Cardio for Fat Loss

Over the long term, steady state cardiovascular work is not effective for fat loss. In the short term for about 3-6 weeks it can be effective but after that it can actually make you fatter. If you do steady state aerobic work for a long period of time you will eventually begin to lose muscle and power. Since muscle mass is one of the driving factors in your metabolism your metabolism will begin to slow. The elevation in cortisol is one of the biggest factors that leads to the loss of muscle mass and fat accumulation. When your metabolism slows eventually the same amount of food that used to allow you to maintain or lose weight will make you gain weight. Another problem with aerobic work is that it causes you to lose your type 2B fibers which are considered your fast twitch fibers. By losing these fibers you will lose strength and lower your metabolism.