
Comparison Between Cardio and Strength Training
There are basically 2 types of exercises, cardiovascular and weight training exercises. There is a huge difference between cardio and strength training. Both are good exercises that can improve health, build fitness and lose weight. However, there are some who prefer strength/weight training, others cardio, some people prefer a combination of both. This article hopes to explore the benefits and weakness of both types of exercise.
Finding out your body type
Which types of exercise you should do depends largely on your body type. There are basically 3 types of body type. They are typically known as hardgainers, athletes (mesomorphs) and those who put on fat easily (endomorphs). The body type is determined by genes and is beyond your control. However, doing the right type of exercise can help improve your physique regardless of which body type you are.
For hardgainers, they have difficulty putting on muscle mass, hence strength training should be their preferred types of exercise. In addition, intensive strength training is beneficial and will yield greater results. Normal stength training might produce slower results on hardgainers compared to others. The benefits of being a hardgainer is that they do not have to worry about cardio as they have less body fat percentage compared to the rest. It is recommended that hardgainers use heavy weights and take in more calories in order to maintain or increase their weight.
Mesomorphs are usually athletes. They are typically better at sports and have a better physique. Hence, strength training would work well for them, however, a little cardio is useful and will aid in fat burning.
Lastly, for those who put on fat easily, regular cardio exercise is recommended and will help them stay in shape. They should always place priority over cardio exercises as they put on weight easily. There are bodybuilders who have the endomorph body type.
Striking a balance
No matter what you are being told regarding the benefits of strength training, the benefits of cardio cannot be neglected. Strength training can help you put on muscle mass, increase strength, burn fat and have many other benefits but strength training with weights (dumbbells or barbells) is unable to work your cardiovascular system (heart muscles). Prolong lack of cardio exercise can lead to a weak heart and inability to perform aerobic exercises or other stamina-based exercise like long distance running.
Many bodybuilders avoid cardio because they burn calories and also muscle tissue which they have worked hard to build. However, lack of cardio can be dangerous to their health and can lead to heart diseases as their heart muscles become weak over time.
In addition, you need to work your cardio to be better and sports. Many sports involves cardio and running. Also, as you work on your cardio, you can also train for your 2.4km runnign and other NAPFA components as well.
Recommendation
Both types of exercises are beneficial. hence you need to spend time for both types of exercises. At least twice of week of cardio is necessary for peak performance and maintenance fitness.
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