Ahh, the classic debate of cardio vs. strength training. Is one better than the other? Which one should you do? When it comes to being the greatest version of yourself, is it cardio or strength training that can help get you there?
This article will highlight all that you need to know about both cardio training and strength training and hopefully put a halt on some of these questions. From there, you can be in the know about what’s best for you and your goals.
The Benefits of Cardio Workouts
Why join Team Cardio?
Improved Heart Health
Cardio is key in helping keep your heart pumping strong and efficiently. When running, jump roping, swimming, etc., your heart rate goes up and you start breathing faster. This is your body’s way of trying to get more oxygen to your blood. When you pray that you make it through that next mile, your body is exchanging oxygen. Your aerobic capacity goes up and up with cardio.
Calorie Burning During A Workout
When burning calories during a workout, your body is using up energy to power through. This is all in relation to how much you weigh, your heart, health, etc. A 225 pound male is going to expend more energy running 2 miles than a 120 pound female. During a cardio workout, you’re going to burn more calories than you would when weight training. KEYNOTE: during. We are staying neutral here – but this is just so you are aware.
Weight Loss
Plain cardio is the queen of burning fat. Cardio trumps reducing fat and body mass in a shorter amount of time.
Longevity
Keeping cardio included very regularly in your workout routine can reduce all sorts of health risks, such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and even some types of cancers. Cardio is also beneficial in preventing injury and keeping your body able to perform at its best.
The Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training still burns calories, but it’s even better for building muscle. There is a reason why there’s a difference in the build of an elite runner vs. a bodybuilder. This is also true for people who decide to incorporate resistance training as part of their strength – this helps increase lean muscle mass.
Burn Calories All Day
Yes, you read that correctly. While a cardio workout will help you burn more calories during the actual sweat sesh, strength training helps you keep burning those calories throughout the day. Muscle helps your body burn more calories when it’s at rest. So if you are home watching Netflix, but you trained earlier in the day, there is a good chance you are still burning calories.
Combat Stress
Strength training does a fantastic job at helping your brain produce more endorphins. These endorphins can majorly affect mood, stress, and overall feeling. It is also a great arena to let out any pent-up emotions and focus on yourself. Even just for 15-20 minutes, the endorphins are able to do wonders for your mood.
Injury Prevention
Lifting weights is well-known for increasing bone density. Increasing bone density and strength is beneficial for preventing osteoporosis, breaks and fractures. Having stronger muscles in general helps your joints and reduces the risk of any injuries that may occur at times you wouldn’t expect.
So.. which is it?
The cardio vs. strength training debate will be one that continues to stick around because people don’t want to take the time to break them down. The results you desire are the force for making the decision that’s right for you, and odds are – it’s probably a combination of the two. If you want to lose weight, cardio burns more calories. If you want to focus on building muscle, strength training will get you there. Side note: for every 3 pounds of muscle, you can expect to burn an extra 120 calories a day when sedentary.
The ideal solution is a clever combination of the two to help get a leaner & stronger you.
Maximize Your Cardio or Strength Training at the BXNG Club!
Maximize and prioritize your goals at The BXNG Club for cardio or strength training – or a combination of the two. Try a complimentary personal training session!
