Here at The Hampton Health and Fitness Club, this is a question we get asked on a daily basis. “Which is best for me, strength training or cardio workouts?”.
There is so much info out there and sometimes that information is either conflicting or just doesn’t give a direct answer.
We see you wondering which camp this article is going to sit in, right. Just bare with us.
Let’s start with understanding the differences.
STRENGTH TRAINING
The general definition of strength training is any physical movement in which you use your body weight or equipment (e.g. dumbbells, kettlebells, weight machines and resistance bands) to build muscle mass, strength, and endurance.
Strength training can fall into a number of different categories that include, but are not limited to the following:
- Muscular hypertrophy
- Muscular endurance
- Circuit training
- Maximum muscular strength
- Explosive power
Benefits of strength training
- Increased muscle mass
- Stronger bones
- Increased Joint flexibility
- Burn more calories at rest
- Increased balance
- Lower abdominal fat
CARDIO TRAINING
Cardio, formerly known as cardiovascular, is an aerobic activity. The term aerobic actually means “with oxygen,” which means that breathing controls the amount of oxygen that can make it to the muscles to help them burn fuel and move.
Some examples of aerobic activity are (aka cardio):
Lower impact:
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Elliptical trainer
- Treadmill/Walking
- Rowing
- Ski-erg
Higher impact:
- Running (insert link for running club info)
- Skipping
- Dance classes
- List classes Hampton provide and show link
The benefits of aerobic exercise:
- Improves cardiovascular conditioning
- Boosts mood
- Aids sleep
- Decreases risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases HDL or “good” cholesterol
- Helps to better control blood sugar
- Assists in weight management and/or weight loss
- Improves lung function
- Decreases resting heart rate
So drum roll please as we’re about to tell you which is best. It’s actually a combination of both. You saw this coming didn’t you.
By combining both you’re hitting all areas on the health and fitness criteria. You will be able to get that toned physique through gaining muscle and fat loss.
SO WHAT NEXT?
Look at adding 30 minutes cardio 5 times a week to your current life or fitness regime. That can be walking the dog, going for a jog, playing football, using the treadmill, or going for a swim, to name a few ideas. Or why not join us at The Hampton Gym on (insert your event/coaching class).
And be sure to do 2-4 strength training workouts a week to really help you gain muscle. Remember, this can be body weight exercise or using equipment.
Remember, if you are unsure of anything, want advice or just want to share your progress, we are here. You can get in touch with us via any of our social media platforms (insert link) or email us at Hampton email address.