If your goal is to lose weight, burn fat, and feel stronger, you’ve probably wondered: Should I be doing cardio or strength training? The answer isn’t as simple as “one is better than the other”—because the best results actually come from a mix of both.
At CrossFit Alabaster, we specialize in both cardio based movements and strength training, giving you the perfect balance to burn fat, build lean muscle, and get real results without spending hours in the gym. Here’s what you need to know about each—and how to combine them for the fastest, most effective fat loss.
Cardio: What It Does (and Doesn’t Do) for Fat Loss
Cardio—like running, cycling, or rowing—is great for burning calories and improving heart health. It can definitely help with fat loss, but here’s what most people don’t realize:
✔ You only burn calories while you’re doing it. Once you stop, your calorie burn drops back to normal.
✔ Too much cardio can lead to muscle loss. Losing muscle slows down your metabolism, making fat loss harder.
✔ It’s not the most efficient way to get lean. Strength training helps reshape your body in ways cardio alone can’t.
Cardio is a great tool—but relying on it alone won’t give you the toned, strong, and fit look you’re after.
Strength Training: The Fat Loss Secret Weapon
If you think lifting weights is just for people who want to bulk up—think again! Strength training is actually the most effective way to burn fat and change your body shape. Here’s why:
🔥 Boosts Your Metabolism: Strength training increases muscle, which means you burn more calories all day long—even at rest.
💪 Sculpts & Tones Your Body: Unlike cardio, which only makes you smaller, strength training helps shape and define your body.
⏳ Burns More Fat in Less Time: Lifting weights triggers the “afterburn effect,” meaning you keep burning calories for hours after your workout.
At CrossFit Alabaster, our training programs combine strength and cardio so you get the best of both worlds—helping you lose fat, gain strength, and feel amazing.
How to Combine Strength & Cardio for Maximum Fat Loss
The best way to get lean, strong, and fit isn’t choosing one or the other—it’s about finding the right balance. Here’s how we do it at CFA:
✔ Strength First, Then Cardio – We start with strength training to build muscle and fire up your metabolism, then finish with cardio to maximize fat burn.
✔ High-Intensity Workouts – Instead of long, slow cardio, we use short, intense bursts (like rowing, sled pushes, or kettlebell swings) to burn fat fast.
✔ Full-Body Training – We focus on compound movements (like squats, deadlifts, and presses) that work multiple muscle groups at once, making your workouts more efficient.
This means you get stronger, leaner, and burn more fat in less time—all in workouts that fit into your busy schedule.
The Bottom Line: You Need Both
If your goal is to lose weight, burn fat, and feel stronger, the best approach isn’t just cardio or just strength training—it’s a combination of both.
Here at CrossFit Alabaster, we design workouts that give you exactly what you need to see fast, lasting results—without wasting time on workouts that don’t work.
💥 Want to see the difference for yourself? Book a free intro session today and start getting the best results of your life!
📲https://crossfitalabaster.com/contact/
Cardio vs. Strength Training: What’s Best for Fat Loss?
