Learn the benefits and how to get started.
In excess, it can increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
But what if the most effective exercise was one you hadnt even considered?
Photo:gradyreese / Getty Images
One tried-and-true exercise method that has been praised for years by experts often goes overlooked.
Below, we reveal whylifting weights is the No.
1 surprising exercise for reducing visceral fat.
Lifting weights is a form of resistance orstrength training.
It improves muscular fitness by working specific muscles or groups of muscles.
The body consists of muscle and fat massboth of which are essential.
This could be due to the fact that theres an afterburn effect that occurs with lifting weights.
The more metabolically active tissue you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest.
Spano explains that as you gain muscle, your bodys overall calorie expenditure increases.
Additionally, gaining muscle helps support healthy hormone production, which in turn can reduce visceral fat.
Goodson explains, Muscle helps improve hormonal balance, reducing cortisol levels that can contribute to abdominal fat accumulation.
Spano recommends that beginners begin weight lifting by booking a session with a personal trainer or strength coach.
Working with a professional can also help teach you how to use equipment and prevent injury.
Goodson suggests that beginners start with full-body strength training exercises like squats, dead lifts, lunges and pushups.
She recommends first focusing on nailing down the correct form, as it can help prevent injury.
The Bottom Line
Lifting weights is the No.
1 surprising exercise for reducing visceral fat, according to experts.
Gaining muscle can increase your metabolic rate and regulate hormones, which also contributes to reducing visceral fat.
Once youve mastered the basics, you could gradually increase the weight and frequency of your weight-lifting sessions.
American College of Sports Medicine.Resistance Training for Health and Fitness.
2021;22 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):e13256.
2021;22(9):e13275.
Silva FM, Duarte-Mendes P, Teixeira AM, Soares CM, Ferreira JP.
2024;14(1).
