Lesa Turnquist | Copy Co-Editor
Strength training and cardio training are two major types of exercise. Strength training can be defined by repetitive resistance exercises in order to build or strengthen muscle through short bursts of effort. This can include exercise such as: weight lifting, body weight training, yoga, etc. Some common types of equipment for strength training include: free weights, dumbbells, weight machines, and resistance bands. Cardiovascular training can be defined by any activity that increases the heart rate. This can include activities such as: running, walking, kickboxing, jumping rope, biking, dancing, etc.
Both types of exercise have different aspects about them; however, I have good news… both are a MUST! Everyone is different, but all in all, both are important, so a combination of both will have the most benefits. The combination does not need to be 50/50 of each, though. You can choose if you want to split your workouts, whether you do equal of both or you do more of one than the other.
To understand more about what the benefits of each are and why both types of exercise are needed, I outlined some of the specific benefits of each.
Strength training:
Increases bone density
Improves balance and stability
Strengthens joints
Improves posture
Decreases risk of injury
Increases metabolism (burn more calories when not exercising)
Cardiovascular training:
Improved heart function
Reduced fatigue
Improved muscle endurance
Improved lung function
Exercise in general has a lot of benefits including: better sleep, improved well-being, prevention or control of chronic diseases, weight control, and positive self appearance. Strength training and cardiovascular training each have more specific benefits, but as you can see, their benefits combined are the best option so try to include both in your workout plan. Remember you don’t have to split them evenly, as you should enjoy exercising. So choose the activities you like to do, but make sure you’re getting exposure to both strength and cardiovascular training because both are a MUST.
Graphic by Justice Gage
