All of us are just trying to figure out how we can lose weight fast and which path is the shortest way there.
Some experts say cardio while the others are more inclined towards weight training, so which is best for fat loss? Is it cardio or weights?
This is one of the most common question that beginners face when they first start with their fat loss journey.
My answer to this would be to follow a good nutrition plan along with a workout split which consists of both cardio and weight training sessions. The answer seems a bit diplomatic but it has to be a combination of the two to yield the optimal results from your workouts and for the overall wellbeing of the body.
Why Weight training:
- Lifting heavy weights is one of the best ways to lose fat and build muscle — if done properly. You should include more of compound movements — squats, deadlifts, rows, bench and overhead presses, which involve multiple muscle groups at the same time in your workouts.
- Weight training can help you get stronger, tone your muscles, improve your appearance, increase your metabolism to burn calories more efficiently all day long.
- Weight training improves your overall body strength by providing enough stress to different muscle groups so that they adapt and grow stronger.
- We are all familiar with Testosterone, it is one of your fat-burning hormones. When you lift heavy weight, your body triggers the release of testosterone, thus helping you burn fat efficiently and pack on muscle mass.
Why Cardio:
- Cardio or cardiovascular exercise is any movement that gets your heart rate up and increases blood circulation, it could be running, cycling, elliptical etc.
- Cardio strengthens your heart and lungs by providing stress on your breathing and circulation. It increases your stamina and endurance and also helps in burning some extra calories, which is an added bonus.
- Moderate intensity cardio warms up your muscles for strength training. You can also cool down with cardio, which helps stretch out muscles after strength training.
- Focus on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), keep your nutrition on point as per your goals, and you won’t have to worry about losing your hard earned muscles, while you burn those extra calories.
Conclusion:
From the above discussions, it may seem that you could get a good physique by concentrating your energies on weight training, which is possible but cardio has its own advantages and importance.
Along with your physical appearance, the health of your internal organs is equally important and that is where cardio comes into picture. Remember that the ultimate goal isn’t to look fit, it’s to be fit!
With all being said, both cardio and weights won’t work until you follow a good nutrition plan which forms 70% of your results. Any amount of cardio or weight training cannot outdo a bad diet!