Losing Body Fat without Losing Hours and Hours to Cardio

Who: Camilo Guiterrez and Jovi Radtke

Scene: Midtown Strength and Conditioning

            2010 3^rd Street

            Sacramento, CA 95818

            (916) 599-5877

Mood: Currently listening to Chevelle’s “Send the Pain Below”. 

The first thing you should have is a game plan. Think about why you’re focusing on body fat instead of overall fitness and strength. Contrary to popular belief, the use of the ever-popular treadmill, stair-master, and elliptical machines that have taken over every commercial gym does not have the same impact that you’re taught to believe. Sure, you’re burning calories. Sure, you’re burning fat. Sure, you’re getting sweaty and working your body. But, you could be doing so much more if you just combine your fierce cardio focus with a little bit of weight-training.

It’s proven that the human body will continue to burn more calories at a higher rate AFTER your strength training workout is complete than it does after a cardio only workout. While the cardio only workout might burn more calories during the actual workout session, your burn session stops there. With an average weight-training workout, your body will continue to work for you for at least 36 hours post-workout. This means your metabolic rate will stay increased 36 times longer than it took you to workout in the first place! Think about it like this: if you weight-train three days a week, ideally MWF, your metabolic rate resets almost at the exact point when it’s time to hit the weights again. Meaning, your body is always burning calories at an elevated rate. Meaning, your body will lose fat at a faster rate. Meaning, you only need to work hard three hours a week instead of two hours everyday on a stationary machine. Meaning, you get your hours back.

Now, don’t get me wrong, movement is movement and any movement is better than not moving at all, just be careful on what your primary focus is. If you want fat loss above anything else and have a deep love for cardio, then try combining it with a 30 minute weight-lifting session three days a week. You’ll be surprised with how quickly you see results. So much so, that I’m almost positive you’ll say goodbye to the machines and hello to the regained hours of your life.