Time for another Thursday Education Post! This week we are learning about Cardio and Strength Training.

Why do we need Cardio and Strength training?

Incorporating both cardio (aerobic) and strength training (anaerobic) into your fitness routine is important for several reasons. These two types of exercise offer distinct benefits that complement each other and contribute to overall health and fitness.

1. Weight Management- Cardio helps burn calories and create a calorie deficit, which is crucial for weight loss or weight maintenance. Strength training builds lean muscle mass, which, in turn, increases your resting metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more calories at rest. Lean muscle mass is also what burns fat. Together, they can be highly effective for managing body weight and composition.

2. Muscle Health- Strength training is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to reduced strength and mobility. Strength training helps counteract this age-related muscle loss and can improve functional strength for daily activities.

3. Heart Health- Cardio improves heart health by strengthening the heart muscle and promoting efficient blood circulation. Strength training, when performed with proper form and breathing techniques, can also provide cardiovascular benefits by temporarily increasing heart rate and blood flow during the workout.

4. Metabolic Health- Both forms of exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

5. Improved Lung Function- Regular cardio exercises improve lung capacity and respiratory efficiency. This means your body can take in more oxygen and deliver it to your muscles more effectively, which enhances endurance and reduces the feeling of breathlessness during physical activities.

- If you solely focus on strength training you increase the risk of having limitations including but not limited to: limited calorie burn, reduced cardiovascular health, loss of aerobic endurance.

- If you solely focus on cardio you increase the risk of having limitations including but not limited to: muscle loss, limited muscle development, reduced resting metabolic rate.

I hope this helps you understand why a well rounded fitness routine is important. It’s more than just building muscle and wanting to run. They both have benefits for your overall health. If you have any questions please reach out! (don't skip your cardio)