8 Distance Cardio That Will Help Burn Fat

Image by Kristian Egelund (Unsplashed)

Wanting to lose weight is perhaps one of the biggest issues most people have, especially where there is so much good food on Earth, which is, unfortunately, super unhealthy as well. But if you are determined to lose some fats off your body, it is important to be committed to a healthy lifestyle with a combination of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. Sure, the most effective way to lose fat is still looking after your diet, but keeping your body moving is equally important, not just for fat loss, but also to keep your body healthy. Here is some distance cardio that will help you burn fat very effectively. Try performing them at least 4 days a week and clean up your diet if you want to see results, and remember to stay committed.

1. Running.

Running is the most common form of cardio, as it is almost always the first choice that comes to mind for people who are looking for fat loss methods. The reason that this is so popular is its versatility and effectiveness. Running can be done everywhere, whether it’s indoor (treadmill) or outdoor. Besides that, running is super effective for fat loss as well, more effective than lower-intensity cardio, such as walking. They also help tone your legs and make them look fit rather than being too skinny.

2. Swimming.

Swimming is, in fact, a very effective fat loss method, even more effective than running. This is due to the fact that you are moving your arms and legs while swimming, and also working against the water current, which requires more force than working against wind resistance when you are running. Since swimming requires more muscle than running, this means that you are also toning up your body and help you build up a strong and attractive physique.

3. Sprinting.

Sprinting can be more demanding on your body than other forms of exercises listed here, but the effectiveness of this exercise is extremely high. Since sprinting are usually within a shorter distance, they are recommended for “interval training”, where you alternate 10 seconds to a minute (or more) of sprinting and walking respectively. When you are sprinting for a short period of time, you push your body to the maximum and taking in lots of oxygen after that, which would lead to fat loss. It does help build up your endurance as well, but one thing is that it could cause your legs to be slightly muscular.

4. Walking.

Walking is the easiest distance cardio, and anyone can do it. All you need is an open space or a treadmill, and simply walking at your pace. There is definitely no excuse for anyone to not walk, as is not at all demanding on your body, and you can do whatever speed makes you comfortable. Walking is also a great exercise for a “rest day” if you had lifted weights the day before. They are not heavy on your joints and do not increase your heart rate up too much.

5. Stairs Climbing.

As much as we all hate walking the stairs, it is actually a great exercise for fat loss. Just find a place with stairs and just go up and down it for around 30 minutes, which is the optimal time required for cardio exercises. You don’t even need to run up or down, simply walking would do as well, as long as you are moving. It is definitely less taxing than running, but it does more work on your body than walking. It can sometimes get heavy on your joints, which is why you need to make sure your knees are not hurting when climbing the stairs.

6. Jogging.

Jogging is like the middle child between walking and running. You still do lift both feet off the ground while jogging, but it is not as intense as running. This is another versatile exercise where you can do outdoor or indoor on the treadmill. They are able to burn more fat than walking, but you can move at your own comfortable pace, unlike running. They are also great for building your endurance, like any other cardio exercises, and help build a stronger heart.

7. Cycling.

Yet another exercise that can be done indoor or outdoor. You can either pedal on stationary bikes in the gym or your house, or cycle on an actual bike outside, perhaps around your neighborhood. Cycling can be great to burn fat, but they certainly do not work your body as much as running. Since you are only working your lower body, it will tend to make your lower body look more muscular than your upper body. Of course, not everyone would encounter this, but there is a possibility.

8. Hiking.

Hiking can only be done outdoors, and this is a great exercise for people who enjoy being out and about in nature. This exercise works both your upper and lower body, which is why it is great to tone your body, plus it pumps your heart rate, making this a great cardio exercise for fat loss. There is a risk to this exercise, however, so make sure you are well prepared or have someone stronger than you hiking with you.

With these 8 distance cardio exercises, you are more than prepared to start a healthy and active lifestyle. Of course, these are not just the exercises that would help you burn fat, in fact, there are other exercises that are even more effective in fat loss, but if you prefer performing exercises where you are traveling from one place to another, this list of cardio exercises is for you. The most important thing about fat loss, as everyone said, is still your diet. If you only consume junk food but exercise every day in a week, you still wouldn’t see a difference. The second most important thing is determination and commitment. Having the right mindset would start you off on the right track.

“You don’t get better on the days when you feel like going. You get better on the days when you don’t want to go, but you go anyway. If you can overcome the negative energy coming from you tired body or unmotivated mind, you will grow and become better. It won’t be the best workout you have, you won accomplish as much as what you usually do when you actually feel good, but that doesn’t matter. Growth is a long-term game, and the crappy days are more important.”

*Disclaimer: The writer is not a trainer, bodybuilder or any health expert. These exercises, like any other exercises, could be dangerous and could cause injuries. Before attempting any of these exercises, make sure they are appropriate for your strength, flexibility, endurance and overall health. If these exercises are too hard on your body or are causing you pain in any way, do not continue working out with them. Only proceed with them if they make you feel right. These exercises are just based on the researches done and experiences of the writer, and please take into account that they might not be suitable for everyone. The writer would not be responsible for any physical, emotional, or medical issues that have happened due to the extracted information was shown.