The new South Beach Diet book that is out is touting a cardio plan to follow that will burn more calories and more fat.  Dr. Agatston (South Beach) advocates that his 19 minute, interval based program will not only burn more fat during exercise, but also provide an invaluable "afterburn" lasting for hours after exercise.  Critics say that the interval based cardio program, combining high intensity and low intensity fitness training will not provide more calories nor more fat burned than the government recommended 60 minute bouts.

I would like to take a side here, but I think both are right!  Part of the South Beach philosophy takes into account the mental aspect of fitness training.  Given the fact that the cardio fitness training is only 19 minutes, people are more apt to stick with it for a longer period of time...thus more weight loss in the end - that I agree with!

But the bottom line is long, slow, steady, heart-rate-controlled cardio fitness training is where you burn fat, and if you are looking for "afterburn"...start a weight training routine!  The lean muscle you build provides a 24/7 afterburn that doesn't go away!

Here is the bottom line guys - when you are seeking a fitness training program, stick with the basics.  Remember, fat loss, muscle tone, weight loss takes work!  If the fitness training plan seems like it might be a way around hard work - I doubt it works!

Resolve To Evolve,
Bob Mathews
Your Online Personal Trainer
Phoenix, Arizona
A Fitness Training Program That Stands The Test of Time