Cardio or Weights for Weight Loss?
"I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT!"
"Should I do more cardio?"
Maybe.
"Should I do more strength training?"
Probably.
What many don't realize is that the TYPE of training has little to do with the ABILITY to lose weight.
The type of training has more to do with where the weight loss comes from.
Is it coming from muscle? Is it coming from glycogen stores? Or is it actually coming from fat stores?
In actuality, any activity can foster weight loss as long as other critical factors like nutrition, sleep and stress management are aligned.
Ideally though, we want to spare as much muscle as possible in the process.
My best advice is to use exercise strategically, and to stop using it to chase calories for weight loss.
Strength training will create strength and stability from muscle growth or maintenance.
Use it for this purpose.
Endurance or cardiovascular exercise will develop aerobic capacity and heart health.
Use it for this purpose.
Both types of training are necessary and will contribute to overall health (and possibly weight loss).
And if you're not losing weight, well, I have a strong inclination it's not the TYPE of training you're doing but a factor OUTSIDE of training.
For example, you may be training with your coach four hours per week. Remember though, there's another 164 hours in that same week
that also need your attention (that's where those OTHER factors I mentioned previously come in ... diet, sleep, stress management).
And if you can, find a qualified coach that can guide and support you (I happen to know of some good ones!) through the 164 hours outside
of training to help facilitate a complete strategy to make sh*t happen!
As always,
GIVE YOUR BODY WHAT IT NEEDS, WHEN IT NEEDS IT.
Confused on where to start?
The Functional Elements 14-day 360° gives you everything you need, over 14 power-packed days.
