Why Cardio Is Overrated For Fat Loss (Focus on THIS Instead)

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Don't get too excited by the title of this fat loss video, as this doesn't mean that cardio is ineffective or that you shouldn't do it. Cardio workouts (whether it's LISS cardio, HIIT cardio or something in between) provide a wide variety of benefits beyond just burning calories and I do recommend that you include it as part of your program whether you're trying to build muscle, get leaner or just improve overall health and fitness. However, when it comes specifically to the goal of losing fat, placing too much emphasis on cardiovascular exercise can sometimes come with certain drawbacks. In this video I outline three reasons why cardio is overrated for fat loss and why controlling calorie intake is the main area you should be concerned with for implementing a successful cutting phase.

[Sean_Nalewanyj]

I can foresee some people possibly taking this video out of context, so let me just re-state:

Something being "overrated" does NOT mean it's ineffective or that you shouldn't do it.

DO YOUR CARDIO.

The point here is simply that from a pure *fat loss* perspective, the effect is usually not as significant as most average gym goers think. And believing that it is can actually be counterproductive for the reasons given in the video.

Cardio can certainly assist your fat loss efforts, but controlling calorie intake will be the primary driver in the majority of cases.

The message here isn't to discourage cardio (since the benefits extend far beyond losing fat and so you should be doing it regardless), it's to encourage a focus on diet first and foremost if your goal is to get leaner.

[medhanshchatterjee]

The fat loss or calorie burning component of cardio should be seen as side effects.
People should incorporate cardio in their weekly routine because it's good for their heart and cardiovascular system, not to just lose weight.

[MonkeyBarsEveryday]

not eating 500cal is a lot easier than burning 500cal

[currypablo]

I find doing an intense 20 minute cardio session 3 times a week helps me with my weight training. I require less time between sets, helps me with my breathing while doing reps.

[SeniorGymBro-Tom]

Weight training is fun for me, Cardio is not fun. I’m trying to force myself to do more cardio. Great info Sean!

[ynwajft]

Where have you gone? I hope everything is ok?

[hobotify]

I like cardio. It lets me relax while also improving cardiovascular health. In addition to weight training and diet i also watched the entirety of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis on my stationary bike - it took a while as there are over 300 episodes. I trained HIIT style - pedaled on full blast for as long as i could, then slower until i caught my breath. Repeat for the duration of an episode. I dropped 25 kilos, got very slightly visible abs, but most importantly my endurance improved a lot.

[Charles-wgpl]

This guy legit. Offering free training and nutrition plans! You're the GOAT bro!!! Keep doing what you do. You help a lot of newbie's here like me. Thank you!

[ashu]

Today I tried sprinting a bit after months. I've not skipped one day of the gym for that matter of time. My heart went wild and my head felt light. My friends do incorporate 15-20 mins of high intensity cardio 2-3 times a week. That's it. I'll do it on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from now on

[Geoffcwest]

I guess it depends how much fat you’re trying to lose, I lost 80 pounds in 1 year by cutting calories, walking or riding everyday, That’s literally all I did and it just fell off, but now 5 years later I mainly do resistance training and a bit of cardio, which seems to keep the weight off very effectively

[gramajomd]

My main reason to do cardio is exactly that, cardio activity, give your heart exercise to reduce the risk of developing hypertrophic cardiopaty

[williambenton]

As a beginner hamplanet fatty, I needed to focus cardio almost entirely for my first month of working out because I was getting gassed out before ever even getting close to muscular failure. Now I can do light cardio warm ups and my rest between sets keeps shrinking from 5 minutes down to about 3, and I'm really feeling it when I do weight training now. That oxygen reaching my muscles and my breathing has helped tremendously.

[lightninlarry]

As always, you should be doing everything! A combination of weightlifting, cardio, and dieting will give you the best results.

[lucasvarley]

This is really informative and interesting! One of the biggest things that have helped me loose weight aside from spending time in the gym has been a custom meal plan from Next Level Diet. I use it every week and I love it!

[john-qzfu]

People cardio is not over rated, it can be argued it isn’t emphasised enough for the most important type of fat loss- cardiovascular fat loss. Do your cardio. If you cut out weight lifting all together and focus only on cardio (with diet) you will maximise the length of your life. You may not look shredded- but to someone with a healthy self esteem that doesn’t matter anyway.

[GregPaxson]

Sean, You are one of the only influencers that I agree with 100% of the time. You have helped me not only achieve my goals... but surpass them... and I'm still making consistent progress through following your content. Thank you.

[Emir-uzvz]

Bro your timing is awesome
I was just struggling to go for a walk 😭

[x-mejr-]

My only form of cardio is walking in circiles while i rest 4 minutes for my next set.

[MrsMiddleAtlantic]

My problem when it comes to this topic is that I much prefer running outside to a weight lifting session any day. Running is fun and makes me feel so good but I never look forward resistance training 😩
I am more motivated and excited on running days 😂❤

[saeshd]

Find cardio that entertains you, but it should always be challenging!