The more muscle you have, the more you body will naturally burn calories, because your muscles need calories to function and stay alive. You don’t have to gain big muscles like bodybuilders, but just enough to buff and tone you up nicely and at the same time enjoy the calorie burning effect of your muscles. Your muscles will stay with you if you lift weight consistently and this will keep extra body fat away and is one of the best ways to lose extra body weight forever.
Cardio workouts burn calories quickly. That is if you perform the exercises until you are panting and puffing for 20-30mins. If you can read a book or listen or sing to your music without missing a beat, your cardio exercises are not considered intense and therefore not burning fat effectively.
At The F.I.T. Studio we have strength training classes, as well as high intensity classes, that combine cardio, and strength training all in 30 minutes!