By You will be surprised to know which one is better for you. For a balanced physical appearance, it’s best to use both weight training and cardio in your training strategy. Most people will naturally move towards one or the other, which is perfectly fine. We all have different goals we would like to target. For example, I prefer weight training over too much cardio that tires me out & eats away at precious muscle. Weight training helps me to achieve my goals at a faster rate. Of course, my cardio is still important. These days it tends to be light and manageable. It’s become something I can do several times a day without compromising my health, energy levels & the muscle mass I struggle to develop (especially now that I’m older). You want to find a good balance that allows you to have flexibility & doesn’t compromise your health. Sometimes weight training takes a lot of stamina and energy — much more than a one hour walk in the park. It can be tough to muster enough energy to perform an empowering weight training session when I’ve had a very stressful day at work, perhaps working late, or haven’t had enough sleep. Sometimes you have to weigh the pros and cons of developing an injury because you were too tired to perform a repetition as accurately as possible. It can happen to anyone — especially those of us who push ourselves. As we get older, it’s essential to keep weight training a high priority. The sad news is that unfortunately, after the age of 25, we tend to lose muscle mass. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Plus, as we get older, it becomes even more challenging to build muscle in the same capacity as we did in our 20’s. Many people blame “being over 40” when they start to accumulate fat stores. However, this is not the main reason we get fatter as we age. The problem is that we become lazier, skip the gym and decide not to train because of this or that reason. This leads us to lose even more muscle, and mess with our insulin levels. So over time, it becomes easier for one day to turn into months and then years of overeating and undertraining.
Cardio
Low impact cardio every day is significant for your inner well-being and cardiovascular health. You don’t have to run a mile, but do something you enjoy. Maybe that means jogging, riding your bike, or even walking. Walking is my favourite form of exercise. It’s something I can do during the day, morning, lunchtime and evening. It’s a therapeutic outlet for stress.
Pumping some iron
Weight training is essential at least 3–4 times per week. For both men, and especially for women. Building your muscle and increasing the intensity of your weights play a part in building muscle mass and protecting your bones from fractures. You will soon realise that your body is toned and tight. But, of course, as we age, that seems to disappear a little at a time (don’t lie, you’ve had a sneaky peek at your backside ladies!). However, weight training will help keep you in great shape for many years to come and increase the efficiency of your metabolism — keeping blood sugar under control. All these add up to a lean body and maintaining a sustainable weight throughout our life (not to mention better health). That’s why I put higher preferences on lifting weights. There are many long-term benefits for my body and health. Unfortunately, too many cardio sessions deplete my energy levels and compromise my immune system. You can get a great amount of cardio in your weights sessions by going lighter and lifting faster (with good form, of course). Try that one next time you’re a bit bored of your routine and want to integrate these two powerhouses together.