Burning FAT?

sweetnsassy1491
sweetnsassy1491 Posts: 95 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I just joined a body fat loss contest. I'm a lot bigger than most who joined...so nice advantage. I know both weight training and cardio are important to weight loss...But, I was wondering...which burns more body fat? Cardio or lifting weights? I would love to hear some opinions. Thanks!

Replies

  • Laurenloveswaffles
    Laurenloveswaffles Posts: 535 Member
    Calorie deficit is the most important to losing fat. Weight training comes in second, imo, then cardio. Because I hate cardio.
  • sweetnsassy1491
    sweetnsassy1491 Posts: 95 Member
    LOL, good reasoning.
  • oinkerjnn
    oinkerjnn Posts: 85 Member
    I agree with lolowolf for the exact same reason. And I think its true too.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    Neither burns fat, they burn calories.

    Eating at a deficit burns fat.

    I burn nearly 1000 calories an hour on a fast hill run at my current weight.

    I burn roughly 250 calories an hour on my heavy lifting days.
  • snjohnston
    snjohnston Posts: 47 Member
    Both burn fat, but lifting will help you burn around the clock while cardio's effect only lasts a couple hours post workout. Think of it this way, the more muscle you have, the better your body is at burning fat even when you aren't doing anything, such as sleeping.
  • nlcs_nickyv32
    nlcs_nickyv32 Posts: 84
    You need a combination of all three things to really lose weight.

    Calorie deficit is the most important. You will not lose any weight if you are not at a calorie deficit, no matter how much you exercise. You will never see results if you eat at or above maintenance.

    Weight lifting I would rank second. Although it doesn't burn as many calories as cardio, lifting weights builds muscle which helps keep the weight off and help your body burn calories more effectively. Like the above post said it causes your body to burn calories for hours after a workout, sometimes it lasts for 24 hours.

    Cardio well It's important as well, Cardio is the best way to loose fat in a calorie deficit, but cardio can also cause you to lose muscle which is why it is important to do weight training as well. The combination of the two makes sure that your are losing minimal muscle.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    Both burn fat, but lifting will help you burn around the clock while cardio's effect only lasts a couple hours post workout. Think of it this way, the more muscle you have, the better your body is at burning fat even when you aren't doing anything, such as sleeping.

    an extra pound of muscle only gives like 5-10 extra calorie burn per hour and do you know how hard it is to gain a pound of muscle?!

    OP, eat at a calorie deficit do some lifting and do some cardio. Why does it have to be an either or situation?
  • snjohnston
    snjohnston Posts: 47 Member
    Neither burns fat, they burn calories.

    Eating at a deficit burns fat.

    I burn nearly 1000 calories an hour on a fast hill run at my current weight.

    I burn roughly 250 calories an hour on my heavy lifting days.

    If your deficit is too much you risk your body going into starvation mode in which your body essentially eats up your muscles for fuel and holds on tightly to your fat and stores more fat.
  • sweetnsassy1491
    sweetnsassy1491 Posts: 95 Member
    I'm logging my food to watch my calories and I'm doing both weight training and cardio, during the day. But, before work I have an extra half an hour so I hit the gym. Was wondering how best to use that time, especially during this contest. Thanks for the reply.
  • sweetnsassy1491
    sweetnsassy1491 Posts: 95 Member
    Thanks for the replies. It has helped a lot.
  • jessysmith421
    jessysmith421 Posts: 12
    I'd say use that hour for cardio. That way you'll have more calories to eat during the day if you happen to get more hungry. Besides, strength training always makes me really hungry so I personally wouldn't do it at the start of my day. It's good that you're doing a combination of both, though, because cardio and eating at a deficit will help you lose, but lean body mass will be lost as well. with strength training in your regimen, you'll keep a higher percentage of lbm while losing weight. Best of luck!!
  • lukewind
    lukewind Posts: 177 Member
    More muscle gives you a faster metabolism so weight training is good, but calorie deficit is the most important thing to losing weight. Just note that if doing a lot of weight training you may see some weight gain because muscle weighs more and you retain more water while lifting to help repair and build the muscle.

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