Why Cardio Isn't Enough for Fat Loss

If you've been spending hours on the treadmill wondering why the scale isn't moving effectively, you're not alone. While cardio burns calories while you're doing it, resistance training builds the engine that burns calories 24/7.

The Metabolism Myth

Muscle tissue is metabolically expensive. This means your body has to burn energy just to maintain it. By building lean muscle through strength training, you increase your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)—the calories you burn at rest.

The Afterburn Effect

High-intensity resistance training creates something called EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption). This means your body continues to burn calories at a higher rate for hours after you leave the gym as it repairs muscle tissue.

Body Composition > Weight Loss

If you only do cardio and restrict calories, you risk losing muscle along with fat. This can lead to the "skinny fat" look. Strength training ensures that the weight you lose is primarily fat, revealing the tone underneath.

The Takeaway: Don't ditch cardio completely—it's great for heart health. But if fat loss is the goal, prioritize lifting heavy things.