Question:
My husband thinks I am wasting time doing cardio — which I know is essential for burning fat/calories. Building muscle (lifting weights) does not burn fat, correct? It will only help to burn calories if you have more muscle mass?

Answer:
Your muscles and cardiovascular system are both completely different energy systems but are both equally important in terms of getting the best results for your body.

Training the cardio system involves getting your heart rate pumping and feeling slightly out of breath (but still being able to talk!). This is a good zone to be in to develop good results if you are not wearing a heart rate monitor.

Cardio activities can include walking, jogging, boxing, biking, swim classes, gym classes etc. These activities will burn loads of calories, increase your aerobic capacity or base fitness level and reduce your overall body fat percentage.

Training the muscular system involves strength training using any form of resistance such as free weights, your own body weight, machine weights, pilates etc. Benefits include increased lean muscle, bone density, strength, muscular endurance, muscle tone and metabolism. You can also focus on specific muscle groups such as your butt, arms, legs, chest and back.

Reducing your overall body fat percentage with cardio training and increasing your lean muscle mass with strength training is the most efficient and fastest way to reduce your body fat levels, speed up your metabolism, have you looking great and staying strong and healthy.

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