It’s a controversial topic that has been had one too many times. Whether you’re into cardio or a fan of strength training, one fact is unarguable – in order to keep your physical and heart health in check, exercise is mandatory.
However, the question at hand is whether or not one is better than the other. Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (TPASC) personal trainer, Miguel Pinzon, tells us that both are necessary to maintain an optimum level of physical fitness.
“Both are important, in their own fitness place,” he says. “In my experience strength training is more effective for fat-loss than cardio, but you also need a strong heart.”
He says that in terms of weight loss, his clients see a greater result with an increase in metabolic rate, which is primarily what strength training achieves.
“I leave my cardio for my recovery days when my muscles need to be stretched and I want an energy boost,” Pinzon says.
Pinzon reminds us that while trying to lose weight, also bear in mind what you’re ingesting and putting into your body. You have to properly fuel the personal tank.
“Don’t eat junk, eat clean,” he says. “Remember that if you are trying to lose weight, what you eat is just as important as how many days you’re hitting the gym.”
But in terms of strength training, a common question for females is the “buff effect” that some feel comes with strength training. It seems that people new to physical fitness are afraid to achieve what has been sometimes called “the body building figure” that they assume will result with heavy lifting.
Rest at ease. Pinzon tells us that we do not have the level of testosterone in our bodies to ever achieve the muscular look that hardcore body builders occasionally flaunt. Besides, we all want to feel stronger.
“It would take a lot of time, motivation, and even the use of artificial assistance to achieve the bulky look,” he says.
Back to the debate. Neither cardio nor strength training is better than the other, but rather it’s a combination of the two that will leave you with lasting results and a higher level of fitness.
So, you’re incorporating both your cardio and your strength training into your regular workout regime – but should you be start with cardio or lifting?
According to a recent study published earlier this year by the European Journal of Applied Physiology, it does not matter which you chose to do first.
The study was completed over a 24-week training period, and Finnish researchers followed 34 men between the ages of 18 and 40 years old. The participants were switched into two groups, one performing cardio first and the second group began with their strength training routine. The study concluded that at the end of the 24-week period, both sets of groups increased their physical fitness and muscle size.
It seems that all that matters is the 30 minutes of cardio exercise recommended daily, as well as a solid strength training session at least twice a week. Through living an active lifestyle you will stay toned and maintain a high level of endurance.
So next time you’re at TPASC for your regular fitness session, hit up the weights if you’re usually tied to the treadmill – and if you’re a cardio fanatic, start with some light iron and work your way up! Either way, enjoy them both. Your body will thank you.
Sam Turchan is a multimedia journalist and a proud member of the TPASC membership services team.
Photo courtesy of Ken Jones / University of Toronto Scarborough
