Skip to main content
PRO 8 min read

Heart or Breaks? The Battle Against Fat Tissue

Max Müller
Max Müller ✓
Diets Premium Expert • 22.10.2026
✓
Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian: This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
Diets Premium Expert Max Müller min read 8 min Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 22.10.2026
Heart or Breaks? The Battle Against Fat Tissue

Smart Voice

•

Listen to the article content live

0:00 / 0:00
Key Takeaways
Over the last few years, numerous websites related to the bodybuilding and fitness industry have published hundreds of articles addressing the best method for reducing body fat. You can encounter tireless enthusiasts who assert that cardio training is the best for fat reduction. On the other side of the barricades are enthusiasts of interval training, who indisputably stand by their views. Who is correct and why? Which method will be more effective, and are there any contraindications for using either of these methods?
Meal Plan

Want to apply these guidelines in your daily diet?

Our smart diet generator creates a tailored meal plan in 3 minutes based on the recommendations in this article.

PRO Content PRO

This article is professional premium content (PRO) provided in its entirety.

What does cardio training entail and when should it be carried out?

The aim of cardio training is to provide adequate oxygenation to the entire body. This is achieved by maintaining a constant, elevated heart rate. The ideal heart rate to maintain during such a workout is 60-70% of the maximum heart rate. This can be determined using special tools or by using the following formula: 220 - age = approximate maximum heart rate. For example, if someone is 25 years old, their maximum heart rate is around 195 beats per minute. 60-70% of this value gives a range of 117-136 beats per minute, in which the training should be performed. There are many ways to perform cardio training, and the most common division is training on equipment and outdoor training. Most people use equipment available in gyms such as treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, and stair climbers. Cardio training on equipment has some advantages: the workout can be done regardless of the weather, and there is no need to purchase an additional heart rate monitor as it is built into most equipment. However, the disadvantages are primarily monotony and lower oxygen concentration than in open spaces. When it comes to outdoor training, the most commonly performed exercises are jogging, cycling, swimming, or fast walking. The main advantage of outdoor training is the constantly changing scenery depending on the chosen route, which reduces the risk of boredom. In addition, outdoor training provides better oxygenation of the body, especially in natural environments such as parks, forests, or lakes. So when should cardio training be performed to most effectively deal with excess weight? Studies have shown that the best time to perform cardio training is immediately after strength training, when blood sugar levels are stable and can even be slightly lowered. However, other studies have shown that cardio training is only for burning calories during its execution - so there is no difference when it is performed, as the deepening of the calorie deficit is what matters. However, if some studies recommend performing cardio after strength training, and others claim that the time of day does not matter, it is best to perform the workout on an empty stomach or immediately after strength training.

What are interval trainings truly and when should they be executed?

Interval trainings are a form of exercises that are based on the demands of the anaerobic system and resemble traditional strength training. They require a regular, forced change of intense and moderate efforts. An example of interval training is 30 seconds of sprinting, followed by 60 seconds of rest. To be effective, 5-10 or even 15 such cycles should be performed, depending on the level of training. The intensity of the training can be regulated by changing the time of the effort or increasing the number of cycles. For example, if someone performs 7 cycles of 30 seconds of sprinting and 60 seconds of rest, they can try to increase the time of the sprint to 45 seconds and reduce the rest to 45 seconds. There are many ways and methods of performing interval training. Various equipment such as dumbbells or weights can be used, and different strength exercises can be performed. Exercise circuits can also be performed, which consist of 2-5 different exercises, followed by 30 seconds of active recovery such as light jumping or box sprint. One of the most popular methods is Tabata training, which involves performing exercises with maximum intensity for 4 minutes. When should interval training be performed? It is best to perform it on a day when no strength training is being performed. This allows for the maximization of the potential for post-workout calorie burning while simultaneously reducing the load on the nervous system.

Advantages and disadvantages of cardio training

Cardio training has a number of advantages. One of its main benefits is that it keeps the cardiovascular system in good condition. The fact that it is beneficial to health should encourage its inclusion in the training program. It is enough to do 20 minutes of cardio training 2-3 times a week after strength training to have a positive effect on the heart. Another advantage is that the cardiovascular system is kept in good condition, which speeds up the release of toxins. The fact that it is beneficial to health should encourage its inclusion in the training program. It is enough to do 20 minutes of cardio training 2-3 times a week after strength training to have a positive effect on the heart.

Pros and cons of interval training

The biggest advantage of interval training is time efficiency. The number of calories burned during a 45-minute cardio workout can be replaced by a 10- or 15-minute intensive interval training. However, not everyone can manage that. Other benefits include a positive impact on hormonal regulation, as long as no intervals are performed immediately after strength training. Carefully planned intervals can increase the production of anabolic hormones. Moreover, intervals, as opposed to cardio training, increase fat tissue utilization 15-30 hours after the end of the workout! The condition is to perform intervals at maximal intensity to increase the tlenową length. However, not everyone can perform intervals. Individuals suffering from heart disease, circulatory system problems or other chronic diseases and freshly after an injury should avoid this type of training due to the risk of health complications. This training is mainly based on submaksymalny pulse, which not everyone can endure.

