Cardio or Weight Training for Weight Loss

Many people ask that whether cardio is effective for losing weight or weight training. In general, people will practice cardiovascular activities and forget about weight bearing exercises when it comes to burning fat. And there are still many trainers who will say that aerobic exercises burn off fat and weightlifting is only used to build muscle bulk. This statement is not entirely correct because the more muscle mass one acquires through weight-bearing exercises, the more he will burn fat calories, even at rest.

Cardiovascular activity combined with weight training will result in much more effective fat loss.

1.      Cardiovascular exercises will raise muscle metabolism during the activity and for a short time after the exercise session. Weight training, on the other hand, will raise your muscle metabolism during the exercise session and for a long time after the exercise session.

2.      Performing adequate weight training exercises should limit your repetitions. Such resistance on muscles will make their tissue leaner and stronger. The muscle development will take place during the rest period following the resistance training. Therefore, sufficient rest periods are essential.

3.      Focusing only on cardio and skipping strength training could actually make it harder for you to lose weight. In fact, you may even gain weight – especially if your cardio workouts exceed 45 minutes. If you do cardio too long, your body consumes muscle for energy.

Tip:

If you have 60 minutes of gym time, here’s what I’d recommend for losing weight:

·         25 minutes of cardio

·         30 minutes of weight training

·         5 minutes of post-workout stretching