It's hard to believe that exercise, which seems to be a relatively simple topic, can cause so much debate. However, when assessing the efficacy of weight training vs. cardiovascular exercise, there are plenty of conflicting opinions on which is better and this debate may never get resolved.
The difference between strength training and cardio workouts is like the difference between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lance Armstrong, simply said. Comparing the two is absolutely pointless. And while both may be different, they each have their strengths. You'll find the same thing with these workouts, and both would help you get in shape. Here is a detailed analysis of each of this exercise:
Burning Calories
Cardio burns an average of 10-12 calories per minute. Strength training burns an average of 8-10 calories per minute. But you are taking breaks in between lifting weights, so over 30 minutes the actual number of calories burned doing strength training will be even less. Both cardio and strength training gives you a metabolic spike which means that you continue to burn calories for a couple of hours after the workout. Strength training gives you a large metabolic spike as your body is trying hard to help your muscles recover and increases your overall resting metabolism over a long time. You also increase muscle size with strength training which causes you to burn more calories as the body requires approximately 6 calories to sustain a sustain a pound (or 0.45 kg) of muscle. So the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn.
Fight against diseases
Cardiovascular exercise helps increase the strength of the heart making it pump more oxygenated blood throughout the body. It lowers the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It also helps manage metabolic diseases like diabetes by maximizing glucose use. Like cardio, strength training also helps fight off diseases like heart disease. It does so by helping to reduce the amount of internal abdominal fat; the fat that wraps around vital organs and constricts blood flow.
Effect on the body
Cardiovascular exercise gets the heart pumping and increases blood circulation. It works out the heart like any other muscle and strengthens it for endurance, long life, and increased productivity. While strength training with resistance is known to build muscle, it is also beneficial for improving range of motion, flexibility, posture, and tendon strength. In addition, it reduces the risk for injuries like back problems. Strength training significantly increases bone density making bones stronger and healthier, and restore bone loss caused by aging and inactivity. Strength training increases the amount of lean muscle in the body which not only increases strength but also endurance and translates into better functioning and athletic performance.
Effect on Stress Bearing ability of the body
Cardio helps regulate hormone production so that you will have reduced stress and live happier. Cardio helps you recover from other, more strenuous exercises (such as strength training) by processing muscle and blood by-products. Strength training puts your muscles under heavy stress so that they bulk up and get toned.
Supervision
Cardio requires minimalistic supervision and most of the exercises are done on machines. More supervision is required in strength training as the risk of injury is greater. Plus, there is a lot more to remember about how to do each exercise safely and correctly.
As with anything in our lives, it is important to find the balance that works for you. Find time for both strength and cardio training and you'll discover that your results will come far more quickly and you'll be much more likely to maintain those hard earned gains.
Cardio exercises are more useful to burn calories and improve heart-lung function. While weight training exercises helps to build muscles and tone muscles.