Walking after a weight-training session may encourage the body to use more fat as an energy source, but fitness coach Eric Roberts says this does not automatically mean a person will lose more stored body fat. In a recent social media video, Roberts explained the difference between burning fat for fuel during exercise and actually reducing the body's stored fat over time. His comments address a common belief among people who combine strength training with cardio for weight loss.

Strength training is widely used to build muscle, improve strength and support overall fitness, while walking and other forms of cardio can increase daily energy expenditure. Many people therefore finish their weight-training sessions with a walk or treadmill workout in the belief that lifting weights first makes the subsequent cardio more effective for fat loss. Roberts said there is some truth behind the idea that the body may rely more on fat for fuel after lifting, but the effect should not be confused with directly burning stored body fat.

According to Roberts, the body uses carbohydrates and fat as sources of energy during physical activity. He explained that after a demanding weight-training session, the body's available carbohydrate stores may be reduced, meaning fat can contribute more to the energy required during a subsequent walk. This can increase fat oxidation during the walking session. However, the amount of fat being used as fuel at that particular moment does not determine whether a person ultimately loses body fat.

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The coach highlighted calorie balance as the more important factor when the goal is reducing stored fat. Body fat is stored energy, and the body generally draws on those reserves when it uses more energy than it receives through food over time. A person can therefore burn a higher proportion of fat during a particular workout without necessarily losing significant body fat if their overall calorie intake remains too high. Roberts stressed that maintaining a calorie deficit is central to reducing stored fat.

Walking after lifting can still be useful because it adds physical activity and increases the number of calories burned throughout the day. For people who enjoy walking, a moderate session after strength training can be a practical way to increase activity without requiring particularly intense cardio. Strength training can also remain an important part of a fat-loss programme because maintaining and building muscle can support body composition goals. The most effective approach, however, depends on consistency rather than simply choosing a specific order of exercises.

Roberts ultimately advised focusing on nutrition alongside exercise instead of relying on post-workout cardio as a shortcut to fat loss. Walking after weights may help increase energy expenditure and may cause the body to use more fat as fuel during that session, but it is not a guarantee of greater fat loss. A sustainable calorie deficit, regular exercise and consistent eating habits remain the key factors for reducing stored body fat over time. His comments were based on social media content and are intended for general information rather than individual medical or fitness advice.

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