NP fitness

I came across this 6 month old study which compared three different exercise programs:

1. Aerobic exercise only - 20 minutes continuous
2. Low intensity strength training then aerobic exercise
3. High intensity strength training then aerobic exercise

The main results of the study showed that fat burning and oxygen consumption was higher in the high intensity strength then aerobic group versus the other two.  There was no difference in either group in carbohydrate breakdown.  I am glad I found this study for a few reasons:

• It confirms that the order of exercises in my training programs can help in burning more fat (a good thing).  I almost always have programmed “cardio” after a weight training session for my clientele.  One main reason I cite is psychological; I feel alot of people do not mind getting on a bike or treadmill after going through pushups, lunges, and core work.
• I am not surprised that either group did not burn more carbs in their programs.  Carbohydrate is used under high intensity exercise, and since this was a simple aerobic session, carbs were not used as much as they would have in an interval training format.
• The reason that more fat was burned in the high intensity strength group versus the other two comes down to the nervous system.  If you compare a program which includes squats, lunges, and chinups versus a program that is done on machines there is a greater stress to the body which in turn stimulates fat cells to release, you guessed it, fat.  The aerobic exercise then used the fat already in the bloodstream for energy.