Cardio or Weights?
There is a frequent conversation in the realm of fitness that may never be plainly answered. The conversation revolves around whether a person should be focused primarily on aerobic exercise (cardio) or weight training. The best, and most unfulfilling answer is, it depends.
Research surrounding both of these aspects of exercise is often attempting to determine what form of exercise is most effective. “Most effective” is a loaded phrase. Effectiveness depends on the physiological aspirations of both the coach and client, it depends on the activity the client would like to be able to do that they currently cannot do, it depends on the intentions.
The topic is highly polarizing among fitness professionals, with the pendulum swinging back and forth. On one end you have those that see weight training as the end all be all, with good evidence that weight training reduces all cause mortality and promotes greater physical capacity in a wide variety of populations and activities. The other end of the spectrum consists of those who wholeheartedly believe the aerobic training synonymous with cardio, is the Holy Grail. This form of exercise too, has a mountain of evidence supporting its role in longevity and better health outcomes. Falling somewhere in the middle is the group of people that find high intensity interval exercise to be the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, exercise in and of itself is incredibly beneficial for health. Human beings are exceptionally adaptable, and your body will organize itself around any stimulus you provide. Every person has a genetic predisposition toward a particular superpower, and most likely, they will gravitate in that direction.
The nuances of any form of exercise and its benefits go beyond the intention of this post. The most effective way to get the most from your exercise regimen is to determine the desired outcome, select activities that promote that particular change and reassess after a sufficient period of time. A coach can be an invaluable resource to help you get on your way, and ensure you are getting where you want to go.
Austin Ulrich, Physical Therapist
