Is cardio or lifting better for weight loss?

If you’ve ever tried to intentionally lose weight, you’ve probably wondered what is better for losing weight; cardio or lifting? 

While both lifting weights and cardio burn calories and can help put you in a calorie deficit, lifting weights will burn more calories than cardio! Since being in a calorie deficit is necessary for weight loss, lifting weights is better for losing weight and sustaining your results long term.

But, how??

Strength training builds muscle while cardio doesn’t. The body needs calories to maintain its muscle mass. Therefore, a body that has more muscle burns more calories at rest (just by being alive and breathing) than a body with less muscle.

Ergo, in general strength training burns more calories than cardio.

Both of these forms of exercise are great for overall health, so do one you enjoy!