For ME yes. If I wish to cut up, I either have to cut my calories, or up my cardio a bit. Usually, when I cut my cals much more than what I take in now, I feel awful. I do much better with increasing my cardio. Unless I am prepping for my season, I would rather eat more and excercise more. If it's just to lose a few pounds, this is what works best for me. Now, when I am getting ready for a show, and need to force my body into losing every bit of fat, then I both cut cals AND increase cardio.