Exercise to lose fat

This article outlines interval training as opposed to normal routine cardio workouts. Interval training is the best for burning fat, especially off the stomach area. Not that normal cardio workouts are not beneficial to you, of course they are, so why is interval training better?

Cardio Training

First, cardio training. Normal cardio exercise consists of a sustained period at the same activity at a higher than normal rate. The rate isn’t that important in this analogy as the end result is the same. This kind of exercise is great for stamina and endurance athletes and in fact anyone who wants to be able to perform “normally” for a long period of time at an activity that you perform with an increased work rate. Ask any football team member.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with it but some people struggle to lose fat when they exercise this way. The reason is the body gets used to performing at this higher level and adapts to it. So, unless you continue to increase the work rate it will not be as easy to lose the fat. This is why an hour on a cardio machine in the gym is not necessarily the best thing for you if you want to burn fat.

Interval Training

Contrast this with interval training where you switch between short periods of both high and low intensity, constantly mixing it up. Do you see what will happen here? You shock the body into action as it never knows what’s coming next. Consequently, it is always using emergency energy supplies (yes, the stored and excess fat around your tummy) to fuel the activity. It never gets used to a pattern or routine of performance and so cannot use the normal channels of energy for this purpose.

Studies have shown this has a huge impact on your metabolism and thus you burn calories even when you are at rest after the session is over. Basically, interval training as part of your fitness routine is essential if you want to lose fat from your body.

An example of interval training would be alternating sprinting and jogging like this:
Sprint 1 minute ? Slow jog 2 minutes
Or,
Sprint 10 seconds ? Slow jog 20 seconds

You can set the limits yourself, but you shouldn’t just try to increase the times. You should mix up the intervals and types of exercises. This will ensure your body is always being shocked into action.

And of course follow a good diet plan.