Yet we've been taught to believe that cardio is ESSENTIAL for weight loss.
We've been taught that if you want to lose weight, you MUST run or bike or go on the elliptical for an hour.
BUT THAT'S JUST NOT TRUE!
That steady-state cardio may actually even be HINDERING you from getting the lean, strong body you want for a couple of reasons.
First, the more steady-state cardio you do, the more EFFICIENT your body becomes. Which is awesome when it comes to running faster and further with ease if you're training for a race.
HOWEVER, when it comes to FAT LOSS, this can be an issue. The more efficient your body becomes, the less you burn during, and even AFTER, your workouts are over.
Second, not only is steady-state cardio catabolic to muscle tissue, BUT it also doesn't help you build the lean muscle mass that makes you look more toned and defined (and helps you burn even more calories at rest!).
Why is MUSCLE so important?
Because having lean muscle means you'll burn more calories on a day-to-day basis. You'll increase your metabolism and burn more fat even at rest.
Plus, the stronger you get, the harder you can push in your workouts and the more calories you can even burn DURING your training for faster results!
And if you want to LOOK leaner, having that lean muscle mass is ESSENTIAL! And the best way to GAIN lean muscle is definitely NOT cardio.
NOPE!
You need to do strength training!
So if you want to shred body fat and gain muscle, step off the treadmill and away from the steady-state cardio!