Strength Training is Not the Only Way to Burn Fat
Typically running is a form of exercise used as a form of cardio exercise to burn calories. However, did you know that, done properly, you can use running to burn fat too?
You can.
Yes, running is a lot different than strength training, which is a typical form of exercise to burn fat. And, you will likely not burn as much fat as you would with strength training, but it is a nice way to add variety to your running and other fat burning routines.
So if you want to change your workout routine, desire to not only lose weight but to also burn fat (even if you do not like running), or learn something new, this is the place for you.
By the way, if running is something you only do to run away from something, you will still benefit from what follows. So stay right here.
Why You Should Care About Burning Fat
The video (audio and transcript) below touches a little bit on why you should care about burning fat, but let me give you a visual while you're here.
What is the first measuring device you think of when you want to lose weight? A scale is likely the first thing that came to mind, right?
Each time you get on the scale you are hoping and praying to see a decreasing number. But what happens when the number doesn't decrease?
You get frustrated, are bewildered, or get sad, then run off and eat something bad because you are so fed up. It is for this reason you should care about burning fat more than losing weight.
Here is why.
Your total body weight consists of body fat and lean body mass. If you are working out consistently and including strength training in your exercise routine, it is quite possible that the number on the scale has remained the same while your body composition has not remained the same.
Without the assistance of fancy equipment to measure your body fat, you have a reliable an inexpensive alternative. Pput on an article of clothing that you recently wore. If, to your surprise, those clothes are looser, your efforts show that you have more lean body mass. Sweet!
How to Use Running to Burn Fat
So now that I have convinced you to focus more on burning fat than on losing weight, one way to use running to burn fat is to add intensity to your run. I talk about that in this video. And if running is not your thing, I address that in this video too.
Listen to the Audio
No time to watch a video? No problem. Instead of watching you can listen. Can you hear me smiling?
Read the Transcript
If you like reading rather than watching a video or listening to audio, download a complete, word-for-word transcript of the video here.
What form of exercise to you use to burn fat? Share in the post comments.