Cardio VS Strength Training OR Both?
When it comes to exercising to lose weight, which would you prefer, cardio or strength training? Back in the 80′s, men went to Gold’s Gym and women got fit with Jane Fonda. That was almost 30 years ago and recently, after intense debates and in depth studies, some fitness experts say strength training is winning. While others believe striking the right balance between cardio exercises and strength training is the best way to lose weight.
Cardio exercise is any exercise activity that increases your heart rate at 60 to 85% of the heart’s maximum rate for at least, 20 minutes. Cardio exercises makes you lose 10 to 12 calories per minute which is actually better compared to strength training. Experts have concluded that 60 to 90 minutes of of moderate intensity cardio work out several days in a week is needed to lose weight. Most popular cardio exercises include running whether outdoors or indoors, step aerobics, biking walking and ofcourse swimming.
Strength training makes you lose a slightly lower number of calories per minute of training at an average of 8-10 calories per minute. The good thing about strength training is its ability to boost metabolism even after you work out. Strength training require more calories than fat as it builds up muscles, in this case, the more nuscles you have the more calories you tend to burn. Each day, a pound of muscles would require about 40 calories with even doing anything at all.
These days, fitness students would do strength training and cardio all at the same time. You don’t actually need to have a separate shcedule for your cardio and strength training. You can mix them up or do light strength training before moderate cardio workouts. It is all up to what you choose. The best thing about this combination is you get the best of both cardio and strength training and that is when you expend the most number of calories which eventually leads to weight loss. Other advantages of cardio work out are getting your heart and lungs stronger, reducing stress and boosting your immune system. Weight training notably increases bone density which becomes a problem with advancing age. it improves posture as well as combats depression and of course, improves muscle strength.
Whether you prefer cardio or strength training exercise or both is a personal choice, but knowing the benefits of each discipline is important so the choices you make later on not only complements your lifestyle but also works with your health goals and aspirations. There are many considerations to be taken before deciding on which suits you best and which would address the health goals that you have. The important thing for now, is that you have committed yourself to a healthier lifestyle. How you proceed after that is entirely up to you.
Over at the FitnessArmory.com, you can let our expert advice on fitness and equipment reviews help you create the perfect home gym but without all the huge costs. We have the exclusive reviews on all your favorite brands and models to help you get in shape, get healthy and look great. Recent product reviews include: Sole F63, Bowflex Revolution, Bowflex Xtreme.We invite you to stop by or drop us a line if you have any questions or need help with your fitness equipment selections.
