What's the BEST exercise for weightloss?

The one you stick to! 

First thing's first, and let's get this out of the way: there is no set exercises that will guarantee that you lose weight or pin point the area you want to lose weight from.

BUT!

Consistently exercising will do the trick by firing up that metabolism and burning calories. Due to the increase in your total daily activity expenditure -TDEE for short- and if you're in a calorie deficit over a period of time (at least 6 weeks to see some significant changes), you have the perfect concoction for weightloss. That wasn't the quick and easy answer you were looking for was it? 

Some put cardio on the top podium position, some argue weight training is gospel, some will say HIIT training over an endurance effort is best. To be honest, if you're dipping in and out of different exercise routines or types, not monitoring or progressing them or simply stopping and starting (we've all been there...) then you might lose weight slowly or even not at all. The best exercise for weight loss is the one you consistently do, which is usually the one you enjoy the most. To clarify what 'consistency' looks like it's 30-90 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week. That's right, 3x30 minute sessions a week is JUST as valid as 4x90 minute sessions. It sounds bonkers, but honestly, it's whatever works best for you.

I know. I'm sorry. You want me to tell you just need to lift heavy for X reps, X sets or complete a 5km run every other morning and BAM you'll lose that weight you want to lose! Here at FPT, we absolutely champion weight training for other benefits like improving bone density and strengthening joints but it's not technically 'the best' exercise for weight loss. But why? Because if you dislike weight training and therefore end up sacking off 1 or even 2 of those 3 workouts each week then your progress is going to be slowwww. You'll probably become demotivated by the lack of progress and then stop weightlifting, completely blaming the weightlifting for your lack of progress towards your weight loss goal. This is the exact same with running outside, opting for cardio machines in the gym or a HIIT class. IF YOU DO NOT ENJOY IT YOU WILL NOT STICK TO IT and consistency is the only thing that really matters.

In an ideal world, you would incorporate a combination of these different types of exercises into your workout routine (strength training and cardiovascular plus a mixture of HIIT and steady state) to get a magical combination of the benefits of exercise including weight loss, general overall strength gains and cardiovascular health. And while I can comfortably say this is the best exercise(s) for weight loss (alongside an accurately calculated calorie deficit), it doesn't matter how perfect your gym routine is on paper if you overtrain, burnout, and stop going to the gym entirely after a week. The most (and only) important thing when you're picking your workout regime is to stick to it.

Ahhhh consistency, what a beautiful word. Become friends with consistency. Take it out for lunch, give it some TLC and the results you're aiming for will be yours in no time at all.