Weight training vs Cardio

[kaitanic]

If you want to lose that last 10 lbs, you can try that Insanity workout....it really is insane....and if you can keep up with it for 60 days, you will burn it off. But if you are looking to build muscle, I wouldn't go that route...

[theaustinescorts]

Ever see an older marathon runner? It's not a pretty picture...

Unfortunately people who do a lot of cardio and no strength training suffer the same, exact rate of muscle tissue loss as they grow older than people who do no exercise at all.

As they age their bodies take on an aged appearance with little if any muscle, and virtually no tone for the muscle they have left. In addition they tend to have low body fat, which combined with little muscle makes them not only look horrible, but they are not able to withstand the ravages of any illness that may come along that someone with some fat stores can manage.

With enough time they will require walkers and wheelchairs.

The only benefit of cardio is the utilization of energy which stablizes blood sugar levels. It prevents blood sugar from otherwise spiking, which usually over time leads to insulin resistance, diabetes, inflamation, cholesterol inbalance, etc....

All these same benefits however are also gained through strength training, in addition to the muscle retention strength training provides.

Another purported benefit of cardio is increasing the strength of the heart muscle, as runners have lower heartrates. However their is no proven benefit to having a heart muscle that is stronger than it otherwise would be. Diseases of the heart are usually infections of the muscle or blockages of the arteries of the heart. Having a particularly strong heart muscle won't save you if either of those things strike.

[SpeedRacerXXX]

First, weight training can be cardio if done in a specific way. Usually with weight training there is a lot of down time, usually more than half the workout. Heart rate goes way up during sets then returns to normal between sets. Cardio exercise level (which I define as heart rate at 80% of max) can be maintained by severly decreasing the amount of rest time between sets. Very few people lift weights this way.

I use a heart rate monitor during my aerobic workouts (cycling) to make sure I am pushing myself and to check out calories burned. In my weight workouts (80 minutes during which I do 2-3 sets at 26 different machines) I burn in the range of 400 calories. In my aerobic workouts I burn twice as many in the same time period.

Both weight lifting and aerobic exercise certainly have great value. If I was forced to give up one, it would be weight lifting. Values I see in weight lifting -- calorie burn, increased muscle mass to all muscle groups, increased flexibility, some cardiovascular development. Values I see in aerobic exercise -- tremendous carlorie burn, increased muscle mass in muscle group being worked (legs in the case of cycling), tremendous increase in cardiovascular development, which, to me, is the most important factor in exercise.

[Guest120311-2]

I was never much of a cold weather runner either! Weight training will tone and define muscles much faster than cardio. It's also good for women since it helps build bone strengh as well.

As for supplements, I like EAS Advant Edge carb control drinks. They're 17 g of protein, 3 g net carbs, 110 cals and the dark chocolate is fantastic!!!
You can pick them up at HEB.

Eat sensibly and exercise, you'll get there!
Tess

[artax]

should try to do both- the weight training will put muscle on which will help raise your resting metabolism so you will naturally burn more calories even at rest- about bulking up, women generally aren't going to bulk up that much without taking testorene or steroids or something- I was friendly with one girl at the gym who was in great shape- she said she noticed she was starting to get a little more muscular then she liked- so she just reduced the weight training- bottom line you aren't going to turn into the Hulk over night- if you think you are getting too muscular just back off a little on the weights

[saj1000]

Being out in the cold will actually burn calories. The people in the North eat more and are leaner than people in the south. Think about it, on a day like today...you are burning more electricity, wood, gas, etc. to stay warm then you would on a 70 degree day. The body functions in the same way...you burn calories to stay warm. I moved to the south(FL) from Canada and gained 80 pounds(190 to 270) in 10 years. I have since moderated my intake and exercised and got down to 225, but, if I went back to Canada, I'd be a lean, mean 200....due mostly to cross country skiing in -20 degree weather 3-4 times a week.

Get out in the cold...take a walk...your body will burn calories just to maintain your body temp.

Apart from that...lean muscle burns more calories than fat...do the weight training...use moderate weight and go for max reps and you will build the long muscles you crave...and mix in 30 minutes of cardio...45 minutes of weights followed by 20-30 minutes of cardio is the way to go....