Which is better – cardio or strength training?

We suspect that the root of this question is a lack of clarity about what differentiates these two groups of exercises. We’ve broken them down below:

• Cardio Training
  According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular exercise includes any aerobic exercise that increases you heart rate and “involves the steady and repetitive movement” of your upper (arms) or lower (legs) body.
• Strength Training
  Strength training is any exercise that involves – well – strengthening the muscles through “efficient force production, stability and mobility.” This type of training builds endurance and help your muscles use oxygen more efficiently.

Cardio training and strength training are not mutually exclusive and both should be practiced together to optimize weight loss and fitness results. Our personal trainers incorporate both kinds of training, along with nutritional evaluations, in their fitness programs to maximize client results and prevent injury.