For Weight Loss, The Type Of Exercise Really Doesn’t Matter

The debate continues on what type of exercise – cardio or strength training – is best for losing weight, but Spanish research suggests that the debate is irrelevant. The researchers wanted to find out if endurance training, strength training, or a combination of both, made a difference in body weight or body composition. Researchers monitored 96 obese men and women aged 18 to 50 for 22 weeks. All followed a diet that had 30 percent fewer calories than normal. All were randomly assigned to different exercise regimens that were performed three times a week. The researchers were surprised to find significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total fat mass -- and an increase in muscle mass – no matter the exercise regimen.