Swimming, running, circuits, powerlifting, weightlifting… oh my! There are so many different ways to incorporate fitness and exercise into your life but is there really a “best” way to do so?
There is often a debate between what really is the “better” way to exercise. Most times, fitness can be categorized into two larger groups: cardio or weights (resistance training), and there are pros to both.
Cardio: the ability to supply oxygen rich blood to muscles using the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Benefits:
- Burn extra calories
- Endurance
- Improved blood flow
- Stress relief
- Endurance
Weights/Resistance Training: improves muscular strength. Moving muscles and limbs against resistance to increase strength.
Benefits:
- Build muscle
- Burn calories at rest, after the workout (EPOC)
- Build strength and muscle
- Stress relief
- Endurance
As you can see, there are benefits to both… so is one better? The short answer: NO! The best type of exercise is what YOU enjoy doing!
If you really want to get the most out of fitness and body recomposition, it is best, however, to incorporate both resistance training and cardio!
At Envision Fitness, we incorporate both in our bootcamps and personal training sessions.
(Sources: Clark, Micheal. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2018
“Cardio vs Weight Lifting: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?” Healthline, Healthline Media)