Cardio Vs. Weight Training

Cardio vs. Weight training, the never ending debated question. So lets start by chatting about both.. 

Cardiovascular exercise is wonderful! It strengthens your heart, lungs, muscles, bones, trains your body to more efficiently transport oxygen and nutrients to your tissues,  and releases endorphin to keep you happy. Doesn't sound too shabby to me!

Now lets discuss weight training. Weight training is also nothing short of fabulous. It strengthens and builds bone and muscle mass, helps boost your metabolism by building more muscle, helps manage blood sugar, helps manage back pain; again endless wonderful benefits.

So with that said, why the constant dispute about which is better? To me this question should be more properly phrased as :

Cardio vs. weight training-which is better for my body composition goals at the moment?

This properly helps advise the person wondering which will help them achieve their body goals. So lets chat about that.

For someone who is overweight, and by overweight I don't mean according to your personal standards, but overweight defined as body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 ( unless your are a professional bodybuilder, then you need to go by body fat percentage). If your BMI is greater than 25 then I would say Cardio exercise will be your best friend, along with a modified calorie intake diet.

My exercise prescription for someone BMI 25 +

• 60 minutes of heart elevating cardiovascular exercise 4-5 times a week for quickest results. If you haven't exercised in ages, that's okay. Start off 3 days a week 30 minute sessions, start small and build up. Your cardiovascular system is wonderful at adapting quickly this will in turn boost your exercise confidence :) Remember, "watch your fork" as they say and stay within your calorie budget. Their is nothing worse than reversing your hard work in minutes.

My exercise prescription for someone BMI <25

• Weight training 4-5 times a week 45 minute sessions with cardiovascular exercise sessions of 30 minutes x3 a week. This will get you results fast. Lift weights that are heavy enough to make you struggle at repetition 8, but you can go to 10 reps still keeping perfect form. Try to work all your body parts either on separate days or do a full body workout. You will be amazed by the results. Like all fitness plans, I can't stress how key your diet is, watch what you eat and the results will come. This I can promise you.

There is it the cardio vs. weight training debate broken down for you. There are no winners, we are all friends; there is just one that at the moment will help us reach of fitness goals quicker.

How are you all doing on your exercise plans? Spring is rapidly approaching. In my area it is expected to be 82 degrees today, eeekk :o

Make sure to wear sunscreen. Enjoy the day, and get active.

Wishing you the best in your endeavors. Your friend and fitness facilitator,

-Carmen