Strength Training or cardio
The world of fitness is constantly arguing about whether cardio is better than weight training. Here’s the thing; cardio is great for a lot of things, and don’t get me wrong – it does help you lose weight, it just isn’t the most efficient way to do so. Weight training trumps cardio any day of the week when it comes to slimming down – and I’ve broken down the logic behind this below:
Combining metabolic and high intensity workouts with endurance cardio is the ideal workout – but most people don’t have the time. Prioritizing strength training is more efficient because of the muscle-metabolism connection.
The muscle-metabolism connection is when your metabolism kicks in to repair the mini-micro tears that occur when you are lifting weights.
Your muscle-to-fat radio is balanced better through strength training when compared to cardio because your body is not just burning through muscle – it is creating little mini-micro tears.
Strength training improves your resting metabolic rate, meaning you keep burning calories even when you stop working out, because of your muscle-metabolism connection.
Your body will adapt to the same cardio workout if you repeat it daily – meaning it becomes difficult to spike your heart rate and burn fat.
Strength training provides variety, meaning your body gets stronger but doesn’t adapt to the workout.
Strength training also helps to counteract muscle loss associated with aging, meaning you will have a stronger body in the long-run if you prioritize strength training over cardio.
Bonus: consuming protein helps to speed the repair process that occurs through the muscle-metabolism connection.
Reminder: there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to fitness and weight loss – which is why it is so important to learn how to love the process you take to maintain your wellness.
Demco Fitness is a Seattle gym that offers personal training in Seattle, semi-private sessions and fitness classes. Demco is located in the heart of Belltown and features several passionate and experienced trainers to meet your demands. Call or stop in today and ask how you can try us out for free or get your first month for only $200.
