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What are the Different Ways to Burn Fat?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

The most common ways to burn fat include weight training, diet modifications, cardio exercises, and aerobic exercises. It is important to remember that the healthiest way to get fit and lose weight is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and to get regular exercise that includes a variety of activities. Also, before beginning any weight-loss plan, it is important to consult one's physician, especially if one has a history of poor or delicate health. Some people choose to engage in weight-loss programs that are guided by companies that specialize in weight loss, others choose to work with personal trainers, others still develop their own program. These are all acceptable ways to burn fat, as long as the methods are healthy and safe.

"Muscle burns fat" is a phrase commonly used in the world of fitness. The reason for this is that, not only is fat burned during the process of weight lifting, but muscle also helps to burn fat while a person is at rest. This fat burning may happen on a low level, but it is consistent and the more muscle a person has, the more fat she burns even when she is outside of the gym. In order to increase muscle, one should engage in weight lifting exercises or resistance exercises that are designed to build muscle. It is important to work many muscle groups in the body for maximum strength building and maximum results.

Spinning classes are one exercise choice for burning fat.
Spinning classes are one exercise choice for burning fat.

Combining aerobic exercise with bursts of intense cardio exercise can also help to burn fat. It is important, when using these ways to burn fat, to not overdo the exercise. After all, none of these ways to burn fat will work if one becomes injured and has to rest up for a while. The process of burning fat is usually most effective if it is part of a long-term sustained effort. Many people take classes like step aerobics or spinning to get aerobic and cardio benefits, while others use exercise tapes at home. Remember to start out slow and incrementally increase the length and intensity of workouts.

A balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat, and protien must be combined with exercise to burn fat.
A balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat, and protien must be combined with exercise to burn fat.

All of these ways to burn fat will be rendered useless if one does not couple fitness efforts with a healthy diet. Some people choose low-carbohydrate diets, while others choose low-fat diets. It is most important to choose a diet that is balanced, does not contain a high level or carbs or fat, and offers good nutrition.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Spinning classes are one exercise choice for burning fat.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Spinning classes are one exercise choice for burning fat.
    • A balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat, and protien must be combined with exercise to burn fat.
      By: Eugenio Chelli
      A balanced diet of carbohydrates, fat, and protien must be combined with exercise to burn fat.
    • Step aerobics classes can offer a good way for beginners to engage in a fat burning cardiovascular activity.
      By: .shock
      Step aerobics classes can offer a good way for beginners to engage in a fat burning cardiovascular activity.
    • Gyms offer several exercise classes to help people burn body fat.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Gyms offer several exercise classes to help people burn body fat.