Why Strength Training is better

irridia

I'd rather look like Misha Tate on the right, or Ronda Rousy on the left



I'm certain they Strength AND endurance are both on their daily agenda!

watboy

Im going to cut back on cardio and try it

lemon does it again! Great post

KANGOOJUMPS

to me, it is a combo thing, you should do both, BUT I DO LIKE CARDIO BETTER!

Di3012

Why does it seem that these posts are always an either/or situation? Here's an idea - do both. Both strength training and cardio have things going for them. So, don't just lift weights and don't just run.
I do days of lifting, days of running and days where I do running mixed in with other things like pushups, situps, lunges and crunches.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Personally, I adore running, love cycling and am a fair swimmer. Cardio - GOOD FOR THE HEART PEOPLE!!!

Sometimes I go to the gym with my husband and do weights - this is after a cardio warm-up.

For some reason, cardio seems to be getting a bad deal on MFP lately, all I can say is, it is not much good me being low bodyfat but unable to run for the bus without collapsing.

Let's get things into perspective here and rebalance.

watboy

Me love cardio

Lozze

Seriously do people even READ the original post? Because all these stupid people coming in crying 'I love cardio' have clearly not. The article isn't talking about health. It isn't talking about endurance. It's talking about FAT LOSS. The best exercise for fat loss is doing weights. FAT LOSS.

I LOVE my cardio. It helps me keep my mood in check, the feeling after running for 20 minutes has me high. I walk for 30 minutes every day to get my cardio in. If I'm at the gym I do high intensity cardio for 30 minutes (I'm not someone who generally does more than that. I've got better things to do with my time then spend hours at the gym) I love cardio.

BUT I lift heavy. I'm focusing on that because it's the best thing to give me the body I want. One that is not squishy. One that looks 'toned' My first 25kg I lost doing only cardio (and that was pretty much the walk every day and playing sport) Once I started lifting and lifting heavy my body shape has changed. I have a waist emerging. I HAVE A NECK! It's glorious. I can't wait to lose more and see what I look like. And to get the best results my main focus is on lifting heavy thing and putting them down again.

In conclusion, if you're going to comment on a post READ THE ****ING POST!

Shock_Wave

Conditioner is better, it leaves the hair silky and smooth!

"I just want to make hair silky-smooth"

:laugh:

Shock_Wave

I'd rather look like Misha Tate on the right, or Ronda Rousy on the left



I'm certain they Strength AND endurance are both on their daily agenda!

I think they are both hot! It would really really cool if their boobs were touching in that pic though, then it would be epically hot. :happy:

watboy

I started to cut cardio tonight and want to see how I progress over the next few weeks. I've been doing a combo for so long I really want to see if my bodyfat goes down. I'm at 27 right now.

I'd rather look like Misha Tate on the right, or Ronda Rousy on the left



I'm certain they Strength AND endurance are both on their daily agenda!

I think they are both hot! It would really really cool if their boobs were touching in that pic though, then it would be epically hot. :happy:

HorrorChix89

Seriously do people even READ the original post? Because all these stupid people coming in crying 'I love cardio' have clearly not. The article isn't talking about health. It isn't talking about endurance. It's talking about FAT LOSS. The best exercise for fat loss is doing weights. FAT LOSS.

I LOVE my cardio. It helps me keep my mood in check, the feeling after running for 20 minutes has me high. I walk for 30 minutes every day to get my cardio in. If I'm at the gym I do high intensity cardio for 30 minutes (I'm not someone who generally does more than that. I've got better things to do with my time then spend hours at the gym) I love cardio.

BUT I lift heavy. I'm focusing on that because it's the best thing to give me the body I want. One that is not squishy. One that looks 'toned' My first 25kg I lost doing only cardio (and that was pretty much the walk every day and playing sport) Once I started lifting and lifting heavy my body shape has changed. I have a waist emerging. I HAVE A NECK! It's glorious. I can't wait to lose more and see what I look like. And to get the best results my main focus is on lifting heavy thing and putting them down again.

In conclusion, if you're going to comment on a post READ THE ****ING POST!

