Cardio vs Weights

Most people, when starting an exercise regime, choose cardio, and mainly running. Why?

Well because it's free, easy, the effects - like how far you can run - progress quickly. And with weights it can seem complicated, gyms are intimidating to you, the effects take much longer and then there's the expense.

But the easy route is never the most effective now is it. (When I say easy I mean making a plan is a lot easier with cardio, none of it is easy to do consistently!)

What's your point then you ask? Well I have a few.

Weight training is massively beneficial to our health as we age; muscle naturally diminishes, known as sarcopenia, strength training will increase muscle mass, preserve bone density and help with balance and coordination which reduces the risk of falls. Cardio definitely has it's place but it just isn't enough to preserve muscle mass.

Weight training is better on your joints than high impact, reduces the chance of depression, helps sleep, burns fat, gives you more energy and, of course, builds strength. Nothing is quite as liberating as hitting a PB or getting deeper into that squat.

All of this and I haven't even mentioned aesthetics. When you concentrate on your strength rather than what you look like, feeding your body a significant amount to fuel your workouts, your body will change without the stress. On this note, cardio will never change your body shape like weights will. Yes you will lose fat but then what? I promise you, the figure you have in your head that you desire so much, needs muscle.

If you would like to get started but aren't really sure what to do then sign up to my emails and I will send you some info. I have spaces to take on more online clients; designing workouts catered for you whether in the gym or at home. I will support and educate you about nutrition which will see you through forever, no more constant "on the wagon..off the wagon". There is no wagon.