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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?

Submitted by FitnessEditor

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.

Answered by FitnessEditor

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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!