As cliché as it may sound, fitness isn’t just about being thin or looking good, it’s about taking care of your body and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But with so many different workouts to choose from – it can be difficult to know where to start or what should be included in your routine.
Thankfully, the two main types of training to consider are cardio and strength. Here, we guide you through what each of these entail and how they both can benefit your health.
Cardio:
Cardio or aerobic exercise refers to any exercise that raises your heart rate and increases your lung capacity. Some common forms of cardio include running, swimming, cycling, and rowing. Cardio is an effective way to boost your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and improve your overall physical health.
If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, it’s important to start slow and gradually build up your cardio fitness. You can do this by beginning with a low-intensity workout, such as walking or jogging, and gradually increasing your pace and switching up the type of workout as you progress. It’s recommended to aim for 150 minutes of cardio per week to maintain good health.
Strength Training:
Strength training, also known as resistance training, is a form of exercise that involves lifting weights and resistance bands to build muscle mass and strength. This type of exercise can help to improve your overall body composition, increase bone strength, reduce injury risk, and improve your metabolism.
Strength training shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you’re looking to improve your physical strength and sculpt your muscles. However, it’s important to start slowly and focus on the correct technique during your workout, as lifting weights incorrectly can cause injury.
Incorporate Both Into Your Routine:
The benefits of both cardio and strength training are clear, but how do you incorporate them into your fitness routine? Ideally, you should aim for a combination of both types of exercise, alternating your workouts and targeting different muscle groups.
For example, you might choose to do cardio on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and strength training on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. This allows for adequate rest days as well as a well-rounded fitness routine.
In conclusion, when it comes to the fitness world, it’s important to choose a workout that you enjoy and will stick with. However, a balanced workout routine is essential to stay in shape and maintain good health. Incorporating both cardio and strength training into your workouts will ensure that you are maximising your potential and achieving your health and fitness goals.
