There is a lot of misinformation out there about the best exercise for weight loss and which burns fat.  To be very blunt none burns fat directly.  To lose weight you need to eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise that includes, cardio and weight bearing exercise.

To lose weight effectively you need to be in a calories deficit, which means you are burning more calories than you are consuming. This is achieved by careful and healthy eating but also by the right sort of exercise.  Then you are putting yourself in the best position to burn fat.

Cardio does not have to be high impact, as long as you are getting your heart pumping, becoming a little breathless and sweaty its is good. I recently added a ‘low impact’ HIIT video to my online library which lasts just over 10 minutes. If you were to do this for example 3 to 4 times per week and mix with other exercise such as Yoga, dancing,  body conditioning or some other weight bearing activity this would put you on the right road to being fit, and help with losing weight if that is your goal.

If you are happy to go for the higher impact option for weight loss the HIIT ( high intensity interval training) is far the best exercise you can do.  I use this type of exercise in my Bodyfit Class and a slightly lower version call Hi / Low in my body conditioning class. Not only do you burn more calories during a HIIT workout than steady-state cardio, but the effect of all that intense exertion kicks your body’s repair cycle into hyperdrive. It is also one of the quickest ways to improve fitness and build a healthier heart.

Exercise is so important for so many reasons, but so is the right mixture of exercise too.  Try to include some cardio/aerobic activity 2/3 times per week, in addition to weight bearing exercise. Try to also include some toning exercise, for example Pilates, abs blast or my upper body work out.  There is exercise to suit everyone, and consistency is the key to achieving your health and fitness goals.

 

As always if you need any advice on health and fitness, drop me a line

 

Bev x