Cardio vs. Weight Training

Ah, the age-old question of cardio versus weight training. Which is better for you? Which should you be doing more of? Well, lucky for you, we're here to provide a factual comparison between the two types of exercise.

What is cardio?

Cardio exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, is any form of exercise that gets your heart rate up for an extended period. This can include activities such as running, biking, swimming, or dancing. Cardio is great for improving your cardiovascular health and burning calories.

What is weight training?

Weight training, also known as strength training, is any type of exercise that involves using weights or resistance to build strength and muscle mass. This can include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises such as push-ups and squats.

Cardio vs. Weight Training: The Comparison

Calories Burned

When it comes to burning calories, cardio usually comes out on top. A 160-pound person can expect to burn around 800-900 calories during an hour of running, depending on their intensity level. Weight training, on the other hand, burns fewer calories during the actual workout, but it continues to burn calories throughout the day as your body repairs and builds muscle.

Muscle Gain

Weight training is the clear winner when it comes to building muscle mass. During weight training, you are forcing your muscles to work harder than they are used to, which causes them to break down and then build back up bigger and stronger than before. Cardio can help you maintain muscle mass, but it won't help you build significant amounts of it.

Heart Health

Cardio is the best choice when it comes to improving your cardiovascular health. It helps to increase your heart rate, which strengthens your heart muscle and improves blood flow throughout your body. Weight training can also benefit your heart health, but not to the same extent as cardio.

Bone Health

Weight training is crucial for maintaining strong bones. As you lift weights or use resistance bands, these activities put stress on your bones, which then strengthens them. Cardio, on the other hand, does not have the same impact on bone health.

Conclusion

So, which is better: cardio or weight training? Well, it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you're looking to burn calories and improve your heart health, cardio is the way to go. If you want to build muscle mass and maintain strong bones, weight training should be a priority in your exercise routine. In an ideal world, you should aim to incorporate both cardio and weight training into your routine for a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle.

Now get out there and exercise, and remember - no pain, no gain!

References:

1. "Cardio vs. Weight Lifting: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?" Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/cardio-vs-weights.
2. "Cardio vs. Weight Training: What's Better?" Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 15 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319151.