TheCardioClub.Net

Low Intensity

This is the cardio workout that is currently being pushed by the mainstream. The reason this cardio workout is so popular is that it gets good results. It has been proven in numerous studies that cardio performed at a moderate intensity will burn fat as energy instead of carbohydrates as energy. This is a great goal to have, since if the body is using fat as energy during the cardio workout, then you will get rid of fat exercising in this manner. Most of the cardio equipment these days comes with a heart rate display. It will let you monitor your heart rate during your cardio workout to allow you to hit the ideal intensity level. Usually it takes about 5-10 minutes to get up to the optimal heart rate. It is suggested to stay within that zone for at least 30 minutes for good results.

High Intensity

This is a much less popular cardio workout. It is hard work to workout at a high intensity level. Although it is used less, this cardio workout gets good results as well. If you get your heart rate above the typical moderate intensity level, you will burn a lot more calories. Some of those calories come from your body fat and some come from glycogen (carbohydrates stores within your muscles). The logic of burring a ton of calories in during your cardio workout is to create a daily calorie deficit. If you burn a lot more calories throughout the day than what you consume, you will lose weight.

The Challenge

• The low intensity cardio workout will burn body fat once you get your heart rate up to an optimum level. The challenge is that it takes about 10 minutes to get to the point where your heart rate is in the fat burning zone. The first 10 minutes of this cardio workout are somewhat unproductive.

• The high intensity cardio workout is great, but it is hard to exercise in this manner for a long period of time. Many people would have a tough time working out at an intense level for more than 10-15 minutes.

Fat Burning Cardio Workout

If you haven't guessed already, there is a way to benefit from both types of cardio workouts in the same session. You can make the first ten minutes of the low intensity cardio workout productive, by starting your cardio workout off at a high intensity level. What I recommend is to spend the first 10-15 minutes of your cardio workout running on a treadmill or really pushing hard on an exercise bike or elliptical machine. Once you are really working up a sweat, switch to a low intensity and keep it there for 20-30 minutes. You will burn a lot of calories and a lot of body fat.