Combining cardiovascular exercise with weight training is a popular fitness approach that can provide a wide range of health benefits. This type of training is often referred to as "cardiovascular weight training" or "circuit training."
The science behind combining cardio with weight training is based on the principle of "metabolic conditioning". This refers to the ability of the body to efficiently use energy during exercise. When you perform a combination of cardiovascular and weight training exercises, you are challenging your body to use both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.
Why should we combine cardio and weight training?
During cardiovascular exercise, your body primarily uses oxygen to produce energy, while during weight training, your body uses a combination of oxygen and stored energy in the form of glycogen. Combining these two types of exercise allows your body to work at different intensities and improve overall fitness levels.
The benefits of this combination
- Studies have shown that combining cardiovascular exercise with weight training can lead to greater improvements in cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and body composition compared to doing either type of exercise alone. For example, a recent study has shown that circuit training, which combines resistance training and cardiovascular exercise, led to greater improvements in cardiovascular fitness and body composition compared to traditional resistance training or cardio alone.
- Another benefit of combining cardio with weight training is that it can help increase your metabolism. Resistance training increases muscle mass, which can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories at rest. Cardiovascular exercise also burns calories and can help create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss.
To get the most out of combining cardio with weight training, it's important to create a well-rounded exercise program that includes both types of exercise. This can include activities such as weight lifting, bodyweight exercises, running, cycling, or rowing.
Take home message
In summary, the science behind combining cardiovascular exercise with weight training is based on the principle of metabolic conditioning, which challenges your body to use both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. This approach can lead to greater improvements in fitness levels, body composition, and metabolism compared to doing either type of exercise alone.
Feel free to join our cardio and weight training movement.
Recommended
<< Prev
Next >>
Write a comment