Fat Burning

chelsearoderick3

Hi, I have heard that the body doesn't start burning fat until about 40 mins into exercise. Is exercising for less than 40 mins therefore not really worth doing if you want to lose weight? I know all exercise burns calories but if you want to lose weight should you always ensure you reach the fat burning stage? And is this after 40 mins? Thanks.

BrianSharpe

Forget you ever heard the term "fat burning" - when you exercise your body burns both glycogen and fat as as fuel (the proportion varies in relation to the intensity - lower intensity = higher proportion fat) but this is completely meaningless in the context of weight loss; all that matters is that the calories you expend exceed the calories you consume.

Exercise, paradoxically, does not directly contribute to weight loss inasmuch as you do need to consume extra calories to fuel the workouts but it does contribute to improved overall health and fitness which is reason enough to exercise regularly.

If you have time to exercise longer great if not just make the most of the time you have available.

ninerbuff

Fat burning happens when you're calorie deficit. While exercise burns calories and will use fat as energy, one will burn more fat at rest and sleeping than a hard 60 minute workout. That's because at rest, your body burns almost 100% fat as the energy source.
So the goal should be to try to raise your RMR which is done with lean muscle gain and HIIT work. One can exercise very moderately and burn fat for fuel, but the duration of the exercise to make it work is usually LONG.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

jackedison

Exercise plays an important role in keeping heart, bones and muscles healthy and fit. I dont have much knowlege about fat burning.