Step Counts & Cardio for Fat-Loss - How much does it help? ft. Lyle McDonald
May 3, 2021
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Lyle McDonald, an expert on fat-loss and calorie burning, joins the podcast to discuss the efficacy of increasing step counts and doing cardio for fat-loss. They explore topics such as compensation after cardio, appetite and cardio, caloric boost of doing more steps, and investing in home gym equipment. They also touch on the value of data logging and tracking for fat loss.
Exercise alone may not yield significant fat loss unless there is a significant increase in activity levels.
Increasing step count through activities like walking can significantly contribute to daily calorie burn without making significant changes to formal exercise.
Factors like body weight, body composition, fitness level, age, and physiological adaptations can influence daily calorie burn and should be considered when assessing the impact of cardio and activity on fat loss.
Deep dives
The impact of cardio on fat loss in relation to calorie intake
The podcast discusses whether cardio or increased movement is beneficial for fat loss when compared to calorie restriction alone. It is suggested that exercise alone does not yield significant fat loss unless there is a significant increase in activity levels. For most people, doing a moderate amount of cardio may not burn enough calories to make a noticeable impact on fat loss. However, at the extremes, such as in trained endurance athletes or extremely active individuals, high levels of cardio can lead to substantial fat loss. Additionally, the benefits of increased movement and cardio may be more pronounced in individuals with lower body fat percentages or smaller maintenance calories. Overall, the effectiveness of cardio for fat loss depends on various factors including intensity, fitness level, duration, and individual differences in energy expenditure and appetite regulation.
The role of step count and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)
The podcast also highlights the importance of step count and overall non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) in daily calorie expenditure. Increasing step count through activities like walking can significantly contribute to daily calorie burn without making significant changes to formal exercise. Step counts of 10,000 or 20,000 per day can result in an additional calorie burn of 400 or 800 calories, respectively. This increase in NEAT can be particularly beneficial for individuals on low-calorie diets, as it allows for a higher calorie intake without compromising fat loss. Step counts and NEAT can be quantified using devices like pedometers or step tracking apps, providing measurable data and the potential for gamification to encourage increased activity levels.
Individual variations in energy expenditure and activity levels
The podcast emphasizes the significant variations in energy expenditure and activity levels among individuals. Factors like body weight, body composition, fitness level, age, and physiological adaptations can influence daily calorie burn. Leaner individuals may naturally have lower NEAT levels, while fitter individuals may have greater activity levels without conscious effort. It is important to consider individual differences when assessing the impact of cardio and activity on fat loss and calorie expenditure. Additionally, factors like appetite regulation, motivation, and personal habits contribute to the effectiveness of cardio and increased movement for fat loss.
The limitations and complexities of studying energy expenditure
The podcast acknowledges the challenges in studying energy expenditure and its impact on fat loss. The concept of energy constraint, as proposed by certain researchers, suggests that increasing activity levels may eventually lead to plateauing calorie burn due to physiological adaptations. However, there are debates and conflicting findings about this constraint, and the role of conscious choices, individual set points, and dietary factors. Strategies like step counts, tracking devices, and awareness of daily activity levels can offer insights and opportunities for optimizing fat loss and calorie balance.
Higher activity levels burn more calories
Increasing activity levels generally leads to a greater calorie burn. However, there may be a point of diminishing returns where the body starts compensating and burns fewer additional calories. The key is finding an activity level that is sustainable and does not lead to excessive compensatory behaviors.
Importance of finding a balance
It is essential to strike a balance between increasing activity levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While higher activity levels can help with calorie burn and weight management, it is important to consider feasibility and enjoyment. Some people naturally enjoy physical movement more, while others may find alternate strategies like gaming or goal-setting with step counts to make activity more engaging. Individual preferences and lifestyle constraints must be taken into account when determining the optimal activity level.
Lyle McDonald and I talk through everything (or most of) what you should know about increasing your daily step count, doing more cardio, or doing anything in general to burn more calories. How much will it help to get and stay lean, and how should you implement it practically to your lifestyle?
0:00 - intro
1:14 - Moving more vs eating less for fat-loss: an overview
7:00 - Compensation after cardio - do you burn less calories later?
14:17 - Appetite and cardio - do you get hungrier if you burn more calories?
18:56 - Constrained energy expenditure (Pontzer model, and the Hadza studies)
31:02 - Join my coaching system!
31:47 - Do you burn less calories with cardio over time?
35:19 - Step counts and pedometers and their utility
44:50 - The caloric boost of doing more steps
1:00:30 - Getting a treadmill, using stimulants and ultra high step counts
1:14:35 - Summary of takeaways and practical tips
1:25:25 - Where can we find you?
To apply to the new round of group coaching, you can book a time at:
https://calendly.com/abel-csabai/ssd-transformation
Or drop me an email to
abel.csabai [at] gmail.com
Angles 90 grips:
https://angles90-the-first-dynamic-training-grip-worldwide.myshopify.com/?rfsn=5301938.a3640b
Coupon code for 10% off ABELC10
insta: @ssdabel
Lyle's resources:
Website: https://bodyrecomposition.com/
Bodyrecomposition Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/810890695609053
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