The Los Angeles Times notes that exercise intensity determines your fitness goals. Weight loss requires low-intensity, prolonged activity to burn fat and calories, while high-intensity workouts build muscle mass. This explains why some people become leaner while others bulk up—the fundamental difference lies in the chosen intensity level.
During low-intensity exercise, fat is the primary energy source. Thus, treadmill fat-burning programs guide users toward prolonged, low-intensity workouts.
Studies reveal that brisk walking on a treadmill burns approximately 50% of calories from fat, whereas running only burns 35% from fat.To double calorie burn, try incline training.
Experts caution that seniors should avoid steep inclines—whether on treadmills or outdoor tracks—to prevent knee joint damage.
If weight increases after a single workout, it may be due to post-exercise hydration. Sustained weight gain over time likely indicates increased muscle mass and reduced fat.
Muscle is denser than fat, so the same volume of muscle weighs significantly more. Therefore, even if weight temporarily increases, fat loss is still occurring. "Any exercise, when sustained long-term, aids weight loss. Weight reduction is a gradual process; generally, losing up to 1 kilogram per week is appropriate," experts advise.