The Art of Manliness

#538: Research-Backed Answers to All Your Fitness FAQs

Aug 28, 2019

In this enlightening discussion, Alex Hutchinson, a Cambridge-trained physicist, former long-distance runner, and author, tackles common fitness questions. He clarifies whether cardio or weights should come first in a workout. Alex reveals how both strength training and HIIT may be more effective for fat loss than low-intensity cardio. He also debunks the myth of fat burning zones and discusses the importance of enjoying your exercise routine. Plus, find out the surprising effects of music on athletic performance!

51:22

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Episode guests

Alex Hutchinson

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Balancing Cardio and Weight Training

20min

Luxury Essentials and Affordable Wireless Solutions

2min

Understanding Fat Burning: Exercise Intensity and Weight Loss Myths

4min

Unpacking Fat Loss Myths and Running Insights

10min

Integrating Cardio for Comprehensive Fitness

14min

Exploring the Sound of Silence in Fitness

3min

Which should you do first when you work out -- cardio or weights? How long does it take to get in shape? How long does it take to get out of shape? How important is your form when you run? Does exercise really contribute to fat loss? Does music help or hurt your athletic performance?

These are the kinds of questions folks have about exercise, and have trouble finding good answers to. The advice out there on blogs and magazines is often confusing and contradictory. My guest today set out to cut through the noise by finding the best research-backed answers to these questions and more in his book Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise. His name is Alex Hutchinson, and he started out as a Cambridge-trained physicist and a long-distance runner on the Canadian national team, and is now a journalist and author. Today on the show, Alex walks us through what the scientific literature says about some of the most common fitness and health questions out there. This is a fun and interesting conversation packed with lots of useful insights. Will your own theories and practices be confirmed or challenged? Listen in to find out!

Get the show notes at aom.is/fitnessfaq.

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