The Science Behind Strength Training and Cardio
Strength training and cardio are two popular types of exercises that people often do to achieve their fitness goals. While cardio is known for its benefits in burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, strength training is often associated with building muscle mass and increasing strength.
When it comes to burning calories, both strength training and cardio have their advantages. However, the amount of calories burned can vary depending on several factors, such as the intensity of the workout, the duration of the exercise, and the person’s weight, age, and gender.
How Strength Training Burns Calories
Strength training involves lifting weights or using resistance to work against the muscles, making them stronger and more toned. While some people may think of strength training as a way to build muscle mass, it can also be an effective way to burn calories.
When you lift weights or use resistance, your muscles need energy to perform the movement. This energy comes from burning calories, which means that strength training can help you burn calories even after you’ve finished your workout.
Additionally, building muscle mass can increase your metabolism, which means that you burn more calories even when you’re at rest. This effect is known as the “afterburn” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
How Cardio Burns Calories
Cardio, on the other hand, involves activities that increase your heart rate, such as running, cycling, or swimming. Cardio is known for its ability to burn calories, especially when you perform it at high intensity for a sustained amount of time.
During cardio, your body uses stored fat and carbohydrates as fuel to keep your heart rate up and maintain the exercise intensity. The longer and more intense the cardio is, the more calories you will burn.
However, unlike strength training, cardio does not have a significant effect on increasing muscle mass or metabolism.
The Benefits of Combining Strength Training and Cardio
While both strength training and cardio have their benefits, combining them can lead to even greater results. By doing both types of exercises, you can maximize your calorie burn, build muscle mass, and improve your overall fitness and health.
How Combining Strength Training and Cardio Burns Calories
When you combine strength training and cardio, you can create a workout routine that targets multiple muscle groups and energy systems, leading to a higher overall calorie burn. For example, you can do a circuit-style workout that involves lifting weights for strength training and performing high-intensity intervals for cardio.
Additionally, building muscle mass through strength training can help you perform better during your cardio workouts. Stronger muscles can help you run faster, cycle longer, or swim harder, leading to a higher calorie burn and better overall fitness.
Other Benefits of Combining Strength Training and Cardio
In addition to burning calories, there are several other benefits of combining strength training and cardio. These include:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better bone density and joint health
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
The Bottom Line
While both strength training and cardio can help you burn calories, the amount of calories burned can vary depending on several factors. By combining both types of exercises, you can maximize your calorie burn and achieve your fitness goals more effectively.
It’s important to note that exercise alone is not enough to achieve optimal health and fitness. A healthy diet, sufficient rest, and stress management are also crucial components of a well-rounded fitness plan.
So, are you ready to incorporate strength training and cardio into your workout routine and achieve your fitness goals? Let’s get started!