Strength Training vs. Cardio: What’s Best for Belly Fat Loss?
When it comes to losing belly fat, both strength training and cardio have their benefits, but they work in different ways and can complement each other for optimal results.
Cardio exercises, such as running, cycling, and swimming, are excellent for burning calories during the workout, which helps create a calorie deficit essential for fat loss.
Regular cardio can increase your heart rate and promote overall fat burning, including the belly area, as it taps into fat stores for energy.
However, while cardio is effective for burning calories, it doesn’t necessarily build muscle mass, which plays a critical role in maintaining long-term fat loss.
Strength training, on the other hand, focuses on building muscle through exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight movements, or resistance exercises.
More muscle mass increases your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you’re not working out.
Strength training also helps tighten and tone the muscles beneath your belly fat, leading to a firmer and leaner appearance.
Ideally, a combination of both strength training and cardio is the most effective approach for belly fat loss.