Fat Loss Theory: Running and Aerobics (Part 2)

Contrary to popular belief, running (or any type of steady state cardio or aerobic exercise, for that matter) is not at all necessary when it comes to fat loss. In fact, I would go as far as to say that aerobic exercise is just about as far down the usefulness totem pole as it gets when it comes to fat loss. Of course, the reason for this has already been covered in Part 1 of this series. When it comes to absolute intensity, the main determinant of how effective an exercise program will be for fat loss, aerobic exercise simply cannot keep up with other methods.

However, aerobic exercise isn't necessarily terrible either. The real problem, outside of a small absolute intensity (by definition), is with limiting factors.

Fat Loss Theory: Running and Aerobics (Part 1)

Part 2

It is a widespread belief that aerobic exercise, such as running, is necessary for fat loss. This all got started shortly after Dr. Kenneth Cooper's book Aerobics was published in 1968.

For some reason, aerobic exercise became a widespread phenomenon in the 1970s... and unlike other trends and fads, aerobics had staying power. Interestingly enough, the 1970s was also the time that bodybuilding went mainstream (thank you Arnold).

I could rant about how these two styles of training ruined fitness for decades (and will continue to do so)... however, I will instead take the objective road. Since I've already written about bodybuilding splits not being conducive to fat loss, this series of posts will analyze running/aerobics and their effectiveness as a fat loss tool.

Does Strength Matter for Fat Loss?

People often try to burn fat or drop weight with steady state exercise activities. They, for some reason, believe that this is the key to losing weight. There is nothing magical about "aerobic" activity. "Aerobic" simply means "pertaining to oxygen." The aerobic energy system is no more special than the anaerobic energy systems (ATP-CP and glycolysis).

In fact, if you are training the aerobic energy system exclusively, you are not training very intensely. You see, the aerobic energy system is too slow acting to support high intensity activities, and it is high intensity activities that drive fat loss.