CARDIO question.... Something very basic yet it has me curious.....?

[Themachine01]

When i do cardio, which the time is coming very shortly, I walk for 30-40 mins on the incline treadmill. But Im curious as to whether or not moving your arms makes a difference. If you are resting your arms on the monitor or riding the stationary bike, are you gonna burn fat in the upperbody, such as chest and arms? I hold a little fat in the chest area and tend to think that if im not moving my arms while walking, Im not gonna burn the fat as fast as if I was. I see a lot of guys holding on to the monitor while walking and a lot of guys that just ride the bike.

 

[Bulldog_10]

Moving your arms will definitely help bro...It increases the amount of oxygen used by the total body (VO2), which means you're using more energy...burning more calories...burning more fat.

Also, it will increase capillary density to the area (not much, but better than nothing) and moves fat closer to the mitochondria in the area, which means easier fat burning in the future.

Just moving your arms during walking might not make a HUGE difference, but like i said...better than nothing. What I suggest is using an arm ergometer instead of a treadmill every once in a while.

 

[Izzman]

How about you try holding very, very small lightweight dumbells in each hand while walking on the incline treadmill, seems more efficient than just leaving your arms at your side and will definitely help burn some fat.

 

[Themachine01]

my thoughts exactly, anyone else?

 

[Dial_tone]

The more body movement you have the more calories you're going to burn, so arm swing is good. I don't believe in targeted fat burning. Fat loss will come from everywhere; but proportionately. If most of your fat is in your belly most of the loss will be from the belly.

 

[Bulldog_10]

The more body movement you have the more calories you're going to burn, so arm swing is good. I don't believe in targeted fat burning. Fat loss will come from everywhere; but proportionately. If most of your fat is in your belly most of the loss will be from the belly.

Agree and disagree...there's always something to be said for training specificity. In the muscles you work, some fat stores will be moved closer to the mitochondria, which makes for faster, easier FFA mobilization.

Might not make a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless. But in general, i agree with you, new fat comes off first.