It's not nice to call people stupid you know

ninerbuff

When personal trainers or exercise enthusiasts focus on weight loss, they are doing a grave disservice to their clients and/or themselves.

NOT this Personal Trainer. Cardio is only a supplement to my approach which is, lift heavy and lift intense.

A.C.E. Certified Personal & Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

crisanderson27

Seriously do people even READ the original post? Because all these stupid people coming in crying 'I love cardio' have clearly not. The article isn't talking about health. It isn't talking about endurance. It's talking about FAT LOSS. The best exercise for fat loss is doing weights. FAT LOSS.

I LOVE my cardio. It helps me keep my mood in check, the feeling after running for 20 minutes has me high. I walk for 30 minutes every day to get my cardio in. If I'm at the gym I do high intensity cardio for 30 minutes (I'm not someone who generally does more than that. I've got better things to do with my time then spend hours at the gym) I love cardio.

BUT I lift heavy. I'm focusing on that because it's the best thing to give me the body I want. One that is not squishy. One that looks 'toned' My first 25kg I lost doing only cardio (and that was pretty much the walk every day and playing sport) Once I started lifting and lifting heavy my body shape has changed. I have a waist emerging. I HAVE A NECK! It's glorious. I can't wait to lose more and see what I look like. And to get the best results my main focus is on lifting heavy thing and putting them down again.

In conclusion, if you're going to comment on a post READ THE ****ING POST!

I think I love you. I mean...not love you love you...but definitely love you.

Trail_Addict

Great Read! It's unfortunate that half the people replying can't do that very thing ...... READ! :laugh:

crisanderson27

Oh...this is a good example of what hardcore strength training...with only a nod to cardio, will do for body recomposition!! Look at her belly...with almost no weight loss!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/496945-6-months-into-strenght-training

Shock_Wave

When personal trainers or exercise enthusiasts focus on weight loss, they are doing a grave disservice to their clients and/or themselves.

NOT this Personal Trainer. Cardio is only a supplement to my approach which is, lift heavy and lift intense.

A.C.E. Certified Personal & Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Agreed. Not this one either. If you get a PT that just sits or stands next to you on a treadmill and watches you walk or run for an extended period of time is not a real PT that is some one who just doesnt give a damn. I have seen this many times watching so called PTs even texting on their cell phone on the clients time that they paid for while the client is walking on the treadmill for 30 min or an extended period of time. I was like that guy needs to be FIRED!

Lozze

It's not nice to call people stupid you know

If people come into a post and sprout off with their wisdom and prove that they haven't read the the linked article or even the OP then yes they are stupid.

HorrorChix89

It's not nice to call people stupid you know

If people come into a post and sprout off with their wisdom and prove that they haven't read the the linked article or even the OP then yes they are stupid.

You're not a nice person, lady

Lozze

You're not a nice person, lady

Oh well. Sorry we don't see eye to eye.

Vegetablearian

im getting some dumbells this weekend

I do EASA2 which uses a resistance band and cardio but im swapping my resistance band to dumbells for more weight so its a bit of both I do in every workout but right now its only toning as the resistance band isnt that strong but moving to 4kg weights (8.8lb?) will be a good jump in difficulty

HorrorChix89

You're not a nice person, lady

Oh well. Sorry we don't see eye to eye.

Name calling isn't nice, lady.

Debbe2

Ok, strength training maintains, builds and restores muscle. Ok, cardio helps burn more fat and possibly some muscle in the process. Gee! Can we agree that doing either or both or any of these activities is better than doing none at all? Seems we are on Team Fitness; not Team ST or Team Cardio!!!! And to go a step further, you will get tons of benefits by incorporating intense heavy lifting and strength training in your fitness routine. Personally I feel and look best by utilizing both in my workouts. Cardio invigorates me and I'm not giving it up any sooner than I will give up strength training. :noway: Both important so if you enjoy both I say go ahead and just do it!

jaydubbayu

I'm just getting into the fitness thing. I've been a lazy *kitten* for 11 years now. So, I've been doing cardio only just to get into the rythm of things. I'm going to start doing the machines at my gym here soon. I feel more comfortable right now just doing some cardio. It beats what I was doing.... NOTHING!