The most effective way to reduce fat

The best approach to reducing fat tissue is a holistic one. It is recommended to combine strength training with several cardio sessions and 1-2 interval training per week (sick individuals should avoid intense intervals). It is also important to increase daily physical activity, by changing habits (such as walking to the store instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and choosing cycling or walking instead of public transportation).

Mere exercise is not enough for weight reduction

One can conduct strength training four times a week, combined with four cardio training sessions. Additionally, one can conduct two interval sessions and commute to work on a bicycle instead of a car. However, it is likely that one will not achieve the desired results without adhering to a proper diet with a negative calorie balance. The fact that someone is conducting intense workouts is not sufficient if the body is automatically demanding more nutrients. It is difficult to determine which factor is more important, the proper diet or the proper workout, as both are essential and complement each other. Therefore, it is recommended to combine both and be consistent in order to quickly achieve the desired results.

Summary

Cardiovascular training is a form of exercise that supports health and fat metabolism. It only consumes energy while being performed. This form of exercise is suitable for everyone, regardless of their health status. Interval training is a form of exercise that combines maximum effort with moderate effort. Energy consumption can last up to 30 hours after the workout. However, it is not recommended for everyone as it puts a significant strain on the cardiovascular system. The main disadvantages of cardiovascular training are: long duration, lack of variety, and insufficient impact on the hormonal system. The main advantages of cardiovascular training include a positive impact on the cardiovascular system and accelerated post-workout recovery. The advantages of interval training include, above all, intense energy consumption up to 30 hours after the end of the effort and the relatively short duration of the training. The main disadvantages of interval training are: strong strain on the nervous system and the fact that not everyone can perform it. To effectively burn fat, one should combine a balanced diet with strength training, cardiovascular training, and increased daily activity. Healthy individuals can confidently add 1-2 interval training sessions per week.
mgr Max Müller

mgr Max Müller

✓

Diets Premium Expert

Diets Premium team expert. Specializes in nutrition plans, strength sports, and training plans.

View Profile →
Recommended articles in this category

Related Articles

Discover similar publications and expert insights.

