Cardio vs. Weight Training: Which is Better for Weight Loss?
Both cardio and weight training have a role to play in achieving your weight loss goals.
Are you looking to maximize your time at the gym and get the most from your workouts? You’ve probably encountered the age-old debate among fitness buffs: which is better for weight loss, cardio or weight training?
The answer really depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to lose more weight in less time, cardio is the better option. Cardio burns more calories per minute spent exercising. However, cardio doesn’t do much for your muscles. In fact, many people who lose weight through cardio end up losing both fat and muscle, which isn’t really desirable.
While weight training may not burn as many calories per workout as cardio, it delivers a lasting metabolic boost that can be beneficial for your long-term fitness goals.
Studies have shown that weight training raises your metabolic rate for up to 36 hours post-workout. You’ll burn an extra 10 calories per hour, even if you’re just sitting and watching TV. Those 10 calories may not sound like much, but they add up over time, and amount to burning 360 “extra” calories every time you lift weights. After a cardio session, you’ll only burn an extra 40 to 80 calories before your metabolism returns to normal.
Weight training also boosts your metabolism by giving you more lean muscle. Muscle tissue is a calorie-burner, so the more muscle you have, the fewer calories will be left over to be stored as fat. For every three pounds of muscle you gain, you can expect to burn an extra 120 calories per day in a resting state.
Why Weight Training is a Must
As people age, hormone imbalance leaves them more vulnerable to losing muscle mass, gaining fat, and a slower metabolism. Combining hormone replacement therapy with weight training can get your metabolism back on track, so you can maintain a youthful body composition as you age. As an added benefit, weight training keeps bones strong, and supports joint health.
Don’t Skip the Cardio Completely
Regardless of body composition goals, don’t skip the cardio altogether. Cardio is still important for promoting heart health, and can be an excellent stress reliever. The latter is particularly helpful if you are a stress eater, or if you are have challenges with anxiety or insomnia.
For more information about how Renew Youth™ can support your efforts to burn fat and build lean muscle, please contact us at 800-859-7511.
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