Blog Header Image

Jake Harcoff

   •    

May 28, 2025

Stop Taking Detours: The Most Effective Route to Fat Loss

When it comes to fat loss, people often take all sorts of detours, whether it’s trying a trendy workout like CrossFit, yoga, or Pilates, or following the latest fad diet. It’s kind of like navigating a mall to find a specific store. Sure, there are multiple routes you can take, but at the end of the day, the most direct path is always a straight line. And when it comes to fat loss, that straight line is strength training combined with low-impact cardio.

Strength training is hands down the most effective tool for fat loss. Here’s why. It’s not just about burning calories while you're lifting. It’s about what happens after you finish your workout. Strength training helps build muscle, and more muscle means your body burns more calories even when you're at rest. It's like setting your metabolism on fire without having to do anything extra. Studies have shown that strength training not only increases lean muscle mass but also boosts your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories over time. Plus, when combined with low-impact cardio like walking, airbike, or rowing, you create a sustainable approach that accelerates fat loss without putting your joints at risk.

One of the most common misconceptions is that strength training will make you “bulky.” This simply isn’t true, especially if you're training for fat loss. To put on significant muscle mass, you’d need to be in a caloric surplus, eating more than your body needs. If you're focusing on fat loss, your goal is to maintain a caloric deficit, meaning you’re burning more calories than you're consuming. This balance allows your body to shed fat, not build bulky muscles.

At the end of the day, how your body responds to training largely depends on your nutrition. If you're eating more calories than you're burning, you'll see some muscle gain and fat accumulation. But if you’re watching your nutrition and keeping that energy balance in check, focusing on whole foods, staying active, and making sure your intake matches your goals, you’ll lose fat, not mass. It’s all about finding that right equation, strength training + low-impact cardio + nutrition = fat loss. Stick to that, and you'll be on the most direct route to your goals.

Remember, there’s no magic pill or quick fix. The science is clear. Strength training with consistent, sustainable habits is your best bet for long-term fat loss and a healthier body. At AIM Athletic, we offer small group personal training, specialized hockey training, personal training, and active rehabilitation that can help you get on the right path to your goals. Whether you’re aiming for fat loss, injury recovery, or improving overall performance, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

You've got the info, now it's time to take AIM!

Continue reading