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Adding Weights to Cardio
I've seen people at my gym holding weights on the elliptical and treadmill. Does this burn more calories?
Yes, but not enough to make it worthwhile. The added intensity of holding weights while doing cardio does bump your calorie burn slightly, but it can also lead to elbow and shoulder injuries. "The risks outweigh the benefits," says Douglas Brooks, an exercise physiologist in Mammoth Lakes, California. "You'll expend more energy if you increase the weight you carry, but excessive or uncontrolled movements can damage the joints or cause muscle injury."
A better option for blasting extra calories: Increase your speed or resistance level on either the treadmill or the elliptical machine.
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ABSOLUTELY it is a far better way to burn major calories and gain muscle mass. The added calories burned when combining certain cardio moves with weights is enormous!! Do some research and check the stats because its true! I've been a fitness instructor for 12 years and I find combining moves is far more effective in results and time constraints!! Give it a try!
Well i can see running with free weight would be bad for your joints but what about a weight vest' i found a 20lb weight vest at walmart, an its works great. But it takes getting used to cause your legs arnt used to an extra 20 lb. But if you don want to have all 20lb. they are sand 1lb weights an you can take what you want out an build your legs up'. hopes this helps
I agree with Douglas. I measured the calorie burn using weights with a variety of activities and found that "manageable" 1 lb. weights did not increase calorie burning. It took at least 2-3 pounds in each hand (for women) but, even fit women could not pump them effectively. To burn extra calories use the resistance, incline and /or speed on the machines you enjoy using.
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