How Does Cardio Help to Burn Fat?

1. 

   Energy and Fat

   • The amount of energy your body needs to do something is a measured unit of heat called a calorie. The main source of calories is from carbohydrates and fats. In order to burn a calorie that comes from fat or carbs, you must exert some sort of energy on a regular basis. Your body uses energy all day long when you do everyday things, but not enough to deplete fat for weight loss. This is why it's so important to work out with a cardiovascular exercise program to burn fat--you can burn many calories in one activity.
     

   Where Cardio Fits In

   • In order to lose 1 lb. of fat you must burn about 3,500 calories. When you do some sort of cardiovascular exercise just for 30 minutes, you burn between 150 and 300 calories. Cardio workouts can consist of walking, aerobics in step or floor form, biking, dancing, swimming or anything else that gets you up and moving at a good clip.
     

   What Else is Needed?

   • It is also a great idea to eat a sensible diet and lift weights in some form. Cutting calories from your diet by replacing fattening foods with fruits and vegetables is a great way to jump start your fat burn. Reducing your calorie intake throughout the day and adding a cardiovascular workout will decrease your caloric intake and increase calories burned. Strength training helps increase muscle and having extra muscles helps a person to burn fat while at rest. Therefore it is a good idea to add strength training to your cardio workouts as well, because you will burn more fat calories throughout the day even when you are resting.