If you’ve ever wondered, “Is cardio better for me, or should I focus on strength training?”, you’re not alone. It’s a debate as old as the gym itself! The truth is, both cardio and strength training are essential, but which one you lean into will depend on your personal and health goals. Read along to explore the unique perks of each, and see how you can combine them to get the best of both worlds.
Cardio’s Superpower is Boosting Heart Health and Endurance
Cardio workouts are the superheroes of heart health. They get your heart pumping, blood flowing, and muscles moving, all of which are fantastic for your cardiovascular system. Cardio exercises like HIIT, indoor cycling, and aerobics – all available at Planet Fitness – are great options to help boost endurance, improve metabolic function, and reduce health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Dr. Martin Gibala, a leading expert on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), champions the benefits of cardio, especially when programmed into HIIT-style workouts. According to Dr. Gibala, even short bursts of high-intensity cardio can torch calories, improve heart health, and leave you feeling energised – talk about efficiency! So, if you’re all about getting the most bang for your buck, these quick yet effective workouts could be your new go-to.
But cardio isn’t just about calorie burn and heart health. It also has this wonderful way of lifting your spirits. Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? When you do a cardio workout, your body releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones that leave you with a natural, post-workout glow. So, if your goals involve boosting endurance, reducing stress, and feeling a bit more joyful in your daily life, cardio might be the right fit for you right now.
Strength Training Is About More Than Building Muscle
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about strength training – the powerhouse of physical resilience. Building strength is more than just toning up or adding muscle definition. According to Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, a key authority in strength training, the benefits of resistance training run incredibly deep. Strength training can improve bone density, keep your metabolism humming, and help support your joints for the long haul.
Why’s that so important? Well, as we age, our muscle mass and bone density naturally start to decline, and that’s where strength training steps in as your secret weapon against aging. Classes at Planet Fitness, like Women on Weights and BodyBurn, make it fun and inspiring to get into strength training, providing the structure and community support to help you lift safely and effectively. It’s all about creating a solid foundation for years to come.
Strength training is also a fantastic way to shape your physique and boost your metabolic rate. When you lift weights, you’re increasing your lean muscle mass, which in turn helps you burn more calories throughout the day – even when you’re just chilling on the couch. So, if your goals include getting stronger, improving your metabolism, and setting yourself up for long-term health, then adding strength training to your routine is a natural ‘yes’.
Cardio or Strength? Why There’s No Need To Pick and Choose
Here’s the deal: While cardio and strength training each bring unique benefits to the table, they work even better together. Your cardio routine keeps your heart, lungs, and endurance in check, while strength training builds muscle, supports joints, and boosts metabolism. Together, they’re the dream team for a balanced, healthy body.
Imagine your fitness routine as a well-rounded meal: cardio is like your nutrient-packed veggies, while strength training is the protein that keeps you fuller for longer. You wouldn’t skip out on one or the other, so why would you choose between cardio and strength? Planet Fitness makes it easy to find your balance with a variety of cardio and strength-focused classes. You can hop from an indoor cycling session one day to a BodyBurn class the next, giving you a taste of both worlds.
Both types of workouts are essential for long-term health, and a balanced fitness routine means you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Not sure where to start? Try scheduling cardio sessions on some days and strength training on others, and see how it goes. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, combine the two into one workout – try a HIIT session that uses weights or a circuit that gets your heart rate up while building muscle. The options are endless, and Planet Fitness is here to help you mix it up.
Tailoring Your Workouts for Your Long-Term Health
The beauty of starting your fitness journey at Planet Fitness is that it can be tailored to fit your life and goals. So, how can you decide which workout type to prioritise? Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can approach it based on your fitness goals:
Improve Heart Health & Endurance
If you’re all about keeping your heart in good shape and boosting your stamina, then focus on cardio. Regularly incorporating exercises like HIIT, indoor cycling, and aerobics can help keep your heart strong, reduce stress, and improve endurance. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio per week, which is about five 30-minute sessions, to give your heart the love it deserves.
Build Strength & Support Healthy Aging
If longevity and strength are at the top of your list, it’s time to prioritise strength training. Not only will it help you build muscle, but it also supports bone density, joint health, and metabolic function, making it a key player in healthy aging. Dr. Schoenfeld suggests two to three strength sessions per week to get you started, with exercises like squats, lunges, and rows to engage multiple muscle groups and give you a full-body burn.
Bringing Strength and Cardio Together for Long-Term Health
At the end of the day, your body thrives on variety. By including both cardio and strength training in your routine, you’re setting yourself up for a future of vitality, strength, and resilience. A balanced fitness plan helps you not only look and feel good but also supports a healthier, more functional body for the long term.
Planet Fitness makes it easy to create a personalised fitness journey that includes both cardio and strength. From indoor cycling to BodyBurn and beyond, the variety of classes available allows you to mix and match based on how you’re feeling and what your goals are.
Cardio and strength training each bring something unique to the table, and the real magic happens when you embrace both. Whether you’re looking to burn calories, build muscle, or just feel amazing in your skin, you can craft a workout routine that supports your goals, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
