Cardio has been both glorified and demonized in the fitness world. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle.
Cardio Is Not Required for Fat Loss
Let's get this straight: you can absolutely lose fat without ever doing traditional cardio. Fat loss comes from a caloric deficit, which can be achieved through diet alone or a combination of diet and activity.
But Cardio Has Benefits
- Heart health: Your cardiovascular system needs exercise
- Calorie buffer: More activity means more food flexibility
- Mental health: Exercise is proven to improve mood
- Endurance: Being fit feels good
What Type Is Best?
The best cardio is the one you'll actually do. That said:
- Walking: Underrated, sustainable, low-impact
- HIIT: Time-efficient but can impact recovery
- Steady-state: Good for building aerobic base
My Recommendation
Prioritize strength training, hit your step goal (8-10k daily), and add formal cardio only as needed. Start with what you enjoy and can sustain long-term.
