I’m going to kick things off by talking about the fundamental principle behind weight loss: It sounds fancy, but it’s pretty simple, it’s all about calories in versus calories out. If you burn more calories than you consume, you’ll lose weight. That’s going to include every calorie you burn, from running a mile to blinking your eyes.

But this isn’t just about burning more calories; it’s also about what kind of exercise you do to create that calorie deficit. You’re going to find out about the two heavyweights in the exercise arena: cardio and weight training. Cardio, which covers activities like running, cycling, and swimming, is known for its calorie-burning efficiency during the exercise itself.

On the flip side, weight training might not torch as many calories during the actual workout, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to building muscle. Why does that matter? Because more muscle means a higher resting metabolic rate. In other words, you’ll burn more calories even when you’re not working out.

Now, how do these two stack up when it comes to long-term weight loss? That’s the key question I’ll help you answer. Most people tend to gravitate towards cardio for weight loss because it’s straightforward and the calorie burn is immediate. But weight training has some compelling benefits that could make you reconsider.

In my opinion, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. That’s why I’m here to help you understand the nuts and bolts of how both cardio and weight training can help you shed pounds. Choose something that resonates with you, and remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last.