Is weight training for fat loss/burning?

[KLTheErudite7229]

I'm trying to lose some body fat therefore I enrolled in weight training class, also to gain some muscle. My teacher said weight training isn't for fat loss but I did quite intense workout that I lost 5 pounds just in few days. Any opinions or advise?

thanks

Updates

+1 y

We all do cardio for 10 minutes before workout.

[Anon-ee-mous]

It's most often more for strength. That's not to say that you can't use a type of weight training (lower weight but higher reps) for a type of anaerobic workout, but I wouldn't consider weight training to be the same thing as anaerobic workouts anyway, just to keep terminology straight and useful.

You might have lost weight, but it could've been water weight that will come back easily. If you're trying to shed actual body fat, you might find it more efficient to just focus on cutting before you turn your attention to putting on some muscle.

Cardio or intense, fast paced anaerobic workouts would be your way to go.

[Curmudgeon]

Building muscle mass *does* help consume calories that much faster, even when you are resting, so it is a good idea.

[throwit]

Cardio will give you the best results for fat loss. You have to get your heart racing and blood pumping and lungs working in order to lose fat. If you are new to weight lifting you might be winded and it may be cardio enough for you, but the weight loss isn't long term. Eventually lifting won't be enough for you to burn fat.

[ToxicValentine]

Noooo nono if you want to lose weight DON'T do weight training!! You can do it after weightloss to tone up :)

[KLTheErudite7229]

Well the teacher said it is indirectly fat loss but I'm in swimming class too, that sure doesn't hurt right?

[chrisbigman]

Weight training is usually considered building muscle. If you want to lose/burn fat, then I suggest cardio. But it sounds like you already knew that.