Cardio vs. weightlifting: Which is better?

Sheryll (Weightlifting)

Weightlifting is better than cardio, mainly because it is more effective at building muscles. Muscles help increase your resting metabolism rate since they burn more calories when at rest compared to fat. Weight training has also been shown to lead to higher ‘excess post-exercise oxygen consumption’, which refers to the amount of oxygen the body requires to return to its normal resting state. This means that a weightlifting session will allow a person to continue burning more calories long after their workout is over. 

Secondly, weightlifting also promotes greater mobility and flexibility. Unlike traditional forms of cardio such as running or cycling, weightlifting workouts that include moves like squats and lunges allow your joints to undergo a full range of motion. Furthermore, the increased strength a person gains from weightlifting will also make it easier to conduct everyday tasks, such as carrying heavy grocery bags or moving furniture around. 

Weightlifting also provides more anti-aging benefits than cardio does. The primary reason we tend to experience a loss in physical abilities as we grow older is sarcopenia, which refers to the age-induced loss of muscle mass and strength. Muscle mass has been shown to decline slowly after age 35 and then begins to fall more rapidly after a person reaches their 60s. And while there is no way to prevent this process entirely, strength training is effective in slowing down muscle loss. It can help the elderly maintain mobility and independence as they age. 

Therefore, though any form of exercise is better than none, weightlifting arguably provides far more benefits than cardio does. 

Chad (Cardio)

People need both resistance training (aka weightlifting) and cardio, but if you only have time for one, choose cardio. 

Cardio is any exercise focused on increasing your heart rate, like running or bicycling. It is vital not only for heart health but for all organs, including the brain, as it has been shown to improve mood and brain function.

Getting at least a little cardio in daily can lower blood pressure and improve immune function, GI function, sleep, and eating habits. An intense workout helps to balance things in your body, leading to a more balanced life in general.  

It can also mean a longer life. Cardio reduces the risk of the number one killer of Americans, heart disease. Regular cardio exercise reduces the rates of obesity and diabetes, which are also among Americans' top causes of death. 

And there is little excuse for Americans not to do cardio workouts, as it is more accessible than weightlifting. You don't need a gym, just your body and maybe a good pair of shoes. After that, you can do all the cardio you want for free. 

Too many people today choose weightlifting over cardio for vain reasons concerning body image and sexual attraction. Cardio is more important for those who are more focused on longevity and happiness in their lives rather than appearance. 

Of course, healthy means well-rounded, and none of this is to say resistance training is not essential. But if you have to choose, be wise and go with cardio to get the best long-term benefits.