The Fat Loss Myth of Steady State Cardio

We need to have a heart-to-heart about your heart. Yes, yours, the one that's been pumping away on that treadmill for hours, thinking you're doing it a big favor. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but we've been led astray. Far astray. The idea that steady-state cardio is the holy grail of fat loss is as outdated as leg warmers and sweatbands. And here's why.

Steady-state cardio, like long-distance running or that never-ending elliptical session, has long been touted as the go-to exercise for fat loss. But the harsh reality is, it's not the fat burning powerhouse we once thought. In fact, too much of it can actually work against us!

Now, before you throw your running shoes at me, let's dive into the science. Our bodies are smart. Very smart. They adapt to whatever we throw at them. If you do the same steady-state cardio for weeks on end, your body will say, "Hey, this isn't so tough. I’ll burn fewer calories doing it." Not exactly what you want when you're trying to shed those extra pounds, right?

What's worse, excessive steady-state cardio can increase our cortisol levels. "Corti-what?" I hear you ask. Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone. While we need some cortisol for healthy bodily functions, too much of it can lead to muscle breakdown, sleep disturbance, and even weight gain. Yikes! That's the opposite of what we want when we’re sweating buckets on the treadmill.

So, if long, grueling cardio sessions aren't the answer, what is? Drumroll, please... HIIT! High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT for short, is your new best friend in the quest for fat loss. HIIT consists of short, intense bursts of exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise.

Why is HIIT the bee's knees, you ask? Well, it can burn more calories in less time, which is a win-win for those of us with busy schedules. But that's not all. HIIT can also increase your metabolic rate for hours after exercise, a phenomenon known as the afterburn effect. This means you'll continue burning calories long after you've finished your workout. Talk about getting more bang for your buck!

Plus, HIIT is much less likely to cause a spike in cortisol levels. Instead, it promotes the release of growth hormones that aid in fat loss and muscle gain. Yes, please!

So if you're still plodding along on that treadmill, it might be time to switch things up. Get off the hamster wheel and give HIIT a try. Your waistline - and your cortisol levels - will thank you.

Remember, exercise should be fun, not a chore. So find a HIIT routine you enjoy (like my 21-Day Metabolic Reset), and start working towards a healthier, happier you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some burpees to do.