Hi everyone, I've just been reading up on the internet about general exercise and what type would be best to support fat loss.
I'd always thought that the best way to burn fat was to do lots of cardio exercise, but I found an article that talked about how muscles burn considerably more calories even when you're not using them, pound for pound, than fat cells do. Not only this, the more muscle you have, the more energy can be stored in them as glycogen and therefore it isn't stored as fat. So it's a win-win right, and we should all just lift weights to help lose weight maintain lower fat levels.
But, the internet being what it is, is this info right do you think?
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Abe333
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I am definitely no expert Abe and I hope that someone who knows more than me, will happen along. However, my way of thinking, for what it's worth, is that we should do both cardio and strength exercise, for maximum benefit and muscle does continue to burn calories, even at rest
I am no expert, but my understanding is that you need to do both. When you are in a calorie deficit your body tries to use muscle as fuel as it is easier to convert than fat. So you need to do some resistance training to keep your muscle mass, which then burns the fat. Someone on here will have the science knowledge!
I am so not an expert in exercise, in knowing the science behind or doing it, but as I understand it, doing both cardio and strength/resistance increases fat burning. I always thought cardio was for healthy heart and circulation, and weights for healthy muscles. The important thing, I believe, is when doing strength/resistance is to rest the target muscle area the next day in order for the "rips or tears" to heal, thereby increasing muscle mass. This healing apparently is what increases metabolism when we are at rest. However, I am just a lay person (who lays a lot!!), there are a good few people on here who are more knowledgeable in the exercise department.
Fitnessblender.com ....click on healthy living, then fitness , then scroll through till you find "Strength Training for Fat Loss" ..... hope this helps.
I think Hidden answered your question, and I just want to add a bit of personal experience. I started running last year in March and by December I had lost the 14 kg that I had been struggling with since my children were born 13 and 10 years ago. Not without changing my diet, but it came off quicker than before (and I was not a stranger to dieting 😉).
It is not because I think running/cardio is the better choice. Not at all. It’s just that for me, and many in here, I’m sure, the problem is not the kind of exercise we do, but that we don’t consistently do it!
Running has become a passion for me. I’m totally addicted to it now. And that is the main reason why I have been able to, almost, maintain my weight for a year now.
My recommendation is therefore quite simple: Find something you 💕 love. The best form of exercise is the one you will continue to do, and the only exercise you will ever regret is the one you didn’t do.
Wonderfully said Pippi. I certainly regret all the runs I didn't do and none of the runs I did! I would also add that having gained muscle through running and cycling didn't stop me regaining some weight! It's all about setting up consistent habits... and sticking to them
Carbs are the body's preferred fuel source and are usually used up for shorter duration exercise. When doing longer duration exercise like runs, your body starts to use your fat stores for energy. research has shown that cardio and weights exercise together along with eating a healthy diet will give you the best results. also keep in mind that weights exercise (weight bearing - this can include running/ walking or simply body weight exercises e.g. push ups) can help your bone density and help protect against osteoporosis.
Someone mentions eating the foods that make you feel fuller for longer (low GI foods) rather than those that spike your sugar levels and put pressure on your insulin levels (high GI foods), which is true when it comes to types of food fuel for your body.
In the long and short of it, dont get too tied up on things, if you can mix up both types of exercise it is best with a good diet, then you'll get the best out of your program. Make it a lifestyle change, and as someone else said, find the exercise or physical activity that you enjoy and do that, whatever it is. Or even just incorporating some extra physical activity into your day, (mine is getting all my squats in as I squat to get my washing out of the basket and hang up one at a time on the line...with the twins and the hubby there's lots of washing in our house )
Thanks for your message, it's been a while since I've visited the forum but in my absence I have been lifting weights and I've really got into it. Squats are a particular favourite of mine now too
I think you're spot on when you say and Pippiruns say find something you enjoy and do that. Weights is working for me
Thanks for the interesting reply Concerned, I've gone ahead and focused on weight training anyway, but also making incremental improvements to my diet. I think it's having a really good effect actually. Maybe I'm just using up the existing glycogen stores in my muscles, so then I've got somewhere other than bodyfat to put spare glucose, but I'm sure it's having an impact in the mirror. I've not lost much weight yet though, but it has just been Christmas! i'm happy with the 1.2kgs I've dropped, and I actually enjoy lifting the weights now
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