Cardio training is not as effective for weight loss as strength training

We all know that hitting your daily step count can boost your health, and exercise is something everyone should do to improve their fitness.

However, not all exercises are created equal. For those looking to shed pounds, cardio workouts might seem like the right approach. However, fitness experts argue that this isn’t the golden ticket to weight loss. Weight training is now considered much more beneficial for those wanting to lose some weight.

Indeed, fitness expert and online trainer River Hardy said that one of the biggest myths in the fitness industry is that cardio is better than weight training, whereas working with weights actually means your body will burn fat for a longer period of time.

Cardio has its place in a workout program, but it is the least important of the two. Cardio is a great supplementary tool for burning extra calories. But the most crucial part of any workout routine is lifting weights.

He added that strength training should be the cornerstone of your program. Three weight training sessions per week is the surefire path to weight loss.

“With weights, you’ll continue to burn calories, just like with cardio, but you’ll also change the shape of your muscles and body. Something cardio won’t give you,” said the expert.

Why strength training works

Strength training and weight workouts are more effective than cardio in building muscle mass, and muscle mass burns more calories at rest than other tissues, including fat.

This means you keep burning calories even after you're done with your workout.