Let’s go back to the Ultimate debate in Fitness: Weights vs Cardio. Some swear by one, some by the other, and to be honest we see people with admirable physiques in both. What makes that debate interesting is that both camps have valid points and produce results that are visible in the gym and beyond.
Cardio: The Heart Of Endurance
Cardio, derived from the Greek word “Καρδιά” which means heart, refers to exercises that elevate your heart rate and maintain it at a high level for an extended period. It provides health benefits like strengthening the heart and it improves circulation. Cardio activities include:
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Boxing
- Aerobics
… you get the point.
Passion For Sports
It’s clear why many people are drawn to cardio—it’s often tied to the sports they love. For some, the appeal goes beyond personal fitness; Some aspire to collect medals from international tournaments and some others dream of returning to their country with an Olympic medal, which gives them an endless source of motivation.
The Olympics represent the pinnacle of achievement, the highest form of honor in the world of sports. Winning an Olympic medal, or even just participating, is considered a lifelong dream for many, symbolizing the ultimate reward for years of hard work and sacrifice. All of a sudden the athlete becomes the ultimate idol, children talk about him in school, and people recognize and congratulate him in the streets even years after the event.
Lowering Body Fat
Another reason why people choose to train cardio is that it burns significantly more calories per unit of time than any other form of exercise. This is ideal for those looking to create a caloric deficit and get leaner. If you want to get those abs showing, cardio will certainly help you out.
Of course, you can put yourself in a state of caloric deficit just from proper nutrition alone, but burning more calories is certainly a bonus.
Mental Health Benefits
They call it the runner’s high. Basically, your body produces endorphins while exercising which help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
We’ve all experienced it at some point in our life. When we run, we don’t really care about our problems anymore.
Weightlifting: The Art of Strength
Weightlifting, on the other hand, involves exercises that require the muscles to exert force against resistance. It involves activities like:
- Bench Press
- Squat
- Deadlift
- Chin-ups
- Push-ups
Most people would say that its main purpose is muscle growth. And I’d say that they are about 87% right.
Competitions
Resistant training is indeed the best type of training to trigger muscle growth, but its benefits extend beyond just building muscle. Just like other sports weightlifting is a journey in which you learn things about yourself and you develop a disciplined character.
There are also competitions for weightlifting athletes.
- Bodybuilding
- Olympic Weightlifting
- Powerlifting Competitions
- Armwrestling
Building Confidence
A person with a well-developed physique often exudes a distinct presence that others can sense. This muscular build typically commands respect from peers and fosters an unmatched level of confidence. Being able to run for miles and looking like the Incredible Hulk are two entirely different feats—one is about endurance, and the other is about being so ripped you might need a separate door just to fit through!
Conclusion
So which one is best?
Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” answer to this. It depends on the person and his goals. Apart from the competitive element cardio is mainly for burning more calories and weightlifting is for building more muscle. Regardless of the exercise, athletes should take care of themselves and avoid training mistakes.
