Cardio vs. Strength Training by
Stacy@Zeel
We’re faced with this dilemma every time we step foot in a gym: Head straight for the weights or make a beeline to the last available elliptical?
Of course, if you’re even at the gym to begin with, then your body is benefiting regardless of your workout
du jour. Yet more and more studies are now proving that when it comes to the mental and physical effects of resistance training and cardiovascular exercises, one may in fact be better than the other.
Mood
Winner: Cardio
The key to a cheerful outlook and a positive mindset lies in the release of “happy” hormones known as endorphins in the brain. Natural pain-killers and mood enhancers, endorphins play a leading role in reducing stress, depression and anxiety. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, swimming, cycling and rowing are some of the most effective ways to flood the brain with endorphins.
One
study, conducted by the Department of Health and Sport Science at the University of Richmond, even found that lifting weights
left endorphin levels in the body unchanged during and after the strenuous exercises.
Efficient Weight loss
Winner: Strength Training
There’s no question that cardio is good for torching calories, so don’t discount the weight-loss possibilities that come with an hour-long tennis match. When it comes to heightening your fat-blasting potential however, strength training reigns supreme.
Exercises that offer even a small amount of resistance can efficiently increase muscle strength and endurance, taking inches from your waistline. In fact, for every pound of muscle you build, your body is able to burn an additional
50 calories per day. Now tally up how many extra calories you’ll burn in a year. Increase the amount of resistance, and you’ll send your fat-burning powers soaring even higher.
Intelligence
Winner: It’s a tie!
To
capitalize on your brain power, you’ll want to maximize activity in the frontal cortex of the brain (responsible for long-term memory function) and the parietal cortex (which controls spatial orientation). Both of these regions are linked with age-related cognitive decline, a problem that can be prevented by increasing blood flow, as well as a “miracle-grow” hormone called BDNF, to the brain.
How can you nourish your brain? Incorporate 30 minutes of aerobic exercise into your workout regimen at least three days a week to
enhance your productivity and problem-solving capabilities.
But that’s not all. You can also boost intelligence levels by sprinkling just 20 minutes of resistance training into your gym routine. For example, running five minutes then performing push-ups for two minutes may sharpen your intellect. Thrice weekly strength-training sessions also
check memory-damaging amino acids from thwarting brain power.