home
RSS
Cardio burns more fat than weight lifting
December 17th, 2012
12:33 PM ET

Cardio burns more fat than weight lifting

If you want to burn fat and lose weight, aerobic exercise may be your best workout option, according to a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

It was more effective than a weight-lifting routine, and about as beneficial as workouts combining cardio and strength training, researchers found.

"If a person is going to give me three hours of exercise a week,the most effective way to lose fat is to spend that time doing aerobic training," says lead study author Leslie Willis, an exercise physiologist at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

If you lift weights, this doesn't mean you should stop, but if your time is limited and your main goal from exercise is to lose weight, cardio may be better than weight training, according to Willis.

The study

Because people often short-change exercise, the scientists wanted to find out what type of routine would provide overweight people the most efficient workout for weight loss. For eight months, more than 200 middle-aged adults were assigned to one of three exercise programs.

The first group did aerobic training for 133 minutes a week. This averaged out to three 45-minute sessions, with most people choosing to work out on treadmill or elliptical machines. Those in the second group spent the same amount of time getting fit, but lifted weights instead of doing cardio. The others did both types of exercise, which took twice as long. The adults in the study were all overweight or obese, about 50 years of age, and did not have diabetes.

The results

The scientists found that routines that included only weight lifting built muscle, but did not help people lose fat or shed pounds.

Willis said this surprised some experts who say increasing muscle mass helps us burn more calories by increasing our metabolism. Unlike fat, it takes a certain amount of energy to simply maintain muscle. But the Duke researchers say the calories burned from having more muscle were not enough to make a difference when it comes to weight loss.

The researchers also found that cardio workouts proved to be as beneficial for losing fat and weight and required only half the time commitment as the combination workouts.

"They (the combination aerobic/weight training group) did lose more weight around the middle, but it was not statistically significant," says Willis. "We're a little bit unclear as to why that is, but we would say that time-wise, it was not that much more beneficial to do double that work and not get that much more benefit."

Workout advice

But Willis and other experts agree strength training shouldn’t be discounted when it comes to overall health. Lifting weights helps build and maintain strong bones and helps prevent the gradual loss of muscle that comes with aging.

Weight training may not be the best way to take the weight off initially, it does help adults keep it off, says Dr. Melina Jampolis, a physician nutrition specialist and CNN's diet and fitness expert. And though having added muscle may not burn as many calories as once thought, it does pay off over time.

“If you are short on time and are not dieting, cardio is better for weight loss in the short-term, but we don’t know in the long-term. And in my opinion, to maintain weight loss and achieve optimal health, strength training is still very important,” explains Jampolis.

But some have to get the weight off first before we can then turn their attention to keeping it off, Willis says. And if there’s only time for one type of workout, cardio may be the best choice.

“The point here is that the general public who comes to us to exercise almost unanimously has one main goal, and that is to lose weight and fat," Willis says. "And we’re just not seeing that resistance training would be the most efficient way to do that."


soundoff (1,501 Responses)
  1. 먹튀검증

    You need to be a part of a contest for one of the most useful websites on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this site!

    http://www.ningxiaoxia.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=334226

    April 22, 2021 at 07:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. tadalafil pills

    tadalafil max dose https://elitadalafill.com/ generic tadalafil

    April 22, 2021 at 11:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. tadalafil online

    generic tadalafil 40 mg https://elitadalafill.com/ generic tadalafil united states

    April 22, 2021 at 18:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. pfizer viagra canada pharmacy

    viagra/canada https://canadaviagrastore.com/ viagra without a doctor prescription in canada

    April 22, 2021 at 21:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. what is the price of generic viagra in canada

    generic viagra order canada https://canadaviagrastore.com/ canada online viagra

    April 23, 2021 at 00:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. cialis on line purches canadian pharmacy

    do you need prescription for canadian perscribition of cialis in usa https://canadacialisstore.com/ buying canadian cialis

    April 23, 2021 at 00:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. best canadian mail order pharmacies for diet pills

    best canadian mail order pharmacies for diet pills https://canadapillstorex.com/ canadian generic pills

    April 23, 2021 at 01:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. zithromax price

    zithromax indications https://zithromaxes.com/ can zithromax be used for uti

    April 23, 2021 at 01:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. purchase vardenafil online

    purchase vardenafil online https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil tablets 20 mg

    April 23, 2021 at 06:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 먹튀

    Hello, I do think your blog might be having web browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, great website!

    http://johnnys.jocee.jp/jump/?url=https://www.creativelive.com/student/norsworthy-duong-43?via=accounts-freeform_4

    April 23, 2021 at 10:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. Click Here To See The Best CBD Oil

    What an incredible way of looking at points.

    https://www.laweekly.com/5-best-cbd-oil-companies-to-buy-from-in-2019/

    April 23, 2021 at 11:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 먹튀검증

    https://picomart.trade/wiki/Does_the_IGT_Definitely_Predict_Gambling_Decisions

    April 23, 2021 at 15:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. vardenafil vs tadalafil vs viagra which gives better erection?

    vardenafil vs viagra vs cialis https://vegavardenafil.com/ vardenafil 20mg dosage

    April 24, 2021 at 17:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. order sildenafil

    where can i get sildenafil https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ how much is sildenafil 50 mg

    April 24, 2021 at 18:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. 메이저사이트

    I was extremely pleased to find this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every part of it and I have you book-marked to look at new things on your site.

    http://slaveregistry.com/master-slave-forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=45310

    April 24, 2021 at 19:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 토토사이트

    This page truly has all the information and facts I wanted concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://johnnys.jocee.jp/jump/?url=https://writeablog.net/gambling4d3tahoi059/main-article-what-exactly-is-your-main-casino-in-las-vegas-a-casino-is

    April 24, 2021 at 20:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. livestream bong da tv

    This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found
    something which helped me. Thanks a lot!

