The Best Cardio Training for Weight Loss

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Cardio training has many benefits to our heart health, bone density and our mood. According to experts, cardio has an anti-aging effect and helps us beat stress. But, what is the best cardio training for weight loss? And, how often we need to practice it? If our lifestyle is mainly sedentary and inactive, then we will not need a highly intensive cardio workout at the beginning. In this case, fitness experts suggest a 20 minutes-walk 3 times a week. As we become accustomed to it, we can gradually increase the length and the pace of our walking tour. At some point, we can begin with a brisk walk or even jogging. The intensity of cardio training is also important if we want to lose weight, but before we increase our cardio, we need to raise our level of shape. What matters more than intensity is our consistency. Only consistent activity can fasten our metabolism and help us lose weight in the long run. Without it, we will hardly get any results. For those, who have already reached a good shape, the article “The Best Type of Cardio for Weight-Loss” recommends a special type of cardio training that is the most effective for weight loss.

When people think of cardio, they think of low intensity steady state activities like jogging, cycling, walking or swimming. This type of endurance training is performed with a steady pace at a low to moderate intensity.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is the new kid on the block. The difference to traditional cardio? Short intervals of all-out (close to max-) effort are alternated with periods of lower intensity. These sessions are usually much shorter in duration.

HIIT is far superior to low intensity steady state cardio in terms of physical conditioning (read). It also provides metabolic benefits that go beyond what traditional strength training can achieve (read). Sprints for example are a fantastic metabolic booster. There is a caveat, however. High intensity cardio will dig into your recovery stores and leave you burnt out if you overdo it (same goes for LISS).

Fitness experts recommend measuring the results by how we feel. After a good cardio training, we will feel more energized, in a better mood, and more efficient when it comes to our daily tasks. During the time, we will be able to enjoy our cardio training, because we will gain more muscle and better shape. Apart from its significant benefits to our health, cardio training reflects its positive influence on our psychological health. Not only that we feel better when adopting an active lifestyle, but we also get more confidence and strength. For those who lost weight by doing cardio, the effects are even greater.