Will You Lose the Most Weight With a Cardio or Weightlifting Workout?
As the month of February comes to a close, many people have long given up their New Years Resolution. Old habits sneak their way into our daily routines, and slowly but surely the stretchy pair of jeans begin to feel snug. So how do you get back on track? What is the best method for shedding the weight and getting your spring break body back? Experts are divided on whether cardio or weightlifting is the most effective calorie burner. While each technique has its benefits, the evidence lies in the long term results that each routine can give.
Benefits of Cardio
Cardio is considered to be an aerobic exercise, meaning it causes a higher breathing rate. The rapid breathing and fast heartbeat experienced after a workout allows the lungs to supply oxygen to red blood cells, which are pumped by the heart as a fast pace to supply muscles. Cardio workouts can be completed over larger intervals of time, and are known to improve endurance and burn more calories overall. According to the Mayo clinic, cardio can lead to improvements in mood, appetite, sleep and blood pressure. Although the excess energy used to maintain aerobic exercise burns more calories in a session, these effects are short term.
Benefits of Weightlifting
Weightlifting is an anaerobic exercise that uses stored energy in order to sustain short bursts of energy. There are numerous health benefits to lifting weights, that go beyond having shredded abs. Weightlifting burns fewer calories but has significant long term benefits. According to a study conducted by Harvard, where the weight loss progress of men was tracked over 12 years, “When people incorporate strength training into their exercise routine, they not only burn calories but increase lean muscle mass, which stimulates metabolism”. Increased metabolic rates ensure that not only will you lose weight, but you can keep it off. Lifting has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, which allows for more efficient oxygenation of blood during exercise. Long term effects of weightlifting also include prevention of osteoporosis, cancer and improved mental health.
So Which One is Better?
Determining whether cardio or weightlifting will be the emphasis of your workout depends on your goals. If your goal is to burn fat, cardio will get the job done a lot faster. Weightlifting will help improve your overall strength and metabolism. Cardio can help with endurance whereas lifting builds muscle. Use your personal goals as a way to dictate your workouts, or use a combination of the two for optimal results.
About the Author
Samantha Higley is a freshman who began writing for WVUGO in August 2019 with
an emphasis on Club and Intramural Sports. She plans to earn a degree in Neuropsychology
with a minor in History. Samantha is also on the Club Volleyball team at WVU.