Steady-state cardio v. Metabolic Resistance Training...from my point of view

Who out there used to think that the key to lean physique was endless hours on the dreaded trio--treadmill, elliptical, stairmaster? Oh and don't forget the stationary bikes...

Who out there finally decided that most things about steady-state cardio STINK and set forth to find something that helped you achieve that sought-after, lean body while keeping the cardio to the minimum?

If your answer to both of those questions is a resounding, "ME!", then you and I are in the same boat. If you're still convinced that that you have to slog away on the cardio equipment in the gym for ceaseless hours, let me present to you a few little factoids to get you thinking:

1) You would generally have to spend double or more time on the cardio machines to achieve the high calorie burn that you can get from Metabolic Resistance Training (MRT), the umbrella under which HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and most circuit training workouts fall in half the time.

2) Our bodies are very smart, adaptable machines. Whereas you may see results from lengthy cardio sessions when you first start working out, eventually your body will get used to any form of external force. It's no coincidence that as our cardiovascular fitness improves and the cardio sessions become easier to complete, our bodies also fail to respond favorably (in terms of fat loss) to this form of exercise!

3) With most steady-state cardio, our heart rates do not fluctuate much. Just like our quads and hamstrings, our heart is a muscle and it needs to be flexed and exercised like all the other visible muscles. MRT alternates between heart rate zones to create the ultimate environment conducive to effective and lasting fat loss. 

If you're still not convinced, that's OK! If you're thinking, "Well, what the heck IS Metabolic Resistance Training?", then check out this awesome article from Bodybuilding.com which gives a great introduction to this form of training, plus a few workouts to try it out for yourself! I also like this article from fat loss coach and former physique competitor, Jill Coleman of Jillfit. She conjures up a meeting of the leading minds in female fat loss to discuss their personal cardio preferences and how they opt to stay lean and mean. 

Let me know what you think in the comments below! Any MRT converts out there who wanna share their experiences? Fire away!