Cardio question

It isn't going to slow your metabolism.

Cardio is fine just don't overdo it.

But from experience, and studies, weight training is the best way to lose fat and improve your body composition and health.

It isn't going to slow your metabolism.

But it also isn't going to make you lose fat.


Losing weight is about maintaining a moderate caloric deficit (i.e. diet). Losing fat is about combining that moderate deficit with high protein intake and heavy lifting. The high protein + heavy lifting will help you retain the muscle you have while the caloric deficit will help you lose weight. Losing weight + retaining muscle = losing fat.

I've honestly never heard that cardio slows your metabolism. And I read a LOT of fitness/training articles.
For me what's been working is- cardio Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (either run 3 miles, zumba, or both) and do strength training Monday, Wednesday, Friday (and sometimes still run the 3 miles, depending on how busy I am that day). I started out going just cardio, but then once I added the strength training, I REALLY saw improvements, not only when it came to the scale, but in my body too.
I hit my 20 lb. loss mark this morning, actually, and I don't think I would've gotten there this quickly without strength training. There were a couple weeks when the scale didn't move, but the inches were still coming off when I measured. I credit that to gaining muscle. People are always afraid that strength training will make them "bulk up" or make them huge. Not the case. For me, I now have awesome toned arms and legs, and my shoulders are pretty great looking too (if I say so myself =] ). I'm totally satisfied with the program I've made for myself.
Cardio is great for you, but you need to combine it with strength training for an over all fit. Think of it this way, have you ever seen a cross country/marathon runner who looked like they could pick up a 20 lb. weight, let alone actually work out with it?

I don't know who told you that cardio (aerobics) will slow your metabolism, but the opposite is true. Both aerobic exercise and strength training will burn fat and improve your metabolism. ALL exercise is good when done and fueled properly.

If all you do is cardio while in a deficit you will lose muscle and your metabolism will slow as a result. Strength training and a high protein intake helps to preserve your muscle mass so most/all of the weight you lose is fat. Fat weight is not a significant contributor to metabolism, muscle weight is, your BMR will decline as your muscle mass does (and will increase as your muscle mass does).

I started at 210lbs, went down to 145, and now I am sitting at 165.
Cardio is a wonderful way, and in no way slows down metabolism.
If you go with HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING cardio, it jacks up your metabolism for up to 48 hours, but usually 24.

Weight training would also benefit you.
Start with moderate weight, high reps. about 15-20reps or more.
The higher you keep your heart rate and the longer means high intensity which means more calories burnt.
But you should ABSOLUTELY do High Intensity Interval Training every other day 3 times a week.

If you have ANY questions, feel free to message me.
I could give you facts, instructions, and diet help.
I've gone from out of shape to fitness freak.