Is Cardio Overrated for Weight Loss? Here's What You Need to Know!

Cardio has long been touted as the key to weight loss, but is it necessary? The answer may surprise you. While cardio can aid in calorie burn, it's not the most important factor when it comes to shedding those unwanted kilos. In fact, relying on cardio too heavily can even be counterproductive.

Instead of fixating on cardio, it is crucial to adopt a well-rounded approach to exercise. Managing your diet and reducing excess calories are pivotal for weight loss success. Cardio should support your overall weight loss plan rather than the only thing you do.

It's important not to overdo cardio, as excessive exercise can increase hunger cues and decrease overall caloric expenditure. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that strength training (mission critical!) may be compromised for several hours after intense cardio. However, incorporating resistance training into your routine is a non-negotiable, particularly from age 30 onwards, when muscle mass starts to decline. It reassures you of its effectiveness in weight loss, revving up your metabolism to burn more calories at rest, contributing to bone density, improving heart health and mental health, and protecting cognitive function and memory. So anything that impedes that is worth questioning.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) incorporates brief bursts of intense activity followed by a short recovery time which is then repeated in a short 15-30 minute session. This type of cardio, coupled with Zone 2 training and resistance training, is a winning combination. Its role in weight loss is significant, and incorporating it into your routine can be a source of motivation and excitement as you see the results.

Cardio is not the be-all and end-all of weight loss, but it can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. By choosing the right type and amount of cardio, incorporating resistance and Zone 2 training, and focusing on a healthy diet, you can achieve your weight loss and fitness goals and establish habits that will benefit you now and into the future.