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How to Burn Fat With Exercise

burning fat with exerciseDon’t be misled by the so-called fat-burning zone. This widely held belief suggests that working at a lower intensity (e.g. walking) is better for fat burning than exercising at a higher effort level (e.g. running). The reality is quite the opposite – the harder you exercise, the more calories you burn, and it’s the total calories burned that truly count when it comes to fat loss.

Choosing the Right Fat Loss Exercise

There’s no one-size-fits-all ‘ultimate’ calorie-burning activity. The energy you expend depends on the effort you apply, your skill level, duration and how consistently you do it. Choose an activity that you can stick with regularly. That means picking something you genuinely enjoy and can access easily – because no one wants their workouts to be a chore.

Exercise Larger Muscles For Greater Calorie Burn

Effective fat-burning activities engage large muscle groups – such as the thighs, glutes, chest, and back. The greater the overall muscle recruitment, the higher the calorie burn. For example, rowing – which engages the upper and lower body – burns significantly more calories than arm-only cardio machines at the gym.

Sustainable Exercise is Key

To ignite your body’s calorie furnace, your workout needs to be sustainable over time. Skipping is a brilliant cardiovascular activity, but if you only do it for a few minutes, the benefits are limited. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, aim for 20–60 minutes per session, three to five times per week. This doesn’t have to be continuous—you can break it up into manageable chunks.

Maximise Fat Burn With Interval Training

Interval training – alternating between high-effort bursts and rest – is one of the best ways to burn more calories efficiently. It boosts aerobic fitness and is time-effective. To get started, try a 2:2 work-to-rest ratio: push beyond your comfort zone during effort periods and ease off during recovery.

Weight-Bearing Activities Burn More

Exercises like walking and running, where you carry your own bodyweight, typically burn more calories than supported activities like cycling or swimming. Why? Because you’re working against gravity. That added resistance increases your energy expenditure.

Should You Exercise on an Empty Stomach?

There’s a belief that morning fasted workouts burn more fat because the body taps into fat stores for fuel. While that may be true in theory, lack of energy could reduce workout intensity or duration. It’s important to listen to your body and choose what works best for you.

The ‘After Burn’ Effect

One of the most exciting benefits of exercise is that fat burning continues even after your workout. This is known as the after burn or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Research shows this effect is significantly higher after working out at 75% or more of your maximum heart rate – another reason to prioritise intensity.

Progressively Increase Intensity

To keep seeing results, you must keep progressing. This doesn’t necessarily mean pushing harder—it means increasing workload as your fitness improves. If you stay in your comfort zone, your results will plateau.

Move More Throughout the Day

Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that leaner individuals tend to move more throughout the day than those who are overweight. Their non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) – the energy burned during daily movement like standing, fidgeting, or walking – can account for up to 350 extra calories a day. So stand up, stretch, take the stairs – it all adds up!

Sample Calorie Burn Per Hour (values approximate for a 70kg adult)

Activity

Calories Burned/hour
Running (8-minute mile pace)

720–910 kcal
Swimming (continuous laps)

630–730 kcal
Uphill walking (10% incline)

590–690 kcal

Fat loss through exercise is not about gimmicks – it’s about consistency, variety, and effort. Choose activities you enjoy, aim for progression, and remember that small movements throughout the day matter too.

Did you find this article helpful? Let us know in the comments below! For more on weight loss, click here.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Reasons Why You Are Not Losing Weight!

losing weightHas your scale been stuck at the same number? No matter how hard you try, it doesn’t budge? Staying motivated becomes difficult when you’re eating healthy, exercising regularly, and still not seeing results. There may be several hidden factors working against your weight loss journey. Let’s explore them.

