A fit woman is using weights and training equipment for muscle training in a gym.
When it comes to fitness, there has been a long debate about which type is best: cardio exercise or resistance training. Some people swear by the benefits of running, cycling, or swimming, while others deem weightlifting and muscle-building the key to a healthy body.
If you are also one of those who are wondering which one of the cardio and resistance training is important, this article is for you.
Here we’ll talk about both cardio and resistance training and their benefits and which one is important. Additionally, we will mention where you can go to receive personalized fitness routines for your unique needs.
Cardio and Its Benefits
Cardiovascular exercises, or cardio, is a type of physical activity that gets your heart pumping. When it comes to cardio, your options to improve your overall health and well-being are endless.
Whether you are running, walking, dancing, or cycling, as long as your heart rate is elevated, you are getting cardio in. Cardio is good for you regardless of your age, weight, or athletic ability.
Cardio or aerobic exercises can help you feel better and enjoy life to its fullest in several ways, including:
- Help lose weight and keep it from coming back.
- Strengthens your immune system and wards off illnesses.
- Improve stamina, strength, and fitness.
- Strengthen your heart.
- Keeps your arteries clear from plaque build-up.
- Lowers your health risks.
- Improve your mood.
- Tame stress.
- Improve sleep.
- Help you stay active and independent as you age.
- Increase longevity.
Resistance Training and Its Benefits
Resistance training or strength training is a form of exercise that focuses on increasing your muscle strength and endurance. It involves the use of external resistance to increase muscular endurance, strength, and mass.
There are different types of resistance training, such as muscular endurance, circuit training, muscular hypertrophy, or maximizing muscular strength – and depending on the type of training you choose to reach your goals, you use various equipment.
Resistance training offers numerous benefits that are backed by science, such as:
- Boosts metabolism and burns calories efficiently.
- Helps shed abdominal fat.
- Helps you become stronger.
- Help you appear leaner.
- Improves balance.
- Reduces the risk of falls.
- Lowers the risk of injuries.
- Improves mental health.
- Boosts mood.
- Builds muscle mass.
- Promote better quality of life.
- Promote greater mobility and flexibility.
- Builds confidence and boosts self-esteem.
Which One Is More Important, Cardio or Resistance Training?
Though both cardio and resistance traininghave their own benefits, the truth is that neither is inherently superior to the other. Cardio is good to improve heart health and prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, while resistance training is good for musculoskeletal system health – and the key to a well-rounded fitness routine is to incorporate both cardio and resistance training in your routine.
A well-rounded fitness routinenot only helps you achieve a balanced physique but also improves your overall health. So, whether you prefer lifting weights in the gym or sweating it out on a treadmill, remember that both cardio and resistance training have their own place in a comprehensive fitness regimen.
To achieve overall health and fitness, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, along with two or more days per week of strength training exercises targeting major muscle groups.
However, if you have a specific need or a fitness goal, it’s best to consult a fitness expert to find a fitness routine according to your unique needs and goals.
Resistance Training in San Antonio
Whether you want to lose weight or achieve your fitness goals, see our fitness experts here at Train Fit Club San Antonio.
Using your personal goals, strength, and cardio metrics, our fitness team will tailor a fitness routine that is enjoyable and sustainable for you. At our boutique-style fitness center, we combine technology with individualized coaching to customize your workouts and guide you to achieve your personal goals.
To get started, call us today at (210) 560-3044 to schedule an appointment at our Alamo Heights/Carousel Court location or fill out this form. We look forward to helping you achieve your best health!