More Cardio Doesn't Equal Fat Loss

Have you noticed how most health clubs and gyms have become mega loaded with cardio equipment? I've seen clubs that are jam packed with treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, treadclimbers, rowers, and so on and so on. There'll be an area with a huge bank of TV's up front for people to tune into their favorite station, an area called a cardio "theater" where movies are played all day long, and another small corner in back with yet more cardio machines. "Why is this?" you may ask. Because 90% of everyone who goes to a health club or gym has bought into the myth that you have to do more cardio to lose fat. Yes, I said myth and here are the reasons.

1) "Fat Burning Zone" Doesn't Exist-It is true that the body burns a greater percentage of fat at lower intensities than it does at higher intensities. However, low intensity cardio burns very few calories when compared to high intensity cardio. Real world example: Sprinters carry less body fat than Marathon runners

2) Increased Efficiency-Long, slow cardio workouts are great for increasing the body's ability to burn oxygen and fat. This is good for cardiovascular fitness but not so good for fat loss. As you become more fit you'll burn less fat just like a fuel efficient car burns less gas. So you'll have to workout longer and longer to burn the same number of calories as when you started.

3) Adaptation-The body will actually change itself to handle the work being done. In other words, if you perform the same workout at the same intensity over and over, then the body will adapt, the workout becomes easy and loses its effectiveness. You must have variety.

The question now becomes "What is the best program for fat loss?". An effective fat loss program includes both strength training and the "right" cardio. The next few posts will talk about the best way to use these tools to maximize fat loss.