I diversify my training to burn fat better: There is more to life than cardio

According to the latest scientific studies, despite popular belief, cardio is not the only option for
burning fat. Why are cardio and weight loss often associated, and what other activities should I add
to my fitness routine to aim for effective fat loss? The #ProFormTeam gives me the keys to reach my
goals.

Why is cardio often considered the best activity for burning fat?

To burn fat and lose weight, everyone thinks of doing a moderate cardio activity, such as walking,
running, cycling or swimming. These disciplines are a great way to get in shape, increase your daily
energy output and are accessible to everyone. Even if I don’t have the profile of an athlete, I can
walk more to get back into the habit of exercising and lose a few extra pounds after a while.
To burn fat with endurance activity, I do sessions of more than 30 to 40 minutes several times a
week. Why do I do this? Because in order to produce energy during moderate-intensity effort, the
body draws primarily on glycogen reserves. Fat is only used as fuel for the effort afterwards.
In order to lose weight through walking and to easily incorporate exercise back into my life, I am
trying the iFIT St. Lucia Weight Loss Walking Series with Stacie and Chris Clark.
Wait a minute, what does the science say? Are endurance sports the most effective in stimulating
fat burning? According to the latest research, the science is not so clear. To complete my training
programme, I should add some more targeted activities to my cardio sessions!

Alternative 1: I do HIIT to target abdominal fat

According to several scientific studies, doing intense interval activity, such as HIIT, for 12 to 15
weeks 3 times a week offers better results on body fat loss than endurance cardio sessions,
especially in the abdominal area. Abdominal fat is the one to target first, as it is the one most
frequently associated with cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
With HIIT, the sessions are short, and I continue to expend energy even after the effort, thanks to the
after-burn effect. I am learning this split training technique, which consists of alternating intense
effort and periods of recovery. To do this, I’m following the HIIT cardio series in Iceland promoted by
Hanna Eden, who is helping to keep me going for 4 weeks.

Alternative 2: I work out to increase my metabolism and get rid of fat

Strength training, whether using bodyweight or accessories (dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.), is my
second best way to lose fat! Strength training alone could help me lose up to 1.4% of body fat
(including visceral fat), according to a study published at the end of 2021.
In fact, by building up my muscle mass, I naturally boost my metabolism: the more muscular I am,
the more energy my body uses. I complete my training programme with the Redefine fitness series
with Kelsey Wells. My new iFIT coach has already proven to the world that a defined fitness and body
shape goal is not limited to the scale!
Now that I know how to put together my fat burning workout, I just need to balance my lifestyle
with healthy eating and good sleep.

For more tips and information around your fitness goals – Visit our other articles

Sources:

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