Cardio with higher resistance vs weights

1ZenGirl

I know this is a silly question but I simply don't know the answer.

I do strength training 2-3 times a week but the feeling I get from working my legs with weights is the same as when I have cranked up the resistance on the elliptical. Same benefit?

Thank you.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

No, not same benefit. Cardio burns calories, and that's it.

Strength training builds/maintains muscle, which keeps your metabolism cranking, even after you stop working out. You may feel the same after either one, but your muscles are thanking you for weight training loooong after the burn from the cardio is over.

AJ_G

Do cardio for extra calorie burn, do weight training to preserve muscle mass on a cut or build muscle mass on a bulk. No amount of cardio on its own is going to be effective in preserving or building muscle. You may feel a burning in your leg muscles when doing cardio, but that is not an indicator of muscle building, it's simply lactic acid build up in your muscles

1ZenGirl

Thank you so much! Those answers really helped!