Diets are the cornerstone of weight loss strategies, but dieters seeking long-term results know it's best to couple healthy eating habits with a solid exercise routine.
The age-old debate over whether to prioritise cardio or weight training in a workout routine continues to divide fitness enthusiasts, however.
Emma Nathalie Larsson, a Swedish fitness fanatic, recently shed light on the matter on TikTok, where she documented the impressive weight loss transformation that saw her shed more than eight stone.
The influencer asserted: “You don’t need to do cardio to lose weight, coming from someone who lost 52 kg (114lb).”
The Swedish influencer has documented her weight loss transformation online
TIKTOK
In the caption of the video, Emma credited strength training and a caloric deficit for her results, suggesting weight training offers greater benefits for weight loss.
However, speaking to GB News, personal trainer at Puregym, Phil Carpenter, explained that individual goals and preferences play a crucial role in determining the best approach.
“A cardio workout will typically expend more calories than a weight training workout," the expert noted.
“However your metabolism may stay elevated for longer after a weights session, helping you continue to burn calories after you stop working out.”
He went on: "Combining cardio and weights within your routine will help you lose excess body fat while building lean muscle, which in the long run will help your overall fitness, rather than focusing solely on weight loss.
“Aiming for a balanced diet too will also help you maintain your results and improve overall health and wellbeing."
While it goes without saying that both forms of exercise offer unique advantages for overall health and weight loss, the ultimate order of these activities remains a contentious issue among experience.
Phil explained: “If your primary goal is to increase your aerobic endurance or lose body fat, then I would actually suggest you perform cardio first.
“And if your primary goal is to increase muscular strength, then do strength training first.
"To get the most out of your workout, you should perform the exercise that is most important and significant to your goals first when you are not fatigued.”
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The Swedish influencer has documented her weight loss transformation online
TIKTOK
The key takeaway is that combining cardio and weight training can be highly effective for fat loss and muscle building. However, the order of these exercises remains debatable.
Some experts suggest doing cardio after weights to preserve energy for strength training, while others argue that weight training first may enhance fat burning during cardio.
Ultimately, individual fitness goals and personal preferences should guide workout choices.
Moreover, discussing your personal goals with a healthcare practitioner could inform the best approach for you.