Do You Need Cardio for Weight Loss and Six Pack Abs?

As most people know, cardiovascular exercises can be used for all-over body toning as well improving your overall health. However, when doing cardio for weight loss in mind, your cardiovascular exercises account for only one part of the fat burning puzzle.

People who are overweight and trying to get their stomach muscles in shape need to understand that first they must lose some of their body fat before the six pack abs have any chance of showing.

Diet and nutrition are essential to successful fat burning and especially when learning how to get a 6 pack, but in this article I want to explain the role of cardio for weight loss / fat burning.

Exercises that get the heart muscle pumping are considered cardio exercises and jump start the fat burning process.

What Is the Best Time of Day for Cardio?

Cardiovascular routines should be performed early in the day to start the fat burning and keep it going during the day.

Cardio routines should not be performed immediately before bed time as it can cause falling asleep to be difficult.

Additionally, cardiovascular exercises should not be done right after eating due to the chance of getting cramps.

If early morning exercising is not possible, try to do the cardio early in the evening before eating. Not only will this help with burning calories it will also help to tone the lower body and abs area.

What are the Best Cardio Workout Options?

There are some cardiovascular workout machines that are designed to work both the upper and lower parts of the body at the same time and some designed to work only one portion. No matter what type machine is chosen, it is important to make sure it works on the lower body as these generally burn more calories.

Cardiovascular workout machines can be purchased for home use or individuals can choose a fitness center or gym to get access to the best fitness equipment. The advantage to using a gym is the wide variety of cardiovascular machines available to use.

Cardiovascular exercise equipment is not just for overweight people, everyone should add cardio to their routine if fat loss is your goal or not. Cardio adds intensity to a workout routine and works to sculpt the abdominals by shedding fat from the mid-section.

Gyms that offer access to a variety of cardio machines can be found that have a fairly low monthly fee. This membership gives individuals access to not only cardio machines but also to free weights and other toning equipment.

There are a variety of machines in gyms that are cardiovascular workout for both the upper and lower part of the body, these include:

1. Exercised bikes and spinning classes
2. Stair steppers
3. Rowing Machines
4. Treadmills for walking or jogging
5. Elliptical machines

These five cardio machines do double duty, not only do they help slim the body by burning calories they tone the muscles and make them lean.

Any or all of these exercise machines can be used to tone the abs and get the body in shape. Typically most people will find one that they like and develop a routine they are comfortable with.

Of course if you don't want to pay for a gym membership you should look at swimming, cycling, or jogging as suitable alternative. Choose something that you will enjoy!

What about Weight Training?

Weight training will provide a major boost to your body’s fat burning capabilities. Regular short and intense weight training sessions will help to increase your metabolism and that means your body will naturally burn more calories throughout the day.

The best thing about weight training is that the muscle growth and increased metabolism continues long after you’ve finished your workout.

Summary

Whatever workout program you choose, adding any sort of cardio for weight loss reasons will help you achieve your goals sooner. Remember though, cardio on its own won't get you six pack abs, a good diet and nutrition plan are essential as well. Plus, when including weight training routines you are doing just about everything possible to ensure long term fat loss.