The best types of exercise for weight loss as they 'use more fat as fuel' and may be 'more effective' in the long run

Woman walking across city and standing on scale

Steady-state exercise can help certain individuals lose more weight

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 17/04/2024

- 19:54

High intensity workouts may oxidise less fat than low intensity exercise, an expert has shared

When it comes to weight loss guidance, many have heard that cardio-oriented workouts offer the quickest results.

Walking and strength training have also been described as top picks because their health benefits are so wide-ranging.


While there is no unfavourable exercise for weight loss, choosing the right one for your personal goals will heighten your chances of long-term success.

Lower-intensity exercise typically encourages people to remain more consistent because they are less demanding, making it easier to stick to a routine.

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Consistency in exercise is key for long-term results

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Carlie Gasia, a certified wellness coach at Sleepopolis, told GB News: “Lower-intensity workouts may be more effective for burning fat compared to high-intensity workouts.

“Low-intensity exercise uses fat as fuel, therefore burning fat, and high-intensity exercise burns carbohydrates as fuel so it oxidizes less fat than lower-intensity exercises.

“These types of exercises are also usually more sustainable so you can exercise for longer periods and burn more calories overall.”

It is worth noting that it is impossible to target where you lose weight in the body, but some low-intensity exercises that engage your core muscles can be helpful.

“While these are all good exercise options, the best way to lose belly fat is by consistently eating healthy and exercising regularly," added Carlie.

Courtney Garcia, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor for Rumble Boxing, echoed this advice. She pointed out that the best type of approach to weight loss is the one you're most likely to undertake regularly.

“The best habit for weight loss is consistency," she said. “Finding a workout that you enjoy that you can stick with and incorporate into your daily life. In order to lose belly fat specifically, you need to lose overall body fat.

”Staying in a consistent routine with exercise in addition to a healthy diet and managing your stress levels is the most effective way to achieve weight loss overall, which in turn leads to belly fat loss.”

Garcia recommends going on walks because they're "accessible to almost everyone and have so many physical and mental health benefits".

"[These] include improving cardiovascular health, reducing stress levels and burning calories which aids in weight loss," said Garcia.

“Add a consistent strength training routine at least two to three days a week including upper body, lower body and core training moves.”

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Identifying the best exercise for you requires balancing personal preference and sustainability

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It comes as a registered dietitian spoke exclusively to GB News about the benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for weight loss.

HIIT is broadly defined as a training technique in which you give 100 per cent effort in quick, intense bursts of exercise.

These bouts of intensity are followed by short recovery periods of low-intensity work or no activity at all.

While Rimas Geiga recommends this approach for weight loss, she added: “Identifying the best exercise for weight loss requires balancing effectiveness with personal preference and sustainability.”

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