In the fitness field, there has been an age-old debate between physios about cardio and strength training. This is primarily because some physios and trainers believe that one training supersedes the other. That said, this is one debate that might not be easily settled, as both have their perks and drawbacks.
Another thing worthy of note is that both cardio and strength training fall under exercise, which plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. But in the grand scheme of things, which one actually reigns supreme?
Which training is best for one’s overall health regardless of time constraints? To answer this, we will look at the benefits and advantages of both types of training.
Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobics, is a type of exercise that involves activities responsible for improving blood flow and keeping the heart in shape.
They are the type of exercises preached to the everyday person trying to keep fit. Some of these exercises include running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking, usually don’t require so much gear and can be done at your own pace. With numerous benefits, here are some of the things obtainable from cardio exercises:
- Improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and increasing blood flow
- Increases endurance and stamina for daily activities
- Aids in weight loss and management
- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers
- Enhances lung function and overall respiratory health
Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training on the other hand is usually done by people who want to stay in shape and also want a well rounded fitness routine. For most people, maintaining consistency with strength training can be tough and challenging, as it easily wears down the body in the early days.
Most people feel this way because the exercises require activities like weight lifting, body weight exercises and resistance band exercises. However, it is important to understand that the wear and tear to the body is only temporary. Once the first few days are conquered, the benefits come rushing and they include:
- Builds muscle mass
- Increases bone density that helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Improves joint health and reducing injury risk
- Enhances metabolism which aids weight management
Impact on Mental Health and Longevity
According to experts, regular exercise comes with its benefits and impact on your mental health. This is why some therapists usually recommend that their patients get started with some light workout session. With so many benefits of exercising, it has been noted that people who undertake exercising soon get better sleep and an improved overall mental health.
In fact, research has also pointed out that exercising plays a pivotal role in increasing one’s lifespan. This study shows that people who exercise increase their life expectancy by 3-7 years and also reduce the risk of untimely death. Exercising has also been known to reduce the onset of age related diseases.
Final Note
Conclusively, both cardio and strength training come with their benefits to the human body. However, getting a balanced mix of both types of exercise will help give the body an all round advantage.