Can I Just Do Cardio To Lose Weight?
I have some bad news for you:
You can’t just do cardio to lose weight. Yes, cardio does help you burn calories…
…but ultimately, it’s not going to help you lose weight. In fact, it may make you “skinny” fat. You have heard that term before, am I right?
Skinny fat means that you lose more lean muscle mass and weight—and less body fat—leaving you with a higher body fat percentage. It’t like the body some only dream of, except you have a ton of excess flab hanging on.
And this isn’t good—especially if you’re looking to get lean and toned up.
Don’t get me wrong…cardio does have a place in your exercise program, since it does strengthen your cardiovascular system.
But when it comes to losing weight—it’s not the only thing you should be doing.
The truth is:
A well-rounded approach to losing weight includes both cardio AND strength training. Cardio does help you burn calories, however, the calorie burn stops the moment you stop walking or running.
However, a strength training program may help. Strength training leads to more lean muscle mass, which can stimulate your metabolism. An increased metabolism at that.
The faster your metabolism, the more weight and body fat you’re going to lose. And this should help when you hop on the treadmill or stationary bike to get your cardio in.
Interval training, also called HIIT training (high intensity interval training) may also be a key to losing weight.
One benefit of HIIT training:
It helps you expend more calories 24 to 48 hours POST workout. This means you have a full day where your calorie expenditure may be higher, which could result in more weight loss.
And…
HIIT training also spares your muscle mass, so the calories that are burned usually come from your body fat. So… that’s usually a good sign.
A well-rounded exercise program, one that includes both cardio and strength training, is the best form of exercise to boost your weight loss.
Although cardio alone is a great way to burn excess calories, it may not be the best exercise if you’re looking to lose weight.
Keep this in mind the next time you’re at the gym and you’re planning out your workout.
Coach Aaron
P.S.: Whenever you're ready... here are 4 ways I can help you:
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Aaron Hines, Owner M.S. Exercise Physiology ACSM-CPT, NASM-FNS, TRX, TPI-Level 1 & F2, CSAC, Pn1