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Cardio or Strength Training? Both!!!


Next time you visit your gym, compare the shape of the people on the treadmills versus the people lifting weights. Which group is in better physical condition? Yep, hands down, it is the weight lifters, both men and women. A common dieting myth is that you need to do tons of aerobic and cardiovascular exercise to remove the flab, and that lifting weights will only make you look bulky. Women, in particular, are terrified that if they haul more than a five-pound pink princess dumbell, they will begin to resemble Lou Ferrigno. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Regular, consistent weight-training will significantly boost your metabolism, giving you an additional bang for your dieting buck. According to numerous studies, it generally takes at least 20 minutes of cardio before your body even begins to enter the fat-burning range. Hence, the number of fat behinds getting jiggy on the exercise bikes!


The best strategy: 30 minutes of weight training followed by 30 minutes of cardio. Your body will already be warmed up for fat burning by the time you hit the treadmill. More importantly, your added musculature will increase your metabolic rate 24/7.


Coming Monday: Choosing the right gym

Feb 21, 2003    4:32 pm
 
< Choosing a Gym: Location! Location! Location! | Time to Get Your Butt to the Gym! >

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