Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cardio vs Muscles....Which Reigns Supreme?

The age old debate in the Fancy Nancy house is which is more important...cardio or weight training.  To be fair, the past few years I have certainly jumped on the running like crazy train and have not been as good about getting in my weight training.  In the same vein, the hubs competed in his first body building competition this past April so we are really two ends of the spectrum.  Which leads me to the question of the day.....
Cardio or Weight Training....which is best?

The answer for me....both.  A life of just cardio gives you lots of heart health but fails to keep you toned.  Weight training, on the other hand, promotes bone and muscle health but fails to give you that cardio strength as well.  When given 30 minutes in the gym, my first inclination is to jump on the treadmill or other cardio machine.  However, as we have seen in the past year with the rise of HIIT training, a mixture of both for those 30 minutes can burn far more calories AND gives your body an overall workout. 

Lately, now that I feel less like a cute pregnant lady and more like "WOW you're going to pop any second!", I have been able to run less and less.  I've been using the bike more and walking but really am not getting that high like I do from running.  I've been doing more weight training though, feeling strong and building up those muscles to help me bounce back!  I'm looking forward to The Fresh Start Challenge in September with Fitnitchick to bring me right up to delivery day fit and healthy!
 So now it's your turn to weigh in....
Cardio or Weight Training....Which reigns supreme with you?
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12 comments:

  1. Brad GouthroAugust 28, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    It is a great debate! It depends on the persons goal but if you're just looking to maintain, I always recommend lifting weights and cardio during separate times or different days. If that's not possible, lift weights first to maximize your energy and prep the body to release the fatty acids to the bloodstream, then cardio to burn those fatty acids for fuel.

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  2. Katie @wishandwhimsyAugust 28, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    Great discussion and loving Brad's insight. I prefer weights. I've found that it has helped me with my weight loss and fitness goals much faster and more effectively than purely cardio. But, I also recognize the need for cardio to. I try to balance, with a slight edge to weight training.

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  3. Boston Bound BrunetteAugust 28, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    I am more of a runner than a weight trainer. I always say that I am going to start doing more weight training but it does not happen. I try to do other stuff like push ups, planks and squats but I don't use any free weights. I guess I need to..

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  4. MichelleAugust 28, 2012 at 9:39 AM

    I'm heavy on the running side of things these days but do try to balance it with yoga and pilates. Haven't worked with weights in a long time -- great to hear Brad's perspective!

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  5. misszippyAugust 28, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    I love running, so for me, that is supreme. However, I also weight train b/c you have to for running and health, in my opinion. doesn't mean I like it, but...

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  6. Rachelle QAugust 28, 2012 at 1:10 PM

    I agree with you that both are important. We need cardio to keep our heart and lungs strong, but weights for muscular health and staying toned. Running for me is the only thing that really keeps me sane though:)

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  7. Clarinda @ Enjoying the CourseAugust 28, 2012 at 6:41 PM

    Logically, I know that both are equally important, but my heart (haha!) will always belong to cardio. :)

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  8. jillconyersAugust 29, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    I seriously love the feeling of strength training but if I have to choose it's running. Always running :)

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  9. TamaraAugust 29, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    Strength training did wonders to re-shape my body after 3 babies. Of course, cardio is still necessary to keep my heart and lungs healthy and fat storage at bay...

    Thanks for the shout out to my Fresh Start Fitness Challenge!

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  10. AnnaAugust 29, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    I hear you... as a runner it is hard for me to give my precious gym time over to strength training. However, I found that in terms of weight loss, the cardio-only has stopped working for me. I added in strength training (Jillian videos) - which is a cardio workout in itself sometimes. Cardio only got me a lower weight, but still flabby. Liking the results of weight lifting so far. :)

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  11. Tina @GottaRunNowSeptember 1, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    I lift weights because it's good for me, but I run because it's fun!

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  12. Suz and AllanSeptember 10, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    A balance of both is important I think but in our house I'm more of the runner and Allan is more of a weight lifter.

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