Commonly Held Beliefs About Aerobics Exposed To Be Wrong?
The one lesson I wish I had learned years ago is that aerobics are not the only way to lose weight. Or that resistance training may be equally important when it comes to burning off fat.
Which might explain why I was having a hard time losing the weight despite hours on the treadmill. Because for some strange reason my fat loss was not what I was expecting.
All of which made me wonder why is aerobic training said to be the best for burning fat? Seems like maybe we should clear the air because you too may have assumed that aerobics is your best bet. And could benefit from finding out how resistance training might help as well.
Well from what I can tell aerobic exercises have always been associated with fat loss. The reason is not hard to see. Aerobics is relatively easy and not all that uncomfortable to do. I mean come on now. It's not THAT tough compared to some things. Besides the theory is simple enough. Reach your fat burning zone. Stay there for 30-40 minutes duration. And you are done.
And don't forget you can often distract yourself with TV, music or other types of entertainment when doing aerobics.
Resistance or strength training, on the other hand, now that involves a lot of stress and strain. You have to struggle with weights, do 2-3 sets with 12-20 repetitions in each set at least. I mean who wants to get out of the comfort zone of aerobics and do resistance training? Not me.
But maybe we should do a reality check however. You know to take a closer look at the list of benefits, as we've defined them, from cardio exercise compared to strength training.
Here's some fat burning pros and cons cardio offers you.
You burn slightly more calories with your cardiovascular routine than with weights or resistance training.
Your body burns fewer calories after the fact though - that is after your workout is over.
Another impact is a these can cause problems from the serious stress put on your joints and muscles unless you're doing water aerobics.
Alright, so what's the results of resistance training when it comes to fat burning?
Actually, depending on the number of reps and how much weight you use, you can burn about the same number of calories as with an aerobic workout.
And get this. Post workout, your metabolic rate remains elevated by as much as 30% and will stay that way for as long as 36 hours. Meaning that as your muscles rebuild and repair you are still burning calories. Even while you sleep.
You also have less overall chance of injuring yourself because when you workout your core and ab muscles you improve your overall coordination and balance.
Voila! So with resistance training you build fat burning muscles and also lose fat. What's not to like? Given this now what you should do?
Well for one you don't want to go overboard and ditch your cardio routine after reading this. No, the sensible thing is to combine low intensity aerobics with moderate weight training. Because aerobic activities offer their own health benefits.
They build up your lungs and heart helping them to work more efficiently.
They enhance blood circulation.
They assist in the development of improved stamina, endurance, and level of fitness.
Help in the muscle repair after a strength training workout.
That makes the success formula obvious. Simply embrace a complete system of cardio, resistance training and better diet to become a fitter, leaner you. Easy, right?
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