Metabolism and interval training

Depending on slow cardio exercise for significant fat loss is at the very least, inefficient.

With slow cardio exercise (like walking normally) it takes a long time for you to burn a lot of calories. Using only light cardio training for weight loss could even result in a reduced resting metabolism. Strength training doesn't suffer a reduced metabolic rate.

So what is the solution to burning fat in a faster, more efficient method?

The answer is to burn fewer calories in less exercise time, but with a more intense form of exercise.

Your body burns more calories after intense exercise (when you use intervals) than it does after you do slow cardio and your metabolism will stay high. This is sometimes called the afterburn effect.

How do you do intervals?

Well, you could sprint for 30 seconds and rest for 90 seconds and repeat that for 6 sets - using the bike, treadmill or running outside or even swimming, boxing, or skipping.Within that short time frame the intervals will cause your muscles to go crazy with activity. This crazy metabolism boost causes lots of calorie burning after exercise to get your body back to normal.

The result is you end up burning more fat and more calories in the post-exercise period as your body tries to get things under control.

Just remember though, you can wipe out an entire workout's work in less than a minute simply by eating rubbish food.