My Problem with Cardio for Fat Loss
"Low intensity cardio = 100% Fat Utilization"
This is objectively true, which is why you see so many people doing slow steady cardio. They wanna lose body-fat.
The mistake is the assumption that the fat utilization is "tangible" in results.
"Low intensity cardio = 100% Fat Utilization"
This is objectively true, which is why you see so many people doing slow steady cardio. They wanna lose body-fat.
The mistake is the assumption that the fat utilization is "tangible" in results.
The rate of fat oxidation occurring in low intensity cardio is very "efficient", as in, it takes a LONG time to actually use up fat stores in cardiovascular training. This is exactly why endurance athletes are encouraged to become fat adapted.
Fat metabolism is theoretically limitless, provided the person has the physical capacity to keep exercising endlessly. Carb storage is finite, which is where "bonks" occur. In terms of milage, fat is superior.
Speaking plainly, fat takes a really long time to use up.
Speaking plainly, fat takes a really long time to use up.
Now imagine taking this extremely efficient slow burning fuel, and telling people "take 2-3 hours of your day, multiple times a week to breakdown 1-3 lbs of fat" as an exercise strategy.
This is why you see overweight people jogging on treadmills all day.
On paper its true
This is why you see overweight people jogging on treadmills all day.
On paper its true
In application, it SUCKS. You're using 100% fat but the rate of its oxidation is too slow to really be effective.
Subjectively, slow cardio is not a terribly engaging activity for many people. Good luck getting someone to keep doing it
So how do you lose bodyfat without cardio?
Subjectively, slow cardio is not a terribly engaging activity for many people. Good luck getting someone to keep doing it
So how do you lose bodyfat without cardio?
Increase the intensity of your exercise (i.e. Anaerobic/Glycolytic)
Provided the person can safely perform higher intensity exercises (Weight lifting and Interval training). Burning out glycogen stores follows an uptake in fat oxidation rate post exercise.
Provided the person can safely perform higher intensity exercises (Weight lifting and Interval training). Burning out glycogen stores follows an uptake in fat oxidation rate post exercise.
Speaking plainly, even after your lifting session/interval session you're burning fat. You can ramp up the rate of fat oxidation even more by deliberately avoiding carb intake and fasting.
No cardio needed.
No cardio needed.
Unless you want to increase your endurance and cardiovascular fitness, that's fine. Do cardio. But its a mistake to suggest that the key to getting shredded is cardio. For most average people just trying to get rid of bodyfat, it's a waste of time.
rant over
rant over
