Share This Article
If you’re trying to lose weight, you might be wondering what type of exercise is best for weight loss. Here’s a look at the evidence.
Checkout this video:
Table of Contents
Introduction
There are many different types of exercise, and some are better for weight loss than others. In general, the best type of exercise for weight loss is cardio, or aerobic exercise, which is any type of activity that raises your heart rate.
However, not all cardio is created equal. Some types of cardio are more effective for weight loss than others. For example, research has shown that HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is more effective for weight loss than other forms of cardio such as steady-state workouts (like walking or jogging at a consistent pace).
In addition to HIIT, other types of cardio that can be effective for weight loss include:
• Sprinting
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Jumping rope
Cardio
Cardiovascular exercise is any type of aerobic activity that raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping. Cardio is an important part of any fitness routine, but it’s especially important if your goal is weight loss.
There are many different types of cardio exercises, and the best one for you will depend on your fitness level, goals, and preferences. Some popular options include walking, running, cycling, swimming, and elliptical training.
Cardio exercises are effective for weight loss because they help you burn more calories than other types of exercise. For example, a 150-pound person will burn approximately 420 calories in 30 minutes of walking at a moderate pace (3 miles per hour). Compare that to the calories burned by other activities:
-Running: 602 calories in 30 minutes
-Bicycling: 810 calories in 30 minutes
-Swimming: 792 calories in 30 minutes
-Elliptical training: 1140 calories in 30 minutes
HIIT
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a type of exercise that alternates between short bursts of intense activity and periods of rest. HIIT can be an effective weight loss strategy as it helps to increase your metabolism and burn more Calories in a shorter amount of time. In addition, HIIT can help to tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular health.
Strength Training
When it comes to weight loss, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another. However, there is some evidence that certain types of exercise may be more effective than others when it comes to losing weight.
One study, for example, found that people who did strength training three times a week for 12 weeks lost more body fat and gained more muscle mass than those who did aerobic exercise three times a week for the same amount of time.
Other research has shown that HIIT (high intensity interval training) can be effective for weight loss. One study found that people who did HIIT three times a week for 20 minutes lost more body fat than those who did 40 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise three times a week.
So, if you’re looking to lose weight, you may want to focus on exercises that build muscle and/or are of high intensity. Of course, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.
Interval Training
Interval training is a type of physical activity that involves alternating periods of high-intensity work with low-intensity recovery periods. This type of exercise is sometimes also called HIIT (high-intensity interval training).
Interval training can be adapted to any sport, but it is particularly popular among runners, cyclists, and other endurance athletes. HIIT workouts usually last 30 minutes or less, making them very time-efficient.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that interval training can be an effective tool for weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Obesity in 2011 found that subjects who participated in eight weeks of HIIT lost more body fat than those who participated in a traditional moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise program.
Another study, published in the journal PLOS One in 2013, had similar results, finding that interval training was more effective for fat loss than moderate-intensity continuous training.
If you are interested in trying interval training for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the length of time you spend working at a high intensity. Second, make sure you warm up properly before beginning your workout and cool down afterwards. Finally, listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, it seems that the best type of exercise for weight loss is a mix of cardio and strength training. Cardio will help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, which can lead to weight loss. Strength training will help you build muscle, which can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories even when you’re at rest.