Cross training can help you burn fat. To maintain a regular dose of set-point lowering stress, while minimizing orthopedic stress, cross training can help. The best activities are those that raise core body temperature, use a lot of muscle cells and can be continued comfortably for more than 45 minutes. Cross training is done on days when you don’t run. Swimming is not a good fat-burning exercise. The water absorbs temperature buildup, and therefore core body temperature doesn’t rise significantly.
Good fat burning exercises:
- Nordic track
- Walking
- Elliptical
- Rowing
- Exercise cycle
For more info on lowering the “set-point”, see my book Running Getting Started.