Fat loss – Cardio or Weight Training – Which is Superior

There is a big debate in fitness circles as to which method is better when it comes to losing fat in your body. Is huffing and puffing on the treadmill better compared to grunting and groaning lifting heavy weights to lose fat? Some say running, jogging, skipping, swimming or just simple walking is the best way to lose fat and stay slim. Others say lifting heavy weights and pumping iron is the superior way to remain tones and fat free. Which method is actually better? Let us study the pros and cons of both systems of exercises.

Cardio vascular exercises burn up calories in your body by stressing the cardio vascular functions to increase in capacity thereby burning more calories. This is similar to how a car buns up fuel. The longer and faster you go, the more fuel you burn. Cardio exercises increase your BMR levels and thereby increase your fat burning capacity. Cardio exercises can be done at a higher intensity level or by doing it over a longer period of time. Both high intensity short-term cardio sessions and low intensity long term sessions offer fat loss advantages. Short-term high intensity cardio exercises are better if you want to have a muscular and tones body. Long-term low intensity exercises tend to make you lose muscle along with the fat you burn. This is amply reflected in the difference between the bodies of marathon runners and sprinters.

The advantages of weight training are that you not only burn fat but also convert them into muscle. Weight training promotes and increases in BMR levels and also sustains higher BMR levels over a longer period of time. Simply put, a weight training session in the morning helps you top continuously burn fat the whole day. Also a body that is toned by doing weight training exercises will keep the fat off longer as the muscle generated takes a longer time to degenerate back to fat. There are advantages and disadvantages to both forms of exercises but a correct combination of both is the correct way to achieve and sustain a fit, toned, fat free and healthy body.