Fat burning cardio....Should you sweat??

Question

When I do cardio, I sweat! I mean, I don't feel good unless I've exhausted myself and soaked my shirt! However, my goal is fat loss. Im at 22% bfp right now and working toward 16-17%(Im a woman, btw). I do 35-45min of intense cardio six mornings a week, and then I also swim for 30-45min. three nights a week. So my question is, to lose the fat I have left, i.e. covering my abs, on my butt and hips, etc., should I stick to the @ss-kickin cardio, or do I slow it down?

Answer 1

sweating is good but it's not an indicator of an increased metabolic rate.

for those that are heart healthy high-intensity training is the only way to go. the greater the intensity and duration that exercise is performed at the greater the increase there will be in the resting metabolic rate, where is where the "real" fat burning takes places. attempting to target fat loss during the actual training session by training in the "fat-burning zone" is an outdated and antiquated philosophy that has been shown time and time again to be far less than optimum for fat loss.

remember that the diet ultimately determines the size of the body and the body composition (body fat %). exercise only provides the neccessary stimulus to the muscles and to the CNS. the more healthy the diet and the greater the amount of whole foods consumed the greater and faster the results of exercise will be seen

Answer 2

If your results have slowed down, you need to mix it up! Try some interval training. Go as fast as you can, then stop for 2 minutes and rest. Then do it again.

There's a really good book on interval training and changing your body... www.bodyforlife.com You can probably get his book from your library.

I saw that someone else said to target your abs... that's not a bad thing to do, but you are right to be thinking cardio because all the toned abs in the world are useless if there is still fat covering them. You can target muscle development, but you can't target weight loss... it just comes off all over!

I hope you get the body you are working for!!

Answer 3

You should restrict your calorie intake, but not too much. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies, but if you cut back too much you might get tired because of all the physical activity you are doing. Try changing your workout every few weeks too because your body becomes used to the routine and it stops being as effective. Try running intervals or look for different cardio routines online, but it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Just be patient and keep doing what you are doing.

Answer 4

Sweating is the bodies air conditioning at work. Excessive sweating is a relative term so consult with your medical professional if concerned. Sweating with little or no exertion is cause to check out.

Answer 5

wut ur doing is good but its been shown lower intensity over longer periods of time burns more fat. The fat burning zone is a hr of 160-180. if you can tone it down to a jog at around 6 mph give or take 2mph and maintain continuously for at least an hr. same thing with swimming, try to prolong your work out. most importantly change every few days from high intensity sprints to a long distance jog to a combination with interval sets. keeping your body guessing is the best way to lose weight.

diet is also key making sure you eat often(5-6x/day) and each meal be low calorie but high in protein and fiber.

Answer 6

Absolutely!

stick to the @ss-kickin cardio

Answer 7

Sounds like you're doing really good already, so just keep it up.
Just one word of warning. Your body fat is already extremely low. Just watch it, women need some extra fat, Im not sure exactly why but I think its a hormonal thing & maybe your periods can be affected if its too low. You say you are aiming for 16 to 17% body fat. I'd say its too low.

Answer 8

The cardio is always great. But if you are trying to get results that concentrated on certain areas you need to do exercises that target those areas in addition to what you're already doing. Cardio is awesome for your whole body.

Answer 9

Keep it up and if you really want to burn the remaining fat try a sensible diet so that you won't intake lots of fats and carbs. Try talking to a nutritionist. You'll be looking good in no time.

Answer 10

yes...lots & for continues fat burn do cardio but maintain a safe heart rate. The continuous mild exertion will burn the most fat. For fat on your limbs etc. do some light resistance weight training.