Lozze

. Ok, cardio helps burn more fat and possibly some muscle in the process

Did you read the original post? Or the linked article? Because it showed that no cardio does NOT burn more fat then strength training.

persian_star

Ok, I read through the first few pages yesterday and I have a question, related but slightly off course - assuming the article (which I have read and agree with, so if your answer to my question is "The OP/article's wrong", no offence but I don't want to be attacked) is correct and cardio can actually sabotage fat loss - am I sabotaging myself?

I walk to and from work (mostly to save money) which is 4 miles a day at about 3.5 mph up and down some serious hills. My HRM tells me I spend about 1/3 of that in 'Fat Loss' mode (less than 120bpm) and about 2/3 in 'Fitness' mode but I've never understood why working harder would mean I'm no longer losing fat. That first 1/3 is normally when I'm walking downhill or on the flat, and then my heart rate gets really pumped when I'm putting my all into attacking those hills. Technically I'm lifting my weight up those hills (and don't my calves/hams/glutes feel it) but since I hate cardio (really, really hate it) I don't particularly want to put in all that effort if it's not helping me lose fat, as that's my current goal.

BTW, I do lifting at home too, so I'm not just a cardio do-er, but ooooohhhhhh. Just confused on the matter. Any light shed would be helpful. Don't like working out uninformed.

thistimeismytime

Why does it seem that these posts are always an either/or situation? Here's an idea - do both. Both strength training and cardio have things going for them. So, don't just lift weights and don't just run.
I do days of lifting, days of running and days where I do running mixed in with other things like pushups, situps, lunges and crunches.

Exactly. I'm a firm believer that you have to do cardio and strength training to get the best results. But honestly, I don't care what other people do. They're not losing my weight......I'm the only one that can do that.

PREACH GIRL!! Love it! :flowerforyou:

Lozze

Ok, I read through the first few pages yesterday and I have a question, related but slightly off course - assuming the article (which I have read and agree with, so if your answer to my question is "The OP/article's wrong", no offence but I don't want to be attacked) is correct and cardio can actually sabotage fat loss - am I sabotaging myself?

The article that references the study mentions that both sets of people were on low calorie diets. From looking at your diary you're not eating low calorie. All the weight training books that advocate strength over cardio still tell you to have aerobic fitness (I think NROLFW states if you can't ride a bike for a couple of hours at a leisurley pace you need to fix that) It's when you're doing low calorie, all cardio that you start to sabotage fat loss.

Also I've seen it stated on here that there is no 'fat loss' stage your heart rate gets to. But I'm not 100% sure on that.

persian_star

Ok, I read through the first few pages yesterday and I have a question, related but slightly off course - assuming the article (which I have read and agree with, so if your answer to my question is "The OP/article's wrong", no offence but I don't want to be attacked) is correct and cardio can actually sabotage fat loss - am I sabotaging myself?

The article that references the study mentions that both sets of people were on low calorie diets. From looking at your diary you're not eating low calorie. All the weight training books that advocate strength over cardio still tell you to have aerobic fitness (I think NROLFW states if you can't ride a bike for a couple of hours at a leisurley pace you need to fix that) It's when you're doing low calorie, all cardio that you start to sabotage fat loss.

Also I've seen it stated on here that there is no 'fat loss' stage your heart rate gets to. But I'm not 100% sure on that.

Thanks - that makes me feel a lot better! I try and make sure I never go below my BMR (which also gives me a margin for error and over-eating) and have been hitting my macros pretty well recently. I'm just never sure what they mean by 'low calorie diets' as I am eating at a deficit.

I've always been a walker and am chuffed because according to my HRM when I bought it a couple months ago, my fitness levels are pretty good, so right now it's more important for me to target that extra layer of fat that's making my clothes not fit! But it's good to know even those who advocate lifting over cardio wouldn't throw cardio out completely ) I've read NROLFW but for some reason found it really hard going, though I use a lot of the principles.

So maybe I should now re-word my question to "Why does my HRM think below 120 bpm is going to make me burn fat and above 120 bpm is going to make me more fit - and are the two mutually exclusive???"

