Can you burn fat with cardio?

Cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as "cardio," is a type of physical activity that raises your heart rate and helps improve your overall health. As a fitness professional with a background in exercise physiology, I can tell you that cardio can indeed help burn fat. When you engage in cardio exercises like running, swimming, or cycling, your body uses more energy, which it gets from various sources, including fats. This process is known as lipolysis, where the body breaks down stored fat into free fatty acids that can be used for energy. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of cardio for fat loss can be influenced by several factors: 1. Intensity: Moderate to high-intensity cardio can burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. 2. Duration: The longer the duration of the exercise, the more calories you burn, which can contribute to fat loss. 3. Consistency: Regular cardio sessions are more effective for sustained fat loss than sporadic ones. 4. Diet: A well-balanced diet is crucial for providing the body with the necessary nutrients and energy to support fat loss during cardio. 5. Individual Differences: People's bodies respond differently to exercise, and genetics can play a role in how effectively someone burns fat. In conclusion, while cardio is an effective tool for burning fat, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Combining it with strength training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest can lead to more effective and sustainable fat loss results.

This helps get your muscles warm for the work ahead, and it can burn an additional 50-150 calories, depending on intensity. If your goal is to lean out, follow your weight training with cardio. Since lifting depletes glycogen stores, your body is more likely to use fat as its first fuel source during cardio.