IT’S A QUESTION THAT HAS BEEN A TOPIC OF DEBATE FOR FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS FOR DECADES – WHICH IS BETTER, WEIGHT TRAINING OR CARDIO? THE ANSWER ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE, BUT THERE ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO HELP WITH YOUR DECISION.
There are two main factors involved in the fat burning process: calories burned during exercise and calories consumed after exercise. While both types of exercises burn calories while you’re exercising, only one type will also help consume calories even hours after you are finished – weight training.
Research shows that weight training increases resting metabolism by 9% in men and 4% in women. Resting metabolic rate is the number of calories you burn at rest. Weight training and building muscle can help to increase this.
However, do not count out cardio as part of your workout routine. Studies show that cardio training has many health benefits. Cardio influences cardiovascular health by making your heart and lungs work harder during workouts. Making your lungs and heart work harder than they are used to can help you get into shape faster.
SWITCHING UP YOUR ROUTINE
Most people might find endless cardio repetitive and boring. Physical Trainer and Owner Of Carter’s Home Gym, Marc Dern believes that switching up your workout routine can be beneficial.
“Changing your workout routine makes it less monotonous. You are also less likely to have injuries by putting less strain on the same joints and muscles”. Says Dern
So if you normally do strength training, try mixing in a little cardio exercise as well. And vice versa. You might be surprised at how well your body can adjust and burn more fat.
COMBINE CARDIO AND WEIGHT TRAINING FOR A REAL FAT BURNING KNOCKOUT
If you normally do strength training, try picking up the pace a bit. It is considered cardio exercise when your heart rate exceeds 50% of its normal pace and stays there for 30 minutes. You can also end your weight training workout with 30 minutes of high intensity cardio training. This will aid in building your lower body and leg muscles.
ADD WEIGHTS & DO MORE REPS
Doing more reps with weights will add cardio to your weight training and make your workout more intense. By keeping up continuous movement throughout, you increase your heart rate and promote faster muscle fatigue.
ALTERNATE BETWEEN STRENGTH TRAINING & CARDIO
Alternating between the two can be a great way to maximize your fitness results in a short amount of time. For instance, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday do cardio exercises. Tuesday and Thursday can be dedicated to weight training. Then in 30 days switch them and train your muscles with weights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. While making sure Tuesday and Thursday is put aside for improving cardio health.
Be sure to change the types of exercises that you do as well. This will help keep you from plateauing with your workout performance and training results.
The debate of whether weight training or cardio is better for you is one that has been going on for ages. However, science does not back up the idea that either one can be considered “better” than the other. Consider both as important in their own way to help you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Whether you’re looking to increase muscle strength or improve cardio health, Carter’s Home Gym has the right option for you. With our Custom Come Gym Membership Packages, you can have all of the equipment you need right at your home or office, for an affordable price. We will even bring the equipment to you and set it up!
Call Us Today To find out how you can Have Your Gym – Your Home – Your Way!
