2 Common Cardio Mistakes… Are You Making These?
by Jason O’Neil
www.MakeYourFatMelt.com
If you type in the search phrase of “cardio mistakes”, you’re likely to get a lot of differing opinions on the subject. There is obviously a ton of interest in this subject, especially for people that are looking to lose weight. Unfortunately though, most people are doing 2 things that are killing their results.
First Reason: Not Focusing on Total Calories Burned
Most people just aren’t burning enough calories. Why though? Well, they are too busy worrying about the “right” ways to doing cardio or the right type of exercise, rather than focusing on the actual results they are seeking from doing the exercise.
Fact is that if you burn more calories than you take in, you’ll lose weight. It’s really as simple as that. I say that we try to not overcomplicate things.
Question: Which is better, a slow and steady approach at a sloth like pace, or a super intense routine?
Answer: It doesn’t matter. Focus on the total amount of calories burned, rather than the way of getting there. What’s missing in most peoples approach is quite simply the total amount of fat loss over time is in direct correlation with the amount of calories burned. Oh and not to mention, total calories burned is a product of intensity and duration. Not either, or.
If you focus too much on one of these variables, the other could lead to a less than desirable total calorie burn, which will lead to disappointing results. When you understand the relation between intensity and duration, you will find your maximum calorie burn. Finding that will lead to better results.
Second Reason: Focusing Too Much on What Type of Calories are Burned
What this means is that many people are focusing way too much of their attention on whether or not they’re burning fats or burning carbohydrates. This is also known as substrate utilization.
If you want to know what I’m talking about all you have to do is go to the gym and look at the cardio equipment. They will have the “optimal heart rate” which shows you a fat burning zone and an aerobic zone. This idea is a myth that actually tells people to exercise at a slower and less intense pace if they want to burn more fat.
Which of these workouts burn more calories?
- A 30 minute slow, steady low intensity walk through your neighborhood
- A 30 minute, intense, heart pounding run?
The answer should be obvious.
The problem is that you should actually be focusing on the total calories and the total fat burned during the workout, not what type or percentage of calories you’re burning during the workout.
I’m not telling you that fat oxidation doesn’t matter, but what if you have a high percentage of fat burn, with a low number of calories burned? Will you be able to hit your goals that way?
Here’s the Solution to Burning More Fat
It really is simple, if you don’t over complicate it. Simply focus your energy on how you can burn more total calories during your workout and all day long. If you want to burn more fat or lose more weight and keep it off, then you can do so by increasing your intensity or duration…Or increasing both. If you build your program around that concept you’ll be well on your way to losing weight or losing fat.
Obviously there is another side to the story. Ready for it?
Make sure that in improving your cardio, your nutrition and diet are on the same track. For example, many people when they start their cardio routines also increase their food intake. They have to work hand in hand.
It should go without saying that nutrition is the foundation on which your fat loss or weight loss is going to live and die by. Simply increase your intensity or duration, and keep your diet healthy and you’ll see the weight coming off in no time at all.
If you find yourself searching for answers or making these types of mistakes I suggest Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle. This program is sure to get you on the right track. To know more, click on the image below.
