Whether you’ve been doing strength training or not, losing stubborn body fat will require at least some cardio. Cardio, or aerobic exercise, uses fat for your primary fuel source, with carbohydrates and protein being used to a lesser degree. So, if your goal is losing weight, cardio exercise needs to be part of your plan.
There is quite a bit of debate on what the best type of cardio is for weight loss. But there is no debate on how cardio works. Cardio exercise done at a moderate intensity, done long enough to challenge the heart and lungs to use oxygen as a fuel source for 20 minutes or more, is agreed upon by most to be key to starting your weight loss engine. Your body is similar to a flame. You need air and fuel for something to burn. In the case of exercise, you need air, and your body using fat for fuel. Cardio provides the air, but it takes about 20 minutes for your body to start “burning” fuel.
With cardio exercise – oxygen, fats and carbohydrates combine to produce a chemical called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic fuel source for all cells. But, fat is a more efficient fuel source for aerobic activity – as the body has greater fat stores (which are more easily mobilized in the presence of oxygen) compared to carbohydrates and proteins, fat will be used preferentially during aerobic activity. And your body using that fat for fuel is what contributes to your losing weight.
Cardio exercise will help to:
- Strengthen the muscles involved in respiration, to assist lung function.
- Increase the total number of red blood cells in the body, to enable greater oxygen facilitation throughout the body.
- Strengthen the heart muscle, which will improve resting heart and pumping efficiency.
- Reduce stress and tension, and increase mental well-being.
- Increase circulation throughout all areas of the body.
- Increase self-esteem.
- And, best of all – losing weight!
Looking for cardio equipment for your home gym? Stop by any of Fitness 4 Home Superstore’s 3 Phoenix-area locations. Whether you’re looking for a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike, or rowing machine – we have an extensive selection of the industry’s top cardio equipment!
