Some of us prefer cardio, while others prefer strength training, but a balance of the two is the key to optimal health and overall performance.
What is Cardio
Most of us already know that when we go for a run or bike ride, we are doing a form of cardio. Our heart rate becomes elevated and our breathing becomes laboured.
But what exactly is cardio? Cardio exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, raises your heart rate for an extended period of time and relies on your body’s cardiovascular system to pump oxygen through your system at a faster rate. Aerobic exercise is often considered to be an efficient way to lose weight as it can burn a lot of calories depending on the intensity and duration. Common forms of aerobic exercise are walking, running, aerobics, swimming and biking.
What is Strength Training
Strength training isn’t just lifting heavy weights at the gym. In fact, many people find strength training to be intimidating because of that misconception. As long as you are challenging your muscles with some form of resistance, you are strengthening your body. The resistance can come in the form of body weight, resistance bands or dumbbells.
As mentioned, strength training is when you work against resistance either by pushing or pulling. Common forms of resistance training would be pilates and weight training.
Achieving Optimal Health and Performance
There are definitely tendencies for people to be more inclined towards strength or cardio. Often this is dictated by genetics and interests/motivations. However, incorporating both strengthening and aerobic exercises into your workouts will help build better overall health and improve performance.
Aerobic exercise helps to burn fat, as well as promote a more resilient cardiovascular system. This of course is very beneficial for your health, but it also improves athletic performance by increasing endurance and overall efficiency.
Strength training builds muscular strength, which improves our bone density, balance and encourages better movement patterns. Furthermore, it helps to reduce injuries, aids in recovery from an injury and of course makes you stronger. All of which are very beneficial for athletes.
Cardio and strength training are perfectly complimentary for building a strong and resilient body.