Researchers Find Cardio Is Best For Weight Loss, Study Finds

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- For decades, people have been looking for the best exercise to blast stubborn fat. Whether it was the Jane Fonda workouts of old to today's cross-fit and Zumba, it seems everyone has a weight-loss exercise they swear by.  But one small new study might help provide an answer to the age-old debate: what kind of exercise is best for weight loss, classic cardio, strength training, or a combination of the two.

The answer, according to an eight-month study which followed 119 overweight volunteers, found that cardio was the winner.

After tracking subjects who did resistance training, aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two, Duke University researchers found those who did aerobic work alone shed the most pounds.

But don't retire your bar-bells just yet.

The group that did both cardio and strength training actually had the most improved ration of fat-to-lean muscle mass.

Experts say it's important to throw some weight around, especially as you get older and start losing muscle mass.

So do both. Next time you hit the gym start with weights and finish with cardio.

But remember, when it comes to losing weight, you can't out-exercise a bad diet.

So don't forget to make healthy food choices too.

This winning combo will surely help you shed those pounds.