In the fitness world, there are lots of debates about what type of exercise is right for you. One of the big splits is between cardio vs strength training exercises. People want to optimize the effort they spend in the gym, and don’t want to waste time with exercises that aren’t helpful for them.
So should you do cardio workouts or weight workouts? Here are the pros and cons of both types of exercises.
Cardio Workouts
Aerobic exercises, running, elliptical machines, jump ropes, and stationary bikes are some of the most common cardio workouts at gyms across the globe. These exercises get your heart rate up and increase your breathing rate.
Cardio Pros
- Cardio is great for improving cardiovascular health and endurance
- Cardio burns more calories in a shorter period of time compared to weight exercises– many people wonder “Does running burn fat,” and this is why the answer to that is yes.
- Low impact cardio is safe and healthy for beginners and people who may have a lower starting fitness level.
Cardio Cons
- Cardio isn’t as effective for building muscle and strength as weight exercises.
- High impact cardio can be hard on your the joints.
- Cardio can be repetitive and boring if you don’t switch up your routine regularly
Weight Exercises
Lifting weights, whether that is hand weights, bench weights, or machine weights, builds muscle and conditions you to be stronger.
Weight Pros
- Gym weights are great for building muscle mass and strength.
- Lifting weights improves bone density and help prevent osteoporosis
- Weight exercises can be done with a variety of equipment or just bodyweight, making it easy to customize to your preferences and fitness level.
Weight Cons
- It can take longer to see results compared to cardio exercises
- Lifting may require more equipment or gym access than cardio exercises.
- Lifting may not be suitable for people with certain injuries or health conditions
Cardio vs Strength Training
For many people, the best exercise is actually a mix of weights and cardio. Many people like to do cardio before weights as a warmup to get their heart pounding– doing cardio after weights isn’t as effective for your metabolism or heart rate. Incorporating both cardio and weight exercises into your fitness routine can provide a well-rounded workout and help you achieve your fitness goals.
At Ninefit, we love to help people just like you get started with the exercise equipment and tips that you need. Check out the Ninefit blog for more helpful exercise information!