When you compare cardiovascular workouts with strength training you have dumbbells in one corner of the ring and a jump rope in the other corner, but which would be the true winner of this dilemma? When it comes down to getting the type of body you want to have and deserve which type of program should an individual go with strength training or cardiovascular workouts?
To resolve the strength training versus cardiovascular workouts dilemma, research experts set out to compare to two in a head to head battle. Of course, it also depends on the individual in whether they want to get buff, torch calories, or run the fastest mile ever, but experts have selected which program according to the individuals wants and needs they should devote themselves to.
Cardiovascular workout’s edge is that calorie for calorie it has the advantage since an individual can burn up to ten calories a minute lifting weights or twelve calories a minute running or cycling.
Strength training’s edge is that lifting weights gives the individual the metabolic spike they need for an hour after the workout since their body is trying to help their muscles recover. As a result, the individual is able to burn an additional twenty-five percent of the calories they just burn during their strength session. This means if the individuals burned two hundred calories lifting weights, then overall it is more like two hundred fifty calories.
However, if the individual were to lift heavier weights or rest no more than thirty seconds between sets, they they can annihilate even more. In addition, for every three pounds of muscle that an individual builds, then they will burn an extra one hundred twenty calories a day since muscle takes more energy to sustain.
Cardiovascular workout’s edge in the head-clearing effects of swimming or playing tennis show up faster. For instance, in a fifteen minutes of an aerobic activity two to three times a week an individual can reduce their anxiety significantly. When the individual participates in this type of cardiovascular activity three or five days a week, then they can cut their fatigue level by half. Cardiovascular workouts have been found to elevate the serotonin levels in the brain, which is a key neurotransmitter involved in improving symptoms of depression.
Strength training’s edge is still a huge question as scientist have not shown any promising results on the mood altering effects of pumping iron. However, more research is needed to nail the intensity and duration necessary to match cardiovascular’s benefits.
Cardiovascular workout’s edge in sports psychologists have been studying the effect of aerobic activity on self-confidence for decades, but they keep coming to the same conclusion, which is that runners, cyclists, swimmers, and other athletes have high confidence levels due to the sense of accomplishment they feel each time they cross the finish line regardless of where they place.
Strength training’s edge when think you look hot immediately after a workout, well it is not your imagination. Blood rushes to your muscles, which makes them swell and appear more toned as a result you will feel more confident because you just pressed some major poundage.
In 2006, researchers at McMaster University in Ontario tested subjects’ body image on how they felt about others checking them out and how satisfied they were with their own appearance before and after twelve weeks of strength training. The women in the group made significant improvements, and they were particularly influenced by the physical results of increasing the amount lifted.