Psychotherapeutic intervention and expert psychological support – Part 1: Navigating the path to premium-quality mental healthcare
Mental
Psychotherapeutic intervention and expert psychological support – Part 1: Navigating the path to premium-quality mental healthcare
⏱ 5 min czytania
#Mental #Assistance
Why investing in organic food is a cost-effective choice for health and environmental sustainability
Organic Food
Why investing in organic food is a cost-effective choice for health and environmental sustainability
⏱ 4 min czytania
#Organic Food
Liquid chlorophyll extract: characteristics, natural sources, commercial preparations, and potential adverse reactions
Traditional
Liquid chlorophyll extract: characteristics, natural sources, commercial preparations, and potential adverse reactions
⏱ 6 min czytania
#Traditional #Commercial
Cornflakes – Nutritional Composition and Health Value Analysis. Are They Genuinely Beneficial for the Body?
Breakfast
Cornflakes – Nutritional Composition and Health Value Analysis. Are They Genuinely Beneficial for the Body?
⏱ 2 min czytania
#Breakfast #Cornflakes
Chili Pepper – Botanical Characteristics, Varietal Diversity, Culinary Applications, and a Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting an Exceptionally Fiery Sauce of Unmatched Potency
Food & Ingredients
Chili Pepper – Botanical Characteristics, Varietal Diversity, Culinary Applications, and a Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting an Exceptionally Fiery Sauce of Unmatched Potency
⏱ 3 min czytania 📚 Food & Ingredients
#Bioactive Compounds #Essential Nutrients
Post-threshing wheat residues – husk-derived byproducts of milling operations
Food & Ingredients
Post-threshing wheat residues – husk-derived byproducts of milling operations
⏱ 3 min czytania 📚 Food & Ingredients
#Seeds #Fasting
Whole oat groats compared to rolled oats – fundamental distinctions and practical culinary applications
Food & Ingredients
Whole oat groats compared to rolled oats – fundamental distinctions and practical culinary applications
⏱ 3 min czytania 📚 Food & Ingredients
#Oats #Bran
Omega-9 fatty acid (oleic acid) – biochemical profile, dietary sources, and functional roles in human physiology
Balanced Diet
Omega-9 fatty acid (oleic acid) – biochemical profile, dietary sources, and functional roles in human physiology
⏱ 4 min czytania
#Balanced Diet #Fatty Acids
Restoring hepatic vitality: evidence-based nutritional approaches, herbal remedies, and natural strategies for enhancing liver cell regeneration
Performance
Restoring hepatic vitality: evidence-based nutritional approaches, herbal remedies, and natural strategies for enhancing liver cell regeneration
⏱ 5 min czytania
#Performance #Liver Health
A comprehensive guide to effective countermeasures against motion sickness – dietary approaches, symptomatology and underlying mechanisms
Nutrition
A comprehensive guide to effective countermeasures against motion sickness – dietary approaches, symptomatology and underlying mechanisms
⏱ 5 min czytania
#Nutrition #Transportation
The kidneys: etiologic factors, clinical manifestations, and dietary guidelines in renal pathologies
Dietary Guidelines
The kidneys: etiologic factors, clinical manifestations, and dietary guidelines in renal pathologies
⏱ 3 min czytania
#Dietary Guidelines #Dietary Recommendations
A comprehensive examination of the detrimental effects of sweetened juices and beverages on human health
Cola
A comprehensive examination of the detrimental effects of sweetened juices and beverages on human health
⏱ 2 min czytania
#Cola #Syrup
Hyperkalemia: Identifying symptoms, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based strategies for reducing blood potassium concentrations
Lifestyle Modifications
Hyperkalemia: Identifying symptoms, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based strategies for reducing blood potassium concentrations
⏱ 11 min czytania
#Lifestyle Modifications #Electrolyte Balance
Chronic gastric mucosal inflammation induced by mechanical compression – distinctive symptomatology, etiologic factors, and contemporary therapeutic approaches
Inflammation
Chronic gastric mucosal inflammation induced by mechanical compression – distinctive symptomatology, etiologic factors, and contemporary therapeutic approaches
⏱ 3 min czytania
#Inflammation
Discover how the synergistic blend of natural honey and cinnamon may accelerate healthy and sustainable weight reduction!
Weight Management
Discover how the synergistic blend of natural honey and cinnamon may accelerate healthy and sustainable weight reduction!
⏱ 1 min czytania 📚 Weight Management
#Honey #Healthy
Mesomorphic, endomorphic or ectomorphic type, i.e. a diet consistent with body type
Nutrition Plans
Mesomorphic, endomorphic or ectomorphic type, i.e. a diet consistent with body type
⏱ 4 min czytania 📚 Nutrition Plans
#Healthy #Metabolic
Powdered finely ground oat flakes
Food Science
Powdered finely ground oat flakes
⏱ 2 min czytania 📚 Food Science
#Oat-based #Oatmeal
Seborrheic dermatitis: therapeutic interventions and the nutritional role in symptom management and recurrence prevention
Health Conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis: therapeutic interventions and the nutritional role in symptom management and recurrence prevention
⏱ 4 min czytania 📚 Health Conditions
#Nutritional Interventions #Therapeutic Nutrition
Quercetin: Mechanisms of Action, Supplementation Guidelines, Adverse Reactions, and Market Pricing
Nutritional Science
Quercetin: Mechanisms of Action, Supplementation Guidelines, Adverse Reactions, and Market Pricing
⏱ 4 min czytania 📚 Nutritional Science
#Apples #Berries
Effects, dosing, contraindications and side effects of kudzu root
Food & Ingredients
Effects, dosing, contraindications and side effects of kudzu root
⏱ 3 min czytania 📚 Food & Ingredients
#Raw #Liver
Lithuanian culinary art: defining features, heritage, and time-honored recipes
Cabbage
Lithuanian culinary art: defining features, heritage, and time-honored recipes
⏱ 7 min czytania
#Cabbage #Potatoes
Bioavailable silicon – key properties, dietary sources, and benefits for hair and skin integrity
Collagen
Bioavailable silicon – key properties, dietary sources, and benefits for hair and skin integrity
⏱ 4 min czytania
#Collagen #Recovery
Reducing a child's weight - Adjusting their dietary patterns
Healthy
Reducing a child's weight - Adjusting their dietary patterns
⏱ 6 min czytania
#Healthy #Dietary Patterns
"Lazy Person's Diet" – optimal results with minimal effort"
Health Conditions
"Lazy Person's Diet" – optimal results with minimal effort"
⏱ 5 min czytania 📚 Health Conditions
#Healthy #Healthy Eating
Chlorella Algae - outcomes, accessibility, cost, potential adverse effects
Vitamin C
Chlorella Algae - outcomes, accessibility, cost, potential adverse effects
⏱ 4 min czytania
#Vitamin C #Vitamin K2
"Refreshing snacks" perfect for hot days
Cooking
"Refreshing snacks" perfect for hot days
⏱ 4 min czytania
#Cooking #Appetizers
Chocolate Allergy - Symptoms. How to treat a chocolate allergy?
Allergy
Chocolate Allergy - Symptoms. How to treat a chocolate allergy?
⏱ 2 min czytania 📚 Allergy
#Beans #Chocolate
Berries will aid in whitening your teeth!
Fruits
Berries will aid in whitening your teeth!
⏱ 1 min czytania 📚 Fruits
#Strawberries #Carry
Contraceptive tablets that do not weaken sexual desire!
Contraceptive tablets that do not weaken sexual desire!
⏱ 1 min czytania
Potato Juice - Medical Properties... Potato Juice for Ulcers, for Hair
Juice
Potato Juice - Medical Properties... Potato Juice for Ulcers, for Hair
⏱ 3 min czytania
#Juice

Share