đź’Ş Is Strength Training Better Than Cardio For Fat Loss?

PLUS: Why recovery days are as important as workout days

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Michael Pender & Ryan Engel
September 23, 2024

Welcome to your modern fitness daily news report! Every weekday, we break down the trending fitness news, tips, and insider scoops to keep you informed. Each read will be under 3 minutes so that you can stay shredded and thumb through no-nonsense fit-quips. Thanks for reading!

TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: Is strength training better than cardio for fat loss?

  • Question from Our Readers: What’s the best way to get rid of belly fat?

  • Must Know: Why recovery days are as important as workout days

  • Fit Trivia: Which 90s movie star underwent grueling physical training for a military role?

Is Strength Training Better Than Cardio for Fat Loss?

Cardio has long been considered the go-to for fat loss, but if you’re focusing solely on treadmill sessions, you might be missing out on a more effective approach: strength training.

Here’s why strength training could be your key to shedding fat faster:

  • Muscle Burns Fat: The more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns at rest. This means even when you’re not working out, your body is still torching calories.

  • Metabolic Boost: Lifting weights elevates your metabolism for hours after your workout, a process called the “afterburn effect.” This isn’t the case with long-distance cardio.

  • Fat Loss without Muscle Loss: Strength training helps you lose fat while preserving your hard-earned muscle, ensuring you get lean, not just lighter.

If your goal is long-term fat loss while maintaining muscle, make sure you’re incorporating strength training into your routine at least 3-4 times per week.

FROM RYAN’S DESK

Willpower fades, but habits stick. Build the right habits, and success becomes automatic. Don’t rely on fleeting bursts of energy—create routines that keep you on track, no matter how you feel. Be the guy who invests in his habits. That’s where lasting success is built.

Question from Our Readers:

“What’s the best way to get rid of belly fat? I’ve been struggling with this for years!”

  • Mike, 47, Accountant

Hey Mike, great question! Belly fat is a common issue for many men, especially as they age. The key to losing belly fat comes down to two things: diet and consistency. Here’s what you need to focus on:

  • Meal Plan is King: You can’t out-train a bad diet. Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and cutting back on processed carbs, sugars, and excess calories. Keeping your diet clean and in a calorie deficit is crucial for fat loss.

  • Strength Training + Cardio: Combine strength training with cardio. Lifting weights will help preserve muscle while burning fat, and adding in some HIIT cardio can accelerate fat loss.

  • Reduce Stress & Get Enough Sleep: Elevated cortisol from stress can lead to fat storage around the midsection. Prioritize good sleep and manage your stress to help your body stay in fat-burning mode.

Keep at it, and you’ll see that belly shrink with time and effort!

Why Recovery Days Are as Important as Workout Days

We often hear about the importance of consistent training, but rest and recovery are just as crucial for making progress. Here’s why:

  • Muscle Repair and Growth: Your muscles don’t grow while you’re lifting—they grow while you’re resting. Taking days off allows your muscles to recover and rebuild stronger.

  • Injury Prevention: Overtraining can lead to fatigue and poor form, which increases the risk of injury. Rest days help your body heal, reducing the chance of setbacks.

  • Mental Recharge: Pushing yourself too hard without breaks can lead to burnout. Recovery days are essential

  • for staying motivated and keeping your workouts enjoyable.

Aim for at least one to two recovery days per week. Active recovery, like light stretching or walking, can also be beneficial without putting too much strain on your body.

Fit Trivia: Which 90s movie star underwent grueling physical training for a military role?

Answer: Demi Moore! She took on an intense physical transformation for her role in G.I. Jane, enduring real Navy SEAL training to portray the character of a female soldier with realism and grit.

Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach

Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space.

He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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