weight training vs cardio

so my cousin posted this picture on FB. Then we had a debate. I have done a half marathon and am training for another. He is under the impression that you do not need cardio...just weight training and a healthy diet. thoughts??? i obviously disagree and told him so :)

Image Attachment(s):

Re: weight training vs cardio

I think both are important but I tend to disagree with you more. Sorry!

I think it depends o your goals...for me, my weight training is WAY more important. When I lost most of my weight, I was doing 60 minutes of cardio A WEEK...not a day! I was training hard and my diet was SUPER> It's 90% about diet and the rest is exercise. While cardio is important and healthy, if you have to forgo something, I would skip that and hit the weights1

Re: weight training vs cardio

Well, I think you can definitely get a great body with diet & weight training alone. However, I feel that cardio is really important for good health (and does help with keeping the pounds off).... when I run, I love that sweaty feeling, getting my heart pumping & improving my endurance... I sleep better & have more energy after intense cardio..... so I'd have to say that all three are important!!!

Re: weight training vs cardio

I think that most women will put more stock in cardio, and most men will put stock in weights!

They are both important to me. It depends on how you want to feel, look, accomplish of course. I'm not an "Eiw, muscles" kind of person and enjoy seeing them.

But I do hear many women who think that all cardio all the time is the way to go and they turn their noses up at weights.

I think, like everything else, if you don't have balance, you're going to miss out on something.

Re: weight training vs cardio

I think it depends on your personal fitness goals.

If your goal is to lose pounds cardio is the best way.

If you are at goal weight but need to get fit and trim then weight training is best.

I think a workout that balances the two is the best thing for your body

Re: weight training vs cardio

Alot of people ask me that question, and it really is a combination of both, and eating based on the workouts.

Your body typically gets use to the workout if you keep doing the same thing over and over. So what alot of people do is to switch it up do keep your muscles growing and changing

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions

Re: weight training vs cardio

Re: weight training vs cardio

Mamasita27- if you are planning on running a marathon or half marathon for a better time then the last race you ran- you 100% need to run distance, and do weight training but the weight training you will be doing is VERY high reps and mainly for the lower body. When your running that long its all cardio and stamina, so the day before the race don't eat any protein- eat all carbs- your body will use the carbs for stored energy and then when the race is over your body will recover quicker.

Re: weight training vs cardio

Message edited 1/26/2012 10:25:54 PM.

Re: weight training vs cardio

Posted by MrsG823

Posted by LDrinkh20

I think both are important but I tend to disagree with you more. Sorry!

I think it depends o your goals...for me, my weight training is WAY more important. When I lost most of my weight, I was doing 60 minutes of cardio A WEEK...not a day! I was training hard and my diet was SUPER> It's 90% about diet and the rest is exercise. While cardio is important and healthy, if you have to forgo something, I would skip that and hit the weights1

Re: weight training vs cardio

I think every body is different, but for me, I have found that weight training is more important.

For YEARS, I was a cardio queen. Like an hour of cardio a day, at least. In the beginning, I also did weights and was in great shape. Then I dropped the weights when I got busy, and I got fat and out of shape no matter how much cardio I did. And I had a healthy diet. It wasn't until I cut down on cardio and added weights back in that I started losing weight again.

Then I had a baby, and haven't done much of either in the past few years. I try to stay active in general, but I know I really need weights/toning for my body to look good. I need cardio more for my head and heart, so I won't say cardio isn't important. But, a good weight training session can be cardio, too. Yesterday I did an extensive cross-fit type think that was all toning stuff, and my heart was pumping by the end.