Weight Lifting and Burning Calories: Can You Build Muscle and Burn Fat?

Six treadmills at a gym. A man in shorts exercises on one of them.

Are you looking to sculpt your body, build muscle, and burn fat all at the same time? It’s a common goal for many individuals striving for that fit and toned physique. However, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding the relationship between weightlifting and burning calories. In this blog post, we’re going to dive into whether you can effectively build muscle and burn fat through weight lifting. Let’s debunk the myths and uncover the truth behind this popular fitness dilemma.

The secret behind building muscle and burning fat

The secret behind successfully building muscle and burning fat lies in finding the optimal balance in your calorie intake. To achieve both goals simultaneously, you need to ensure that you are consuming enough protein to support muscle growth while also being in a calorie deficit to promote fat loss. A high-protein diet is essential in this scenario as it provides the building blocks necessary for muscle repair and growth.

In addition to protein, paying attention to your carbohydrate intake is crucial as well. Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source during weightlifting sessions, providing the fuel needed to lift those heavy weights and stimulate muscle growth.

When aiming for a steady, sustainable, and effective weight loss, it’s recommended not to go below a 500-calorie deficit per day. This range allows you to have enough food to convert into energy, ensuring that your workouts remain intense and productive while still creating a calorie deficit to promote fat loss. By staying within this calorie range, you can strike the right balance to support muscle growth and burn fat effectively.

Number of calories burned from weightlifting

When it comes to weightlifting, the number of calories burned can vary depending on various factors such as the intensity of your workout, your body weight, and the specific exercises performed. Generally, weightlifting burns fewer calories compared to cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling.

On average, a 30-minute weightlifting session can burn approximately 100-200 calories. While this may seem lower compared to cardio workouts, weightlifting offers the added benefit of building lean muscle mass, which can help increase your overall metabolism and calorie-burning potential in the long run.

It’s essential to remember that the primary goal of weightlifting is not solely focused on burning calories during the workout itself but rather on building muscle, which can have a lasting impact on your body composition and metabolic rate. 

The best way to boost the number of burned calories

To boost the number of calories burned and enhance your overall fitness level, incorporating cardio workouts alongside weightlifting is key. Cardio exercises help increase your heart rate, improve cardiovascular health, and burn additional calories to complement your weightlifting routine.

When choosing cardio activities, it’s essential to opt for exercises that you enjoy and find fun. This will not only make your workouts more enjoyable but also increase the likelihood of sticking to your fitness routine long-term. Group fitness classes can be an excellent option for combining cardio with a social and motivating atmosphere.

Group fitness classes, led by professional instructors, offer a structured and engaging workout experience. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals can provide a sense of community and encouragement, pushing you to challenge yourself and push your limits during cardio sessions. Whether it’s dance-based workouts, HIIT classes, or indoor cycling, finding a cardio activity that excites you can help elevate your calorie-burning potential and bring a new level of enjoyment to your fitness journey.

If you are looking for group workouts in South Congaree, make sure to get a 3-day free pass at HiTone Fitness so you can experience intense but exciting group classes to maximize fat loss progress.

Final thoughts

Building muscle and burning fat simultaneously through weightlifting is indeed possible with the right approach. By maintaining a specific calorie intake range that supports muscle growth while promoting fat loss, incorporating a high-protein diet, and paying attention to carbohydrate intake for energy, you can achieve your fitness goals effectively.