What is the best type of training to lose fat?
'What is the best type of exercise to help me lose weight?'
It's a common question in the fitness industry, and it's easy to see why. With so much information being thrown at us from social media, magazines and television, it's hard to keep up!
I'll start with the short answer: the best type of exercise to help you to lose weight is the one that you enjoy.
Why? Because you're going to stick to it.
It's all very well and good telling yourself that you need to go for a 30 minute run everyday, but if you don't really WANT to, then you will eventually stop going - and you could be missing out on another great activity that you WILL enjoy!
Now for the long answer, let's have a look at some popular different types of training:
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) - Often hailed as the most effective way to burn fat fast, HIIT is a type of cardiovascular training that sees us working in intervals for a short amount of time, followed by a short amount of rest. This allows you to work harder in a shorter space of time, making it a quick and convenient way to burn calories fast, as well as improve your aerobic endurance.
LISS (Low Intensity Steady State) - Pretty much the opposite of HIIT, LISS training is a slightly more gentle way to get your cardio in, but that doesn't mean it's not as effective! Typically your heart rate won't rise as high and you won't be struggling for air, LISS includes exercises such as walking, swimming and cycling, and is a relaxing way to lose fat and improve your heart health.
Strength Training - We all know that lifting weights can help to increase the strength and size of your muscles, but it can also have a hugely positive effect on your fat-burning potential. More muscle mass means that you burn more calories at rest (and during exercise), making it a great tool to have in your fat-loss belt, as well as increasing your physical and mental confidence.
Exercise Classes - There are plenty of different types of group classes available, from Zumba and BodyPump to Water Aerobics and Circuits... (and of course the fantastic Group Personal Training Sessions at JWC ;) Exercise classes are a supportive environment to work out in and a great way to make friends.
Sports and other activities - not to be neglected! There are hundreds of different ways to get active, and these also include activities such as dancing, martial arts, rock climbing, team sports, the list goes on and on...
The most important thing is to get moving and ENJOY YOURSELF!
If you have any questions about training methods then please do not hesitate to get in touch - we are always happy to help