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SearchAn exercise physiologist breaks down the benefits of cardio and strength training and explains why we should be doing both.
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CLEVELAND -When it comes to working out, some people claim cardio is better for you, while others argue that strength training is.
So, which is it?
“We have to talk about our heart and our lungs, and we also we have to talk about our muscles. And I think in order for us to live a long and healthy lifestyle, those two need to come together,” said Katie Lawton, MEd, an exercise physiologist at Cleveland Clinic. “I do think that both of them are just as important, and I don't usually put one over the other.”
Lawton said cardio offers all kinds of benefits, especially for your heart.
According to the American Heart Association, if performed consistently,it can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease by 30%.
Activities that focus on cardio include running, biking, swimming and rowing.
As Lawton mentioned, strength training is just as important.
Strength training focuses on building your muscles and can improve your bone and joint health.
Generally, it’s recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.
Lawton said you can split that up however you’d like and should have a minimum of two days a week of strength training.
If lifting weights intimidates you, there are plenty of other options.
“I usually tell people it should be like a moderate intensity, moderate weight. We don't want to think of it always as having to use like a barbell or doing very strenuous type of exercises. By any means, I don't want to scare people from doing it,” she said. “Pilates is actually another good way to kind of do some strength training, especially for the core. That's generally a little bit more lower impact than anything along those lines too.”
Lawton said if you haven’t worked out in a long time but are thinking about going back to the gym, it’s best to get a physical done first.
That way you'll know if there are any exercises you may need to avoid.
