Alwyn Cosgrove is always talking about how he feels that people should not do so much aerobic exercise when they’re sole intention is to lose fat. People who are new to exercise will see huge gains at first, because their body is not very efficient at walking on the elliptical or treadmill or stair climber. But people who are moderately fit or have at least been doing it for a while will become more efficient at the activity, and will burn fewer calories with the same amount of work.

In my position, that is a good thing, because I do not really about lowering my body fat. I would rather get more efficient at the aerobic activities that I engage in (especially running) so that I will need less fuel in a race and be more efficient.

If your goal, however, is to lose weight, then simply walking or jogging on a treadmill is not going to do it. You should try mixing up your aerobic activities, and you should introduce some interval training into your workouts. You should also consider lifting weights. I have done some of Alwyn Cosgrove’s fat loss programs, and they will certainly cause your body to adapt. By changing your program up every few weeks, or whenever it starts to become easy, you will force your body to continue making adjustments that will make it easier for you to lose weight and lower your body fat percentage.

Just be sure that you adequately fuel yourself if you are going to. You should eat before and after your workout, which will allow your body to keep your metabolism revved up and burning calories for hours after you are done working out. I will be writing more about that later in the week.

(Inspired by Alwyn Cosgrove and his mention of an article in the L.A. Times)