If you want to burn fat and lose weight, aerobic exercise beats resistance training, a new study says.

Previous studies have shown that resistance training has many benefits, including improving blood sugar control, she said, but the effects of it on fat reduction have not been conclusive.

"We not trying to discourage people from resistance training," said study author Leslie Willis, clinical research coordinator at Duke University Medical Center and an exercise physiologist.

The new study, published Dec. 15 in the Journal of Applied Physiology, compared resistance training to aerobic exercise to determine which is best for weight and fat loss.

The new study results suggest for people short on time, focusing on aerobic exercise is the best way to lose weight and fat, Willis said.

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