As of today, the widespread belief that to lose fat effectively and quickly the best approach is to perform ‘killer’ workouts that leave you exhausted and sweating a lot continues to persist. Yet this is a myth that several specialists are actively debunking. According to pharmacist Boticaria García, drawing on the recommendations of doctor Javier Buitragueño, the key to achieving those coveted goals isn’t about spending hours on the gym treadmill and doing cardio until you drop, but about understanding how our cells work.
The secret lies in Zone Two and Oxygen
The reason sweating to the limit isn’t always the best strategy comes down to the way our bodies and our cells function. García uses a simple metaphor to explain it: “Our mitochondria, which act as energy hubs or the kitchens where fat is burned, are especially efficient in Zone Two.” In other words, it is considerably more advantageous to engage in a gentle workout, such as light jogging or cycling, at a level of effort around 60%.
But how can you tell if you’re at the right point? The expert explains it in a straightforward way: you should be able to speak without gasping for air during the exercise. “You can carry on a conversation with someone while you’re jogging, because that way you still have enough oxygen available—and so do your mitochondria,” she explains.
To achieve results you need less intensity and more strength
To obtain the best results, you don’t need exhausting workouts; rather, you should combine gentler cardio with strength training. As the expert notes, the primary rule is to relieve the pressure because “you don’t have to push yourself to the limit.”
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James Whitaker
I’m James Whitaker, a UK-based journalist focused on emerging trends and everyday stories gaining attention across the country. I cover the topics people start talking about before they fully break into the mainstream. My work aims to stay clear, factual, and closely connected to how news is actually consumed today.