Cardio vs Weights: What You Need to Know

Cardio vs Weights…seems like a never-ending battle for supremacy and we don’t know why!

Maybe today, even more than ever before, there seems to be confusion on what type of exercise, cardio vs weights, one should be doing. Honestly, the more information we have access to, the more confusion there seems to be. So, in an effort to help ensure progress, we thought we should take a few minutes to just make the basics as simple as possible.

First things first! You should not be doing every single workout routine you see posted by today’s social media “fitness models”! This is important…for a couple of reasons.

Number one…those workouts probably didn’t create their current bodies. Today’s workout posts seem to be solely about being different or eye-catching and this is a shame…because building lean muscle and losing fat are very simple functions…for those willing to do the work. Note…getting where you want to go with your fitness does not require every latest, goofiest form of exercise that someone can make up to get views. Choose wisely.

Number two…you may not have their genetic makeup and you are, most likely, not at their current level of fitness, or eating the way they do. These two things probably mean you should start more like they did before you saw them on social media as “fitness models”.

The point is simple…know the basics, start with the basics. So, let’s do that now.

Weight Training…

Let’s start in order of priority. Everyone needs to not only understand the basics of weight training but the importance of it as well.

Weight lifting could easily be classified as the most beneficial form of exercise that you could be doing, not only for weight management but function and healthy aging as well. It’s the type of exercise that is going to best transform your body by building up more lean muscle mass, improving your movement and strength levels, all while helping you reduce body fat.

Resistance training is superior for increasing your resting metabolic rate.  Now, keep in mind, simply lifting a “weight” isn’t sufficient.  You must challenge your body to create change…. these are more intense workouts.  As a result,  you will build more lean muscle through your training and increase how many calories you burn sitting around throughout the day. Who doesn’t want to burn more unwanted calories while sitting?

Additionally, as we touched on, resistance training will also help to improve bone strength, muscle strength, balance, agility, and will help ensure that you can maintain your strength as the years go by.

One really cool thing…most people find that resistance training is far less boring than most forms of cardio exercise. You can simply make changes, not only to your daily regiment but also body part or weekly routines to avoid the hum-drum…boring is never good!

If you really want to ensure your fitness regiment is well-rounded and giving you the most bang for your buck…shoot for 3-4 times per week. A little more good news…you don’t need more than 40-50 minutes a session if you are doing it right.

Cardio Training…

Now on the cardio side of things. Before we get too deep here…let’s get your attention quickly.

You really do not need more than 10-15 minute cardio sessions when done HIIT (high-intensity interval training) style.

HIIT training is the route to go. This form of training is going to be best suited to not only increasing your fitness level but also spiking your metabolism as well. It’s a win-win scenario for those who want to get in shape and lose fat at the same time and doing so in less time.

Before you get too excited, two things to know. One, HIIT training, when done properly is hard. Two, you will need to work into the true high-intensity sessions slowly if you are not already at a pretty high level of fitness.

Use this tool to your advantage. Grow into higher intensity sessions as your fitness levels increase and watch your body transform in half the time.

While we would love for you to aim for 3-5 cardio sessions per week, they do not all need to be HIIT sessions although we would suggest more than half be true HIIT.

So now you have a really quick, basic overview of the two main forms of exercise. Obviously, both have their place in a well-planned fitness regiment. There is no question they both have their benefits. Do yourself a favor, make time for each.

Always Remember…

You only have one life to live, one body to live it in…so take care of it. Progress, not perfection. Good, better, best with your food intake and some form of “movement” daily. Get your nutritional foundation from food, supplement where necessary, and drink plenty of water. We are here to help so feel free to drop us comments or questions as often as you’d like…and always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regiment.

Live a 3D life…Decisions Determine Destinations!