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Being serious about fitness you will definitely need to know the basics and differences between weight training and cardio. Many of us have heard before that both, lifting weights and doing cardio are great sources of exercise. Both benefit your body and can be done almost anywhere. But there is still some confusion on what each of them specifically does to help us. In this post, I discuss weights vs. cardio.

Weight Training

Lifting weights is a strength-training exercise that tones and builds muscle. Some people may say you can lose weight from lifting weights (which you can) but more regularly people gain muscle mass and can actually put on some weight. This type of weight being put on from strength training is not a “fat looking” type of weight but it is more of a lean muscular type of look. Even though weight training may burn fewer calories in the short term than cardio, it does speed up your metabolism. It is known to build muscle and muscle burns fat.

Weight training is essential for improving your body composition and structure. You will gain more muscle and also be able to keep that muscle while doing cardio workouts.

I can’t believe the number of times that I have heard from ladies that they think weights might make them bulky and manly. This is not the case at all, lifting actually builds on women’s natural curves. By consistently lifting weights you will begin to see ripped abs, strong shoulders, a bigger booty, and many more body goals.

If you are lifting weights, make sure you are always in the proper stance because if not it can negatively affect you and you can end up hurt.

Dumbbells are a great way to start your weight training because they are offered at most gyms and are small enough to just keep at home if needed. Recently, I got myself some resistance bands for my weight training because they are an inexpensive workout tool, they add resistance without adding dead weight and can be carried around anywhere you go.

Throughout life, you are going to need to carry heavy things such as a big backpack or a growing toddler. Why not lift some weights to gain the muscles for it? Get to weight training!

Learn How To Get Killer Abs Without Leaving The House

Cardio

Cardio is an exercise that gets your blood flowing, increases your metabolism and gets your heart rate beating quickly. It can be performed in a variety of forms including running, cycling, swimming, and at home workouts such as jump squats and burpees.

Getting your heart rate up is essential because it will reach the “target heart rate zone” and this is when you will burn the most fat and calories. This also can help make your heart strong and strengthen your lung capacity. These are beneficial because it makes it easier for our hearts to pump blood and for us to breath longer and healthier.

Compared to lifting weights, aerobic fitness doesn’t do much for your muscles. Instead, it is useful for burning calories and is the most common exercise for weight loss. Cardio is the best exercise when it comes to getting rid of those extra calories and it has been proven to work quickly. Also, it is known to help reduce stress, make you feel better mentally and physically, and helps you get a better nights sleep.

But by doing too much steady-state cardio, it can actually result in muscle loss. So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, I suggest adding in alternative methods of cardio. This can be workouts such as uphill sprinting, tennis, or dancing to help maintain the muscle.

Honestly, I do not enjoy running at all so I tend to use ellipticals or even do some speed jump roping when I go to the gym. At home, I usually work on my tumbling skills and do some laps swimming in the pool.

Speed Jump Rope – $7.99
from: ProSource

This is the best Speed Jump Rope for cardio because the cable is totally adjustable for your height, the handles are lightweight and easy to hold on to!

There are so many different options to get your cardio exercise in!

Don’t you want to be able to walk up and down 5 flights of stairs without taking breaks for air? Keep doing cardio.

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Basically…

When it comes to fitness, I recommend including both cardio and weight into your workout. And don’t forget that this can mean any type of cardio from kickboxing to stair climbing. By fitting both into your routine you will maintain your muscle mass and keep body weight to a minimum.

-Cardio decreases lean mass while lifting weights increases lean mass.

But, I should mention that…

Nutrition is far more important than either of these. What you eat has the biggest impact on your body and can help with weight loss more than any cardio. Also, adding protein to your diet is essential for building muscle and repairing muscles after a long workout.

Learn Why Having An Eating Schedule Is Important

Whatever it is, whether you are doing cardio and/or weight training, just doing something to get your exercise in is what is important. But, you must stay on top of it and be consistent in order to see results.

Working out shouldn’t just help you look good, it will help you feel good too!

Just Do It.

It is a process, so just take it 1 Day At A Time and don’t give up so quick!

Most people don’t begin to see real results until at least a month after they begin.

What is your main fitness goal at this time?

Which do you prefer to use, weights or cardio?

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Learn How To Workout With A Longboard

Learn How Staying Healthy Can Reduce College Stress

Remember... no matter what challenges you face,
Take it 1 Day At A Time.