A. Actually performing cardio workouts are NOT the only way to shed body fat! Cardiovascular training is a great way to improve the circulatory system, increase the efficiency of the heart and lungs and yes, burn calories which translates into fat loss. However, it isn't the only way to burn the body fat you are looking to get rid of. Muscles have a lot of energy stored in them. The body prefers to use the glycogen stores in the muscle for fuel as well as the blood glucose rather than fat. Ideally, it is best to include strength training in your fitness routine to lose body fat. As I've mentioned in previous blogs, muscle is living tissue which requires nutrients and calories to exist. Strength training will not only burn calories during the actual workout but will continue to burn calories by raising your resting metabolic rate. Strength training will also help prevent muscle loss while performing cardio workouts. Long bouts of cardio will cause the body to deplete the blood glucose levels and then break down the muscles for fuel. Research has shown 20-60 minutes of cardio, three to five sessions each week is ideal.
Performing cardio exercise at a more intense pace will indeed burn more carbohydrates for fuel, but will also burn more overall calories per exercise session. Once your carbs are depleted, your body will burn fat for fuel. By increasing the intensity of your cardio workout, not only will you strengthen your heart and cardiovascular efficiency, you will create a caloric deficit which creates a loss in body fat.
In my opinion, doing cardio at a slow pace is good if you are new to working out and need to build up your endurance. It is a good way to increase your fitness level and burn body fat. But, if you are looking to maximize calorie burn, increase cardiovascular health and burn a ton of body fat... PICK UP THE PACE BIT!!!! Try performing cardio workouts within your Target Heart Rate for more effective results.