Factors That Prevent You From Losing Weight 

  1. You Are Not Eating Enough: Your body needs fuel to function—just like a car. You cannot expect it to work efficiently or burn fat if you’re running on empty. Under-eating, just like overeating, can disrupt metabolism and stall weight loss. Stick to a realistic calorie budget that supports your activity level and health.
  2. Compromised Gut Health: Nutrition isn’t just about what you eat – it’s also about what your body absorbs. A healthy gut is essential for digestion, nutrient uptake, and overall metabolic efficiency. Poor gut health can block your progress despite eating the right foods.
  3. Less Supply Of Fat To The Body: Fats are essential – not enemies. They aid in vitamin absorption and support brain, heart, and cell health. Choose plant-based sources like avocados, olives, almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds, which provide healthy fatty acids your body needs.
  4. You Are Stressed: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which raises blood sugar and leads to insulin spikes. More insulin means more fat storage. Managing stress through mindfulness, physical activity, or breathing exercises can positively impact weight loss.
  5. You Aren’t Sleeping Enough: Sleep is when the body repairs, detoxifies, and balances hormones. Without adequate rest, the body prioritises fighting inflammation over fat loss. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to support metabolism and recovery.
  6. You Are Overtraining: More isn’t always better. Exercising rigorously for over an hour daily without rest can lead to inflammation and stress, slowing down weight loss. A balanced routine of 45–60 minutes, six days a week with one rest day is optimal.
  7. Vitamin D3 and B12 Deficiencies: Low levels of these vitamins are common, especially during winter. Vitamin D helps reduce fat accumulation, while B12 supports energy and metabolism. Consider checking your levels and supplementing appropriately.
  8. Underactive Thyroid: An underactive thyroid slows down metabolism, making weight loss more difficult. If you’re struggling despite lifestyle changes, a thyroid test may reveal underlying issues.
  9. Food Sensitivities: Many individuals experience sensitivity to dairy or gluten, leading to inflammation that can block weight loss. If you often feel bloated, fatigued, or inflamed after meals, consider speaking to a nutritionist about elimination diets or testing.
  10. Unbalanced Meals: Fad diets may offer short-term weight loss, but cutting out entire food groups can damage your metabolism. A balanced plate with complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fibre is key for long-term results and better energy levels.
  11. Unrealistic Expectations:It’s common to want quick results—but healthy, sustainable weight loss takes time. Setting unrealistic deadlines increases stress and often leads to disappointment. If it took months or years to gain the weight, it will take time and consistency to lose it too.

We hope this article helps you uncover the real reasons behind your weight loss plateau.

To read more articles on weight loss, click here. 

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Unable to Lose Weight? 7 Secrets for Sustainable Weight Loss

lose weightHave you ever found yourself doubting whether you’ll ever reach your weight loss goal? How many times have you been tempted to give up? Despite your best efforts—following exercise routines, eating right, controlling cravings—the results just don’t seem to show.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with weight loss even when they feel they’re doing everything right. But here’s the truth: there’s more to it than just diet and exercise.

Let’s uncover 7 powerful yet practical secrets to sustainable weight loss.

1. Focusing on a Single Number

Do you check your weight often and feel disappointed?

Weight loss isn’t only about the number on the scale – it’s about fat loss and muscle gain. Your body composition, ethnic background, and muscle mass all affect the number you see. That’s why tools like Body Composition Analysis (BCA) give a more accurate picture. Aim to do one every month, and track waist and hip measurements every 15 days for better insights.

 2. Setting Unrealistic Goals

Aim for slow and steady weight loss – about 1.5 to 2 kg per month. It’s easier to achieve and maintain. Crash diets and short-term fixes may give quick results, but they’re rarely sustainable.

Set tangible, measurable goals, and back them with a clear plan. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from a certified coach to help you track progress effectively.

 3. Sitting for Too Long

Exercising for an hour daily but not seeing results? The culprit might be your sitting time.

Research suggests that sitting continuously for long periods can slow metabolism, stiffen joints, and lead to back pain—similar in risk to smoking! Break the cycle: stand, stretch, or walk every 30 minutes. It adds up over the day.

 4. Poor Sleep Habits

Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. It’s when your body repairs tissues, processes information, and balances hormones.

Inadequate sleep not only makes you crave junk food, but it also disrupts your circadian rhythm, leading to weight gain. For best results, try to sleep between 10 pm and 6 am – your body responds best during these “golden hours”.

