Struggling to lose weight even though you’re logging hours on the treadmill? You’re not alone. Many active adults and restless parents are frustrated when cardio workouts don’t deliver the expected weight loss or fat loss. Let’s break down the six most common reasons why cardio alone may not be helping you burn more calories, lose body fat, or see the results you want—and what you can do to get back on track with weight management.

Suppose you’re an active adult or a restless parent trying to juggle fitness, work, and family. In that case, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I spend my precious workout time on steady-state cardio or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to burn fat?” With so much buzz around both methods, getting lost in the details is easy. This article breaks down the science, benefits, and real-world application of each cardio workout style, sprinkling in essential NLP and LSI terms, to help you make the best choice for your fat loss goals.