Is Cardio or Lifting Better for Burning Calories?

When you’re carrying a little extra weight, the best way to get rid of it is to burn calories. But burning calories is strategic. How do you burn the most? Some say cardio, others say lifting.

Here’s the truth:

Both types of exercise work. There are just pros and cons to each.

How Burning Calories Works

First of all, what does it actually mean to burn calories? It means your body expends energy, and that energy comes from what's stored in your body (AKA that excess weight you want to lose!). Your body expends energy just by functioning- but not enough to really drop a few pounds. Exercise requires more energy, so it burns more calories.

Which leaves the burning question: does lifting or cardio use up more of your stored energy?

Burning Calories Via Cardio

Whether it's jogging on a treadmill, swimming laps, or dancing your heart out in a workout class, cardio is a fun way to burn calories. It also improves cardiovascular health, reduces risk or disease, and lots of other benefits. Here's how cardio affects weight loss:

Pros:

• Cardio burns more calories per session
• There are lots of different options for cardio

Cons:

• Cardio takes a lot of effort and time
• You won't keep burning calories post-workout

Lifting to Burn Calories

Functional training, using gym machines, and other types of lifting exercises use energy, too. That's why strength training for weight loss really works. If you spend time building muscle, you'll get to shape your body while burning calories.

Pros:

• You keep burning calories for hours after lifting
• Lifting increases metabolism

Cons:

• You won't burn as many calories per session as with cardio
• Strength training for weight loss is best the heavier weights are used

What’s Necessary for Weight Loss

When it comes down to it, both cardio and strength training work for weight loss. What will work best for you depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and body. For many people, what works best is combining both strategies.

For example, it can be wise to alternate cardio and strength training on different days. That helps increase your metabolism while letting you burn more calories overall. It also adds some variety to your workout routine, which can make it easier to stick to an exercise plan.

Get started with a great plan for weight loss! Use our FREE New You in 28 Days Guide.

Gold’s Gym SoCal is an association of separate clubs—click here for info.