A fairly large proportion of the population in the U.S leads a sedentary lifestyle. This lack of physical activity is one of the main risk factors for chronic diseases. In those looking to get into fitness, an ongoing dilemma seems to be whether or not they should engage in cardiovascular exercise or strength training.
Cardiovascular exercise can be classified as an aerobic activity in which the heart rate is increased from its resting point. The heart and lungs are exercised for endurance which reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Additionally, it increases the capacity at which your muscles receive oxygen, which increases the amount of energy available to the muscle, promoting exercise tolerance.
In contrast, strength training is an anaerobic process that creates energy without oxygen. This energy is then used when muscles are put under resistance in order to increase both strength and hypertrophy. This increases muscle size and strength, bone density, and metabolism. It can also be used as an important tool in rehabilitation and physical therapy.
While both forms of exercise have different benefits, neither can be deemed better than the other. The best exercise is one which you can enjoy and commit to.
MyersPhD, J., Myers, J., Jonathan Myers From the Cardiology Division, & Myers, C. to J. (2003, January 7). Exercise and Cardiovascular Health. Circulation. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.CIR.0000048890.59383.8D.
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). 4 Differences in How Cardio and Strength Affect Your Health | U.S. News. U.S. News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/differences-in-how-cardio-and-strength-affect-your-health.
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