 5. Stress Management

Are you stressed about not losing weight? Ironically, that stress might be the reason.

Stress raises cortisol levels, which promotes fat storage – especially around the belly. It also interferes with sleep and triggers ghrelin, the hormone that increases hunger even when you’re not truly hungry.

Chronic stress can also lead to emotional eating, fatigue, and even anxiety or depression. Managing it through meditation, breathing exercises, or time outdoors can do wonders.

 6. Low Water Intake

Many people mistake thirst for hunger. A simple glass of water may be all you need instead of a snack.

Set a habit: drink one glass of water before every meal. Stay well hydrated throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts.

7. Nutrient Deficiencies

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 can hinder fat loss.

  • Vitamin B12 helps convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into usable energy.
  • Vitamin D3 plays a role in limiting fat storage and improving mood and muscle function by increasing serotonin and testosterone.

Shockingly, up to 50% of the global population may be deficient in Vitamin D. It’s worth testing and supplementing if needed.

Still searching for that “magic pill”? The truth is, there’s no quick fix – but combining these 7 steps can create real, lasting change. Stay consistent, stay patient, and stay kind to your body.

For more tips, visit our Healthy Reads section or get expert guidance by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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5 Fat Loss Mistakes You Might Be Making

fat loss mistakes

The internet can be useful – there’s no denying that. Those fun DIY tricks and tutorials that help you pick up a new skill-set are pretty brilliant, aren’t they? But, like all things, the internet has a downside. While it helps you discover something new every day, it can also lead you down a rabbit hole of misinformation – particularly when it comes to health.

Take for example: Quick Fat Loss Tips or Lose Fat in 10 Days. While these headlines grab attention, they often promote unrealistic, unsustainable, and even harmful methods. So if you’re on a fat loss journey, here are 5 common mistakes you might be making – along with why it’s time to ditch the myths.

1. Starving for Fat Loss 

Research shows that chronic starvation reduces muscle mass and organ size by up to 20%. Weight loss through starvation can also lead to lower bone density, making you more injury-prone.

It doesn’t stop there. Starving slows down your metabolism and hampers overall body function. Worst of all, once you return to eating normally, your body may store more calories as fat—undoing all your efforts.

Golden rule: Eat healthy, balanced meals at the right time. Nourishment, not restriction, is key.

2. No Rest Day 

Think over-training equals faster fat loss? Think again.

Rest days are crucial to avoid muscle overuse and allow your body to recover. Lifting weights causes tiny muscle tears that can only repair – and grow – during rest. Over-training can actually stall fat loss, disturb your hormonal balance, and even cause amenorrhoea (loss of menstrual periods).

Tip: Take one rest day a week. Try light activity like walking, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

3. Excess Protein Doesn’t Mean Better Fat Loss

Yes, protein helps you feel fuller and supports muscle maintenance – but more is not always better.

A high-protein diet alone won’t do the trick. Too much protein can strain digestion. What you really need is balance – enough fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs alongside your protein to support healthy fat loss.

4. Lack of Optimum Sleep

Getting fewer than six hours of sleep reduces leptin (the satiety hormone) and increases ghrelin (the hunger hormone). Translation? You’ll feel hungrier and less satisfied.

Studies show that people who sleep 7+ hours a night lose more fat and preserve more muscle mass. Lack of sleep also spikes cortisol – body’s stress hormone – which hinders fat breakdown and increases muscle loss.

So if you’re waking up early to squeeze in a workout but skipping sleep, it might be time to rethink your schedule.

5. Keeping Unrealistic Expectations

Setting tangible goals is great – but aiming too high, too soon, can backfire.

Studies show that people with overly ambitious expectations, especially those who are overweight or obese, are more likely to drop out of fat loss programmes within 6–12 months due to disappointment.

Instead: Set modest, achievable goals with the guidance of a certified coach. Progress that’s steady is progress that sticks.

Want to stop guessing and start getting real results? Speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing to Personalised Health Coaching here.

Did this article help you? Share your thoughts in the comments! And for more tips, check out our Healthy Reads on weight loss here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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