It’s the age old question…should I do cardio or weights to improve my overall health and fitness? Well hopefully this give you a bit more of an idea..
Both cardio training and weight training are important for overall cardiovascular fitness and health, and the best approach will depend on an individual's specific goals and needs.
Cardio training, such as running, cycling, and swimming, improves cardiovascular fitness by strengthening the heart and lungs and increasing the body's ability to take in and use oxygen. This type of training is beneficial for weight loss, as it burns a large number of calories, and it can also improve overall cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, cardio training can also improve endurance, which can be beneficial for sports and other physical activities.
Weight training, on the other hand, is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, which in turn helps to increase overall strength and power. Weight training can also improve bone density, which can help to prevent osteoporosis and other age-related conditions. Weight training also burns calories, but due to the nature of muscle building and maintenance, it tends to burn less calories than cardio exercises.
Additionally, weight training can have an impact on body composition, by increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat. Both cardio training and weight training also have mental benefits. Cardio training can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while weight training can improve mood, boost self-esteem, and help with relaxation.
It is important to note that while both cardio training and weight training are important for cardiovascular fitness and health, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, incorporating both cardio training and weight training into your fitness routine is ideal for overall health and fitness. A combination of cardio training and weight training can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle mass, and reduce body fat, which can lead to better overall health and a higher quality of life.
To determine the best approach for cardiovascular fitness, it is important to consider an individual's specific goals and needs. For those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness and lose weight, a focus on cardio training may be most beneficial. On the other hand, for those looking to build muscle mass and increase strength, a focus on weight training may be more appropriate.
It is also important to consider overall health condition, injury and medical history, as well as any other physical constraints, before starting any exercise routine. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or a personal trainer to make sure that the exercise program is safe and tailored to individual needs.
In conclusion, both cardio training and weight training are important for overall cardiovascular fitness and health. While cardio training is beneficial for weight loss and improving cardiovascular health, weight training is important for building and maintaining muscle mass and increasing overall strength and power.
The best approach will depend on an individual's specific goals and needs, and it is recommended to consult with a doctor or a personal trainer to make sure that the exercise program is safe and tailored to individual needs. Incorporating both cardio training and weight training into your fitness routine is ideal for overall health and fitness.
Personally in my own training, I never use weights and very rarely have. This is my own preference because I just don’t enjoy doing weight training or being surrounded by a load of vain roiders. I appreciate that I could get additional benefits to using weights but I don’t want to, so it’s no point forcing myself to do them because I won’t. I’m happy with my fitness for my age and how I do it, the decision has to be individual or you just give yourself an excuse no to go to the gym.