Thanks again Lozze :flowerforyou:

psuLemon

Ok, I read through the first few pages yesterday and I have a question, related but slightly off course - assuming the article (which I have read and agree with, so if your answer to my question is "The OP/article's wrong", no offence but I don't want to be attacked) is correct and cardio can actually sabotage fat loss - am I sabotaging myself?

The article that references the study mentions that both sets of people were on low calorie diets. From looking at your diary you're not eating low calorie. All the weight training books that advocate strength over cardio still tell you to have aerobic fitness (I think NROLFW states if you can't ride a bike for a couple of hours at a leisurley pace you need to fix that) It's when you're doing low calorie, all cardio that you start to sabotage fat loss.

Also I've seen it stated on here that there is no 'fat loss' stage your heart rate gets to. But I'm not 100% sure on that.

Thanks - that makes me feel a lot better! I try and make sure I never go below my BMR (which also gives me a margin for error and over-eating) and have been hitting my macros pretty well recently. I'm just never sure what they mean by 'low calorie diets' as I am eating at a deficit.

I've always been a walker and am chuffed because according to my HRM when I bought it a couple months ago, my fitness levels are pretty good, so right now it's more important for me to target that extra layer of fat that's making my clothes not fit! But it's good to know even those who advocate lifting over cardio wouldn't throw cardio out completely ) I've read NROLFW but for some reason found it really hard going, though I use a lot of the principles.

So maybe I should now re-word my question to "Why does my HRM think below 120 bpm is going to make me burn fat and above 120 bpm is going to make me more fit - and are the two mutually exclusive???"

Thanks again Lozze :flowerforyou:

Look at programs like P90X, insanity, turbo fire, etc.. They are a lot of cardio based/ST based programs. Does it sabbatoge results, probably not. But looking at pure fat loss, if that is your goal, then ST is where you should concentrate your workouts. Now walking to work and etc will just cause you the need for more calories. Keep in mind that your body will adjust to your routine. So if you walk a lot, your body gets used it it and becomes more efficient.

psuLemon

Ok, strength training maintains, builds and restores muscle. Ok, cardio helps burn more fat and possibly some muscle in the process. Gee! Can we agree that doing either or both or any of these activities is better than doing none at all? Seems we are on Team Fitness; not Team ST or Team Cardio!!!! And to go a step further, you will get tons of benefits by incorporating intense heavy lifting and strength training in your fitness routine. Personally I feel and look best by utilizing both in my workouts. Cardio invigorates me and I'm not giving it up any sooner than I will give up strength training. :noway: Both important so if you enjoy both I say go ahead and just do it!

May I ask, how do you know that incorporating both cardio and ST will provide you the best benefits? Have you tried a long period of time where you just did ST vs a long period of time doing just Cardio vs a time where you did both? Otherwise, you are making an assumption. Also, you DO NOT need cardio to get the benefits of a cardio workout. Ever hear of an anaerobic workout? It's ST that incorporates lower and upper body exercise and i have gotten my heart rate up in the 160's doing this.

I know people love to say, this works best or that works best but this isn't based on experiments. Most people start a routine and assume it's best.

I will say, I have someone who did an experience. A 36 year old woman who was eating 1400 calories and doing mostly cardio. Recently, she stopped the cardio for 60 days and did only heavy lifting and eating 2100 calories on workout days and 1800 on none. Here is her PM to me 60 days later.


"I just wanted to thank you for your help. You helped me a few months back and I just wanted to give you an update on my progress. 12 weeks ago I started at 154 and 28% bf. I got my bf remeasured last Friday and it was 24%. But I only lost 1 pound. It is crazy to me but I have learned to ignore the scale. You were right that keeping consistent and not giving up my body would finally adjust.

Thanks again for your help!

Stephanie"


Oh and I saw the pictures and it's a huge difference. And this thread is only looking at fat loss and not fitness overall.

Di3012

I'd rather look like Misha Tate on the right, or Ronda Rousy on the left



I'm certain they Strength AND endurance are both on their daily agenda!

and I would not wish to look like either of them.