    April 24, 2021 at 20:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. canadian pharmacies ed pills

    canadian pills pharmacy https://canadapillstorex.com/ best canadian mail order pharmacies for diet pills

    April 25, 2021 at 02:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. 토토사이트

    Having read this I thought it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    https://trade-britanica.trade/wiki/How_to_Fight_Addiction

    April 25, 2021 at 06:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 토토사이트

    I was pretty pleased to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new things on your website.

    http://conneruaks791.almoheet-travel.com/how-the-10-worst-totosaiteu-fails-of-all-time-could-have-been-prevented

    April 25, 2021 at 07:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. sildenafil tablets 100mg

    sildenafil generic australia https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil generic canada

    April 25, 2021 at 10:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. buy bonus

    Bonus buy slots are online slots where you can pay a
    premium in exchange for instant access to their main bonus feature; usually the free
    spins round. Also known as "feature buy"

    April 25, 2021 at 14:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Click Here To See The Best CBD Oil

    What an remarkable way of looking at things.

    https://www.laweekly.com/5-best-cbd-oil-companies-to-buy-from-in-2019/

    April 25, 2021 at 14:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. buy generic cialis without prescription canadian pharmacy

    cialis through canadian pharmacies https://canadacialisstore.com/ do you need prescription for canadian perscribition of cialis in usa

    April 25, 2021 at 16:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. aloprostadil

    alprostadil gel online https://alprostadildrugs.com/ what is alprostadil used for

    April 25, 2021 at 22:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. alprostadil injection video

    alprostadil injection online https://alprostadildrugs.com/ alprostadil 40mcg/cartridge inj system

    April 26, 2021 at 01:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. 토토사이트

    This is a topic which is close to my heart... Take care! Where are your contact details though?

    https://blogfreely.net/gambling6i3sunuf936/casino-featureswhen-you-visit-a-casino-nowadays-youand-39-ll-probably-a

    April 26, 2021 at 11:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. 토토사이트

    http://www.huaqin.cc/Redirect.aspx?url=http://israelrsnd670.timeforchangecounselling.com/20-insightful-quotes-about-meijeosaiteu

    April 26, 2021 at 13:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. plaquenil allergic reaction

    erectile lump https://plaquenilx.com/ which erectile dysfunction drugs work best

    April 26, 2021 at 18:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. canada 20 viagra

    how much is viagra in canada https://canadaviagrastore.com/ generic viagra from canada

    April 26, 2021 at 19:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. chloroquine phosphate vs plaquenil

    erectile deficiency https://plaquenilx.com/ erectile creams walmart

    April 26, 2021 at 20:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. plaquenil generic

    erectile disorder icd 10 https://plaquenilx.com/ erectile exercises

    April 26, 2021 at 21:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. plaquenil indication

    erectile function after prostate surgery https://plaquenilx.com/ erectile deformity

    April 27, 2021 at 08:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. canadian pharmacy cialis without prescription

    cialis canadian discounts https://canadacialisstore.com/ canadian pharmacy 5 mg daily cialis

    April 27, 2021 at 13:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. 바둑이

    You are so cool! I don't think I have read through a single thing like that before. So nice to find someone with a few original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that's needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

    https://gambling5artliquid00.wordpress.com/2021/04/13/how-to-perform-tai-sai-in-hotels/

    April 27, 2021 at 15:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. sildenafil 20 mg in mexico

    sildenafil 80 mg https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 100mg price comparison

    April 27, 2021 at 18:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. avana

    avana 100 mg avanafil vs cialis

    April 27, 2021 at 19:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 바둑이게임

    I'm extremely pleased to uncover this web site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to see new information on your website.

    http://120.116.38.11/dis/home.php?mod=space&uid=4984169

    April 27, 2021 at 21:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. sildenafil 25

    sildenafil coupon 100mg https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ generic sildenafil tablets

    April 27, 2021 at 22:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. drug prices sildenafil

    where can i get sildenafil https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil cost in canada

    April 27, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. canadian pills online

    average perscription pills taken by 65 year old canadian? https://canadapillstorex.com/ canadian customs pills vitamins

    April 28, 2021 at 01:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. buy chloroquine online

    choloriquine https://chloroquineorigin.com/ cholorquine

    April 28, 2021 at 03:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. how to order sildenafil

    sildenafil side effects https://eunicesildenafilcitrate.com/ sildenafil 100mg coupon

    April 28, 2021 at 08:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 바둑이

    Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I've read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.

    https://nevada.budtrader.com/author/carddenim28/

    April 28, 2021 at 14:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 바둑이게임

    Hi! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for your great information you've got here on this post. I will be coming back to your site for more soon.

    http://americanhomeandgardenexchange.com/members/gambling3clavecarp57/activity/625446/

    April 28, 2021 at 15:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. best cheap garden equipment

    Just bookmarked this post as I have actually found it fairly handy.

    http://www.gardenershub.xyz/

    April 28, 2021 at 18:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 바둑이게임

    Can I just say what a relief to discover someone that really knows what they are discussing on the web. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people have to read this and understand this side of the story. I can't believe you aren't more popular given that you most certainly possess the gift.

    https://telegra.ph/Should-Gaming-Be-Hazardous-04-11

    April 29, 2021 at 10:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. telescopicladders.xyz

    Love the way you cover this subject.

    http://telescopicladders.xyz/

    April 29, 2021 at 16:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. 바둑이

    I need to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I've got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you postÖ

    https://777slots.co/forum/profile.php?section=personality&id=462815

    April 29, 2021 at 19:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. dapoxetine

    dapoxetine 100 mg dapoxetine pills

    April 29, 2021 at 20:37 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Leave a Reply to erectile dysfunction pills


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.