[pius]

Lifting is very useful because it actually increases your basal metabolism for many, many hours after your workout (as opposed to most aerobic exercises, whose metabolism boosting effects peter out in about an hour). In the long term, that benefit only compounds due to the increased muscle mass you gain.

If keeping your body in an enhanced calorie burning state even while you're sedentary isn't an exercise hack, I don't know what is. ;)

[wumi]

In the post about strength & training, I was going to discuss this very point.

My point is still that lifting by itself is not a complete work out.

I lift regularly, for a number of benefits, including the one you mentioned. But to the idea of getting in physical shape, lifting weights (with a good program) is still secondary to cardiovascular activity.

Besides, the real hack is taking the time spent discussing here and on other boards, and exercising! ;)

[scott_s]

If you're doing Crossfit style sessions, then it certainly is "enough" to get in shape. There's more to strength training than typical body-building workouts.

[pius]

To be fair, Crossfit's a lot more than "strength training."

[scott_s]

Say "strength training and conditioning" and that's exactly what it is.

[vlad]

It is very important to be in good cardiovascular shape. Weight lifting puts stress on the heart and the cardiovascular system as whole. That's why doctors advise cardiovascular exercises to the population (such as walking or jogging)--one will eventually be in better shape, as well as improve their cardiovascular system at the same time.

Of course, having a lot more muscle due to weightlifting will also help one burn more calories, but in order to keep up with the body's progression, and challenge the body with more and more weights as it becomes ready, one needs to have a solid cardiovascular system (for safety.) Also, running would be the best type of cardio (for 30 minutes at a time) as it helps build bone mass in legs, knees, and maybe the back, which also will help prevent injury.

[speek]

Not only that, but cardio work tends to make your body metabolize muscles... not exactly the best thing in the world, but if it works for cardio-people... good for them.

[kingkongrevenge]

A survey of long time joggers found they had 22% body fat composition. That is horrible. A lot of "joggers" who may look thin are actually in pretty poor condition.

[eru]

Sources?