The statement highlights the differences between cardio exercises and resistance training when it comes to burning calories. Cardio activities like running or cycling help burn calories during the exercise, making your heart rate go up and improving cardiovascular health. On the other hand, resistance training, such as weightlifting, not only helps in building muscle but also increases the body's calorie-burning potential even when you're resting.
Beyond its surface meaning, this quote underscores an important aspect of fitness and wellness: the long-term benefits of resistance training. While cardio exercises are great for immediate calorie burning, they do not contribute significantly to your metabolism after exercise ends. Resistance training, however, increases muscle mass, which in turn boosts basal metabolic rate (BMR), the number of calories burned just by being alive and resting. This means that even when you're sleeping or simply going about your day, your body is working harder to maintain its new muscular state, leading to increased calorie burn throughout the day.
Harley Pasternak, the author of this insightful statement, is a renowned fitness expert with a background in both science and entertainment. He has worked extensively with celebrities and regular individuals alike, focusing on holistic approaches to health that combine nutrition, exercise, and mental wellness. His expertise lies in making complex nutritional and physical training concepts accessible to everyone, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes.