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. 출장안마

    This is a topic that is close to my heart... Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?

    https://san-servis.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=2247561

    June 24, 2021 at 01:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 출장마사지

    I was able to find good info from your articles.

    http://www.eadpost.co.uk/user/profile/2007

    June 24, 2021 at 03:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 부산출장마사지

    Hey there! I simply want to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have right here on this post. I'll be coming back to your website for more soon.

    https://visual.ly/users/driscollgormsen687/portfolio

    June 24, 2021 at 03:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. bxh pháp

    Tỷ Số Bóng Đá Trực Tuyến Ngày Hôm Naythvl1 trực tiếpTheo thể thức thi đấu, đội thắng ở cặp đấu này sẽ giành tấm vé đến Lithuania trong ngày hội bóng đá lớn nhất thế giới cho futsal. Tuyển futsal Việt Nam bước vào trận play-off lượt đi tranh vé dự play-off World Cup 2021 với sự tự tin. Tuy vậy, HLV Phạm Minh Giang bày tỏ, toàn đội ko ngán Lebanon tuy nhiên sẽ tìm cách để khắc chế sức mạnh của đối thủ bởi bên trên băng ghế huấn luyện là nhà cầm quân Ramiro Lopez, người từng dẫn dắt futsal Tây Ban Nha.|Dựa vào lịch thi đấu, quý khách rất có thể chuẩn bị xếp việc làm

    https://questiontime.info/detail/ti-so-bong-da-hom-30638.html

    June 24, 2021 at 05:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 출장

    Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It's the little changes that produce the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

    https://pbase.com/topics/u2xbrnx539/undeniab229

    June 24, 2021 at 07:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. 출장

    You have made some good points there. I looked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.

    http://help.crimeastar.net/index.php?url=https://uberant.com/article/1476454-10-best-facebook-pages-of-all-time-about-ECB69CEC9EA5/

    June 24, 2021 at 07:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. water pipe bong

    What Is Dab Mat?https://www.posts123.com/user/828193/steeluganda1All products intended for use with legal smoking/vaping mixtures only .

    https://www.posts123.com/user/831091/gunstew0

    June 24, 2021 at 08:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. pharmaceptica.com

    erectile aid pump https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 24, 2021 at 11:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. 출장안마

    There's certainly a lot to know about this subject. I love all the points you've made.

    https://torgi.gov.ru/forum/user/edit/1388328.page

    June 24, 2021 at 12:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 케이출장

    An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should publish more on this issue, it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not speak about these subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!

    http://massage3ellachsckn.raidersfanteamshop.com/the-history-of-chuljang-anma

    June 24, 2021 at 14:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. 출장마사지

    This is a topic that's close to my heart... Best wishes! Where are your contact details though?

    http://massage7branorukzo.lucialpiazzale.com/10-wrong-answers-to-common-chuljangmasaji-questions-do-you-know-the-right-ones

    June 24, 2021 at 15:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 출장

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I found it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your web page.

    https://www.seo-bookmarks.win/12-helpful-tips-for-doing-chuljang-anma-16

    June 24, 2021 at 22:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. 출장마사지

    Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.

    http://italianculture.net/redir.php?url=https://massage2andreskski488.my-free.website/blog/post/512371/don-t-buy-into-these-trends-about

    June 25, 2021 at 03:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 부산출장안마

    Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for providing these details.

    http://amazonforum.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=427947

    June 25, 2021 at 04:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. www.pharmaceptica.com

    canada generic tadalafil https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 25, 2021 at 06:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 부산출장마사지

    You have made some decent points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

    http://medcapsules.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=32445

    June 25, 2021 at 08:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. 출장마사지

    When I originally commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you!

    http://timoore.eu/skins/timoore/redirect.php?url=https://penzu.com/p/41679a96

    June 25, 2021 at 11:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. 출장마사지

    That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate informationÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

    http://lida-stan.by/user/coilblock2/

    June 25, 2021 at 12:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. 케이출장

    You're so interesting! I don't think I've truly read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to discover somebody with some unique thoughts on this topic. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is something that's needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

    https://m.kaskus.co.id/redirect?url=https://k-anma.com/

    June 25, 2021 at 12:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 부산 출장

    I used to be able to find good advice from your articles.

    http://www.satechhelp.co.za/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=joinchin28

    June 25, 2021 at 13:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Deonna Sandles

    I'm not the owner of the site or of the copyrights, but it's very clear to me that this website is violating many copyrights. Is there a way I can report it under the DMCA? Thanks!.

    https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing

    June 25, 2021 at 13:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Vicky Quaintance

    Great website. Thank you for the information how can i speak a language fluent in 10 days?

    https://www.spanishtogo.app

    June 25, 2021 at 14:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. pharmaceptica

    tadalafil research chemical https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 25, 2021 at 14:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. 출장안마

    Iím impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog thatís equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something concerning this.

    https://iway.rosemont.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/Organization_of_African_American_Students/Home.jnz?portlet=Discussion_Board&screen=PostView&screenType=change&id=58d8e18f-40fa-4e1e-8616-3e550c0ccf17

    June 25, 2021 at 16:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. pharmaceptica.com

    how does chloroquine work https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 25, 2021 at 19:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. pharmaceptica.com

    canada generic tadalafil https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 25, 2021 at 19:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. pharmaceptica

    buy tadalafil https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 26, 2021 at 01:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. truc tiep copa america 2019

    Links Coi Trực Tiếp Soccer Futsal Việt Nam Vs Lebanon Vòng Chủng Loại World CupbanthangtvNếu cứ nghịch như cách vừa đè bẹp Everton cho tới 3-1 trên Sảnh khách hàng

    https://virandoamor.com/detail/bongdawap-4405.html

    June 26, 2021 at 02:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. 대구출장마사지

    I like looking through an article that will make people think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!

    https://galbiz.net/user/f5ebpdf290

    June 26, 2021 at 05:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. thiên hạ bét

    Kèo Bóng Đá Là Gì? Giải Thích Tỷ Lệ Cá Cược Bóng Đá Chi Tiết NhấtBiến Động Tỷ Lệ Kèo Nhà Cái Thụy Điển Vs Ba Lan Hôm Nay 23 casino mường thanhHai trận đấu của lượt cuối mỗi bảng bắt buộc phải thi đấu cùng giờ. Kết thúc vòng bảng, đội nhất, nhì các bảng và 4 đội xếp thứ ba có thành tích tốt nhất sẽ giành quyền vào vòng sixteen đội.

    https://www.vnd188.bet/

    June 26, 2021 at 12:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 대구출장마사지

    When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks!

    https://kriper.net/user/o4skxmk267

    June 26, 2021 at 15:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. 대구출장

    I was more than happy to find this site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you saved to fav to see new stuff in your website.

    https://www.ranker.com/writer/i8xnmri314

    June 26, 2021 at 17:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Megan

    where can i buy cbd oil in louisville ky

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

    June 26, 2021 at 20:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. sands casino

    Tỷ Lệ Kèo Bóng Đá Vòng 1Biến Động Tỷ Lệ Kèo Nhà Cái Thụy Điển Vs Ba Lan Hôm Nay 23 casino en vivoHai trận đấu của lượt cuối mỗi bảng bắt buộc phải thi đấu cùng giờ. Kết thúc vòng bảng, đội nhất, nhì các bảng và 4 đội xếp thứ ba có thành tích tốt nhất sẽ giành quyền vào vòng 16 đội.

    https://www.vnd188.bet/

    June 26, 2021 at 21:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. myk+

    Trực Tiếp đá Bóng Thời Điểm Hôm Nayket qua tennis truc tuyenXem đá bóng trực tuyến Trực tiếp Odd BK vs Sarpsborg, 20h ngày 24/5, giải VĐQG Na Uy. Xem lịch vạc sóng trực tiếp soccer EURO hôm nay được Webthethao update chủ yếu xác nhất.

    https://murraystivoli.com/detail/ket-qua-bong-da-asiad-2020-8816.html

    June 26, 2021 at 21:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. vietnam vs thailand king cup

    Xoilac Tv Trực Tiếp đá BóngxoitvXem soccer trực tuyến Trực tiếp Odd BK vs Sarpsborg, 20h ngày 24/5, giải VĐQG Na Uy. Xem lịch vạc sóng trực tiếp soccer EURO thời điểm hôm nay được Webthethao update chủ yếu xác nhất.

    https://chiefscreolecafe.com/detail/bxh-2-tbn-45518.html

    June 27, 2021 at 12:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. da ga

    Xem Thẳng Viettel Vs Tỉnh Bình Dương Tại V League 2021 Ở Kênh Nào? chơi bàiĐội tuyển chọn futsal nước ta đã có một trận đấu đồng ý được trước phe đối lập đầy mức độ mạnh Lebanon. Kết trái Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu vs Bình Phước hôm nay 18h00 ngày 5/5, Hạng nhất nước Việt Nam.

    https://thisisthegreenroom.com/

    June 27, 2021 at 13:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 부산출장안마

    The next time I read a blog, I hope that it won't disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I really thought you'd have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=http://anma0andrefjwe172.image-perth.org/ask-me-anything-10-answers-to-your-questions-about-busanchuljang

    June 27, 2021 at 15:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. 먹튀

    I'm excited to uncover this website. I need to to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you saved to fav to see new information in your site.

    https://www.longisland.com/profile/sinkemery3

    June 27, 2021 at 15:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. pharmaceptica

    what erectile dysfunction pill is the best https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 27, 2021 at 15:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. truc tiep keno

    Xem Thẳng Viettel Vs Bình Dương Trên V League 2021 Ở Kênh Nào? nhacqmĐội tuyển futsal nước Việt Nam đã có được một trận đấu đồng ý được trước phe đối lập đầy sức mạnh Lebanon. Kết trái Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu vs Bình Phước hôm nay 18h00 ngày 5/5, Hạng nhất nước ta.

    https://naija5.com/

    June 27, 2021 at 18:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. pharmaceptica

    tadalafil vs cialis reviews https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 27, 2021 at 21:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. water pipe bong

    Intrinsic Muscles Of The Handhttps://www.posts123.com/post/2364355/smoke-cửa-hàng-open-near-meAll products intended for use with legal smoking/vaping mixtures only .

    https://www.posts123.com/user/821677/changecocoa7

    June 27, 2021 at 22:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. nha cai so 1

    Xoilac Tv Trực Tiếp Bóng Đá xem bong da truc tuyenĐội tuyển chọn futsal nước Việt Nam đã có được một trận đấu chấp nhận được trước đối thủ đầy sức mạnh Lebanon. Kết quả Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu vs Bình Phước hôm nay 18h00 ngày 5/5, Hạng nhất Việt Nam.

    https://novelinkblog.com/

    June 28, 2021 at 03:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 울산출장안마

    Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I've read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.

    https://100kursov.com/away/?url=https://www.weddingbee.com/members/h6pkmfe252/

    June 28, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. ash catcher 14mm

    Custom Dab Mathttps://www.posts123.com/user/771836/crocuspeak4All products intended for use with legal smoking/vaping mixtures only .

    https://www.posts123.com/user/771996/dryertuna17

    June 28, 2021 at 06:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 울산출장안마

    I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your website and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

    http://foro.euskaltel.com/User-p8hsidb430

    June 28, 2021 at 07:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. silicone water pipe

    Custom Dab Mathttps://www.posts123.com/user/838742/bikepull62All products intended for use with legal smoking/vaping mixtures only .

    https://www.posts123.com/user/772148/epochprofit40

    June 28, 2021 at 08:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. pharmaceptica

    c-tadalafil https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 28, 2021 at 12:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Chuck Foucha

    Well I really liked studying it. This subject offered by you is very practical for good planning.

    https://skinnypossibilities.xyz/

    June 28, 2021 at 14:15 | 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 Tembepteriope


 

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.