Strength training vs. cardiovascular activities, is there truly a superior training method?
There is a false stigma that has been popular for years floating around, specifically for the female population, that to lose fat you have to do a bunch of cardio. Thanks to science and research, we know this is absolutely false!
The truth is, strength training destroys cardio is almost every feasible way when it comes to health benefits, body composition results, injury prevention, and overall daily performance improvements.
Here is what we know...
Strength Training boosts hormones, cardio does not!
This is crucial for both genders and specifically, those wishing to look aesthetically more athletic while FEELING better overall. When we strength train and test ourselves physically, we are creating an increase in hormonal output, specifically for testosterone and growth hormone while simultaneously decreasing stress hormones.
**If you are seeking workout routines that fit around your schedule, download my "Top 5 Workouts Under 20 Mins" for free HERE.**
Most cardio promotes bad posture!
Look at how we run, cycle and row. We are either slouched over or in a hyperextended position so we can produce the most amount of power. Combine this with the amount of time we spend sitting at desks at work or at home and it’s no wonder why so many are rushing to the chiropractor. Following the right strength training program can help improve imbalances, posture, as well as tendon and joint health.
Strength Training boosts our metabolisms more!
If your goals are aesthetically based, it’s important we understand that the more lean muscle tissue we carry, the more calories we burn daily and the more overall energy we have to perform activities thus burning more fat while keeping it off. Many will make an argument that this is what HIIT training does (high-intensity interval training) and as they are correct, we must visit the first point again since HIIT training is very neurologically taxing as well as not producing the same hormonal stimulus that focused strength training does.
Strength Training is more versatile!
Our bodies adapt over time to the stressors we introduce to them so it’s imperative that we introduce new stimulants to progress. With cardio, our main options are to increase time exercising or increase intensity but with strength training, we can introduce new equipment, movement patterns, increase reps/sets/weight, and more so chances of plateaus are limited. Plus, we can practically take our bodies anywhere to workout. We can even take some equipment with us such as a pair of dumbbells with us as opposed to heavy pieces of cardio equipment that for the most part, has to stay stationary. There are several other health benefits to strength training but does this mean we should never do cardio? Of course not! Cardio has several benefits including increasing blood circulation, improving heart health, burning extra calories, etc. but when we do it too frequently it can have a negative impact on our hormones while neglecting our lean muscle tissue that ultimately helps promote our metabolism and muscular structures. Do you have questions regarding your workouts? Click here to join our team and receive weekly emails for more strategies and tips related to health and fitness.
"Coach Taz" aka Taylor Rodriguez is the owner and head coach of Taz Fitness & Nutrition. He is a Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach located in Deltona, FL that coaches individuals online and in person. Taylor was a former partying pro wrestler turned fitness enthusiast after the economic downturn of 2008-2010. After losing almost 70 lbs, his new passion is to help struggling individuals find new confidence within themselves to achieve any goal that they see possible. To begin coaching with Taylor or to request a free consultation, contact us today.
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