If you’re an overweight person who’s trying to lose weight and get in shape, you may be wondering what the best exercise routine is for you. While any form of exercise is better than none, combining weight lifting and walking can be a highly effective strategy for achieving your fitness goals. In particular, walking after weight lifting can be especially beneficial for overweight individuals. In this article, we’ll explore why.
Burn More Calories by Walking
One of the primary benefits of walking after weight lifting is that it can help you burn more calories. Weight lifting is a type of resistance training that can help you build muscle and boost your metabolism. When you lift weights, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibers, which your body then repairs and strengthens during recovery. This process requires energy, which means that weight lifting can help you burn calories even after your workout is over.
However, weight lifting alone may not be enough to help you burn the number of calories you need to lose weight. That’s where walking comes in. Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that can help you burn additional calories without putting too much strain on your joints. In fact, walking for just 30 minutes can burn up to 200 calories, depending on your weight and pace. By adding a walk to your weight lifting routine, you can create a calorie deficit that can help you lose weight more quickly and effectively.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Another reason why walking after weight lifting is important for overweight individuals is that it can help improve cardiovascular health. Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk for a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Regular exercise can help reduce this risk by improving your cardiovascular health.
Both weight lifting and walking can help improve cardiovascular health in different ways. Weight lifting can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, while walking can help improve circulation and increase endurance. By combining both forms of exercise, you can create a well-rounded workout routine that benefits your heart and overall health.
Speed Up Recovery by Walking
Finally, walking after weight lifting can help speed up muscle recovery. When you lift weights, you create microscopic tears in your muscle fibers, which can cause soreness and stiffness. This is a normal part of the muscle-building process. But it can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re new to weight lifting or have taken a break from exercise.
Walking can help improve circulation to your muscles, which can help reduce inflammation and soreness. Additionally, walking can help stretch your muscles and joints, which can also help reduce stiffness and soreness. By taking a short walk after your weight lifting workout, you can help your muscles recover more quickly and reduce your risk of injury.
In conclusion, walking after weight lifting can be an effective strategy for overweight individuals who are trying to lose weight, improve their cardiovascular health, and speed up muscle recovery. By combining these two forms of exercise, you can create a well-rounded workout routine that benefits your overall health and helps you achieve your fitness goals. However, if you’re new to exercise or have any health concerns, it’s always best to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.