm-up and cool-down. Incorporating essential stretches before and after your workout helps prevent injuries and improve flexibility.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water before, during, and after workouts helps to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the session.

So, does resistance training make you gain weight? The answer is yes and no. Full body workout strength training, such as resistance training, can lead to weight gain. However, this weight gain is in the form of lean muscle mass, not fat.

Remember that the number on the scale isn't the only indicator of your health and fitness. Resistance training can lead to a more toned physique, improved metabolism, and better overall health. Are you ready to give it a try?

Workout Classes in Atlanta

If you're looking for workout classes in Atlanta and want to up your fitness game, we invite you to join our workout classes at Stellar Bodies. Classes are just under an hour and incorporate Pilates based exercises on our state-of-the-art Starformer machine—all designed to give you the results you’re looking for. Check out our intro offer here. Stay Strong and Stay Stellar!