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Strength Over Skinny: Why Strength Training Burned More Fat Than Cardio Ever Did

If you’ve been sweating it out on the treadmill wondering why your body fat percentage won’t budge—this post is for you. Because guess what? Cardio alone never got me to 11.6% body fat.

That’s right—my recent InBody scan confirmed what I’ve been feeling all along: strength training is the ultimate fat-burning machine. Here’s what the data says:

My InBody Results:

  • Weight: 65.2 kg
  • Body Fat Percentage: 11.6%
  • Skeletal Muscle Mass: 32.4 kg
  • Total Body Water: 42.4 kg

Let’s unpack why this matters.

The Power of Muscle Over Cardio

When I used to rely on cardio, my body felt lean—but not this lean. Once I made strength training the cornerstone of my fitness routine, the changes were insane. Muscle burns more calories at rest, meaning I’m torching fat even while I sleep.

This happens because muscle is metabolically active tissue. It needs energy to maintain itself, so your body naturally increases its calorie burn 24/7.

And here’s a wild fact: muscle holds more water than fat, so it’s denser. That’s why if you add up my muscle mass + body water (74.8 kg), it actually exceeds my total body weight. Mind-blowing, right?

Key Takeaways:

  • Strength training builds muscle and burns fat more efficiently than cardio alone.
  • More muscle = higher metabolism, even at rest.
  • Don’t fear the scale – muscle mass is heavier and healthier.
  • Hydration matters – muscles are mostly water, and staying hydrated supports performance and recovery.

Let’s Talk:

Have you made the switch from cardio to strength training? Did you notice changes in your body composition or energy levels? I’d love to hear about your journey—drop a comment below or DM me!

Let’s keep building strong, powerful bodies—not just skinny ones.

#StrengthOverSkinny

Want more insights like this? Follow me on Instagram @careerfitwithnika for real-talk fitness tips, science-backed motivation, and a community of strong women lifting each other up. 💪

Check out the full report below – the results totally blew my mind!