S10 Ask Dr Hazel: Does strength training burn more fat than cardio?
Oct 5, 2023
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Dr. Hazel defines strength training and discusses its effectiveness for burning fat compared to cardio. She highlights the importance of including both forms of exercise in a routine and mentions a gym-based strength program offered by the Food Medic.
Strength training involves using resistance or weights to increase muscle strength, which can include activities like yoga and body pump.
While cardio exercises tend to burn more calories per minute, strength training increases lean muscle mass and raises resting metabolic rate, leading to more calorie burn even at rest.
Deep dives
Definition and types of strength training
Strength training, also referred to as resistance training, is any form of movement that increases muscle strength by making the muscles work against a weight or force. This can include using free weights, weight machines, or even resistance bands. Activities like going to the gym or doing crossfit are obvious examples of strength training, but other movements such as yoga, where your body acts as resistance, also count. One specific example mentioned in the podcast is Lesmels body pump, which involves using light to moderate free weights and a barbell, making it a form of strength training.
The benefits of combining strength and cardio training
When it comes to burning fat, cardiovascular exercises tend to use more calories per minute due to their continuous intensity. However, strength training has its own unique benefits. It increases lean muscle mass and raises your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when at rest. Strength training also contributes to stronger bones and improved cardiovascular health. Some workout classes, like crossfit or body pump, combine elements of both strength and cardio, providing an increased calorie burn and intensity. Ideally, both cardio and strength training should be included in a well-rounded fitness routine to maximize the benefits of each.
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The Definition of Strength Training and Its Relationship with Fat Burning
Our listener question this week is “What is the definition of strength training? I've read some articles saying that strength training is a better way to burn fat than just doing cardio. But I'm not exactly sure what the definition of it is” Thank you to everyone who has sent in questions already and if you would like to submit a question to the podcast, please send your voice recorded question to info@thefoodmedic.co.uk.