Want to burn more fat and calories when you walk, swim, or run? Then take a break.
The rate at which your body burns fuel may be boosted even higher if you break up a long cardio session into two back-to-back 30-minute sessions with a 20-minute break in between. Breather, anyone?
Start. Stop. Repeat.How can scientists tell that a 20-minute rest helps rev up your fat burning? Men in a study who did just that (in between 30-minute sessions on a stationary bike) showed elevated blood levels of free fatty acids -- higher blood levels than those produced during a single 60-minute cycling session. And that bump in free fatty acids is a sign of increased fat burning: Circulating blood levels of free fatty acids go up when your body starts to break down fat.
More Ways to Burn FatHere are a few more ways to boost the fat- and calorie-burning powers of your power workouts:
- Do cardio before strength training. Here's why . . .
- Eat more of this.
- Build some muscle. The more muscle you have, the more readily your body burns calories.
Take this RealAge Fun Facts About Fat Quiz and find out what you really know about your body fat.
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This tip originally ran on 10/29/2007.
RealAge Benefit: A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 8.1 years younger.
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