Is cardio 3 times a week enough for weight loss?

Author: Carrie Schneider  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Cardio's role in helping you shed pounds is burning calories. The more you exercise, the more calories you'll burn. If you're trying to lose weight, you should aim for doing cardio at least five days per week for a total of at least 250 minutes (4 hours, 10 minutes) each week.

Is cardio 3 times a week enough to lose weight?

Now, cardio. For weight loss, the National Institutes of Health recommends at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five days a week. But you can maximize your sweat sessions for efficiency if you alternate between high- and low-intensity workouts each day, says Forsythe.

How much cardio should I do a week to lose weight?

Aim to exercise most days of the week. For even more health benefits, strive for 300 minutes a week or more of moderate aerobic activity or 150 minutes of vigorous activity. Exercising this much may help with weight loss or keeping off lost weight.

How much weight can you lose in 3 weeks with cardio?

A safe and sustainable weight loss is generally considered to be around 1-2 pounds per week. Therefore, in 3 weeks, it is reasonable to expect a weight loss of approximately 3-6 pounds.

Is 20 minutes cardio 3 times a week good?

20 minutes per day is enough. Humans were designed for endurance and 20 minutes of quality cardio per day puts you in a position to endure for 30--60 minutes or more - should the need arise. In fact, 20 minutes of cardio, 3--5 times per week, is enough.

How Much Cardio Should You Do To Lose Fat? (LESS THAN YOU THINK!)

Can too much cardio slow weight loss?

Often, we try to just push past a little soreness, but any pain should be addressed right away by visiting a physiotherapist/coach. Too much cardio makes you lose muscle mass and this makes your metabolism slow. As a result, the fat burning mechanism in your body slows down.

How long does it take to see results from running 3 times a week?

On average, a consistent, healthy rate of weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week. With regular running and dietary adjustments, most people begin to see changes in four to six weeks. However, this is a very individual journey, and patience is key.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

What cardio is best for weight loss?

Running and jogging

These are two of the most straightforward and effective ways to burn calories and lose weight. If you're new to running, it's good to start with three or four days a week. On other days, consider cross training exercises like yoga or weight training.

What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) burn more calories and fat throughout the body, including the upper belly, lower belly, and obliques. So, while ab exercises can help define your core, it's a holistic approach that will help you lose the fat covering those muscles.

Does walking count as cardio?

Is Just Walking Enough Cardio? The fitness experts we spoke to agree: Yes, walking can totally “count” as your cardio workout if you format your walking workout to be challenging enough for your body. To maintain a healthy fitness level, try to walk at least three days a week.

Can I just do cardio to lose weight?

Cardio is a great way to burn calories, but it isn't the only way to get rid of fat. If you're looking for a quick fix, cardio will help you lose weight by burning more calories than your body consumes. However, this method alone won't necessarily lead to long-lasting results.

What is the best cardio machine for weight loss?

Final Word: What's the Best Cardio Machine for Weight Loss

Treadmills, ellipticals, and swim spas tend to hold the top spots in the race, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of effective calorie burning, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced overall well-being.

Which exercise is best for weight loss?

7 Best Weight-loss Exercises
  1. Walking. Walking is an easy exercise suitable for beginners, requiring no special equipment. ...
  2. Jogging or running. Jogging and running differ primarily in speed. ...
  3. Cycling. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that places minimal stress on the knees. ...
  4. Weight Training. ...
  5. Swimming. ...
  6. Yoga. ...
  7. Pilates.

Can I lose noticeable weight in 2 weeks?

You should reduce your intake of processed, carb-heavy foods like cookies, chips and soda. Is is possible to lose between five to ten pounds in two weeks, although this weight loss will vary depending on each person's metabolism. Food intake should be carefully monitored and combined with regular physical activity.

What is the only science backed way to lose belly fat?

Studies have shown that you can help trim visceral fat or prevent its growth with both aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) and strength training (exercising with weights). Spot exercises, such as sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles but won't get at visceral fat. Exercise can also help keep fat from coming back.

Can I realistically lose 50 pounds in 3 months?

Yes, it's possible to lose 50 pounds in three months, but it's important to understand that this requires a significant commitment and might not be a healthy approach for everyone. While rapid weight loss is achievable, setting realistic goals based on your body's needs and current health is essential.

What is the 30 30 30 rule?

That plan is called the 30-30-30 rule. It's a simple but catchy idea that encourages you to eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and then get 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. The 30-30-30 rule now has millions of followers on TikTok.

At what point does cardio start burning fat?

During light aerobic exercise or short workouts, our body uses glycogen (the stored form of glucose). It is only after about 20 minutes that our muscles switch to the fat-loss mode. It is true that 30–60 minutes of lower- or moderate-intensity exercise are necessary to achieve efficient fat loss.

What burns belly fat the fastest?

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

How many miles should I walk a day to lose weight?

Popular fitness trackers and pedometers encourage people to take 10,000 steps per day, and one 2016 study agrees that 10,000 steps are ideal. This works out to roughly 5 miles of walking. People interested in walking for weight loss should consistently hit at least 10,000 steps each day.

Is it better to run fast or slow to burn fat?

Burning fat

This means you break down stored fat to supply most of your energy. “If I want to burn fat, then running slower is best,” says Haake. At high energy intensities, when you are gasping for breath, the body flips to anaerobic processes and mainly breaks down carbohydrates and protein.

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