WHY I PREFER RESISTANCE TRAINING TO CARDIO

The term “cardio” generally refers to aerobic exercise. Typical examples are long distance running, dance and well, aerobics.  Cardio can be fun and it definitely has its place in a balanced training programme but unfortunately, the fitness industry currently places too much emphasis on its importance. Cardio on its own can raise cortisol levels and cause a hormonal imbalance that actually causes you to store fat around your middle. Also, cardio while dieting can result in reduced muscle mass which will put you in a position to gain fat more easily and mean you’ll have to work harder to reach fat loss goals. The simple antidote to this is to do resistance training as well as or instead of cardio.

Examples of resistance training would be lifting weights or doing exercises using bodyweight as resistance such and push ups, pull-ups and squats. Such exercises help to build and maintain lean muscle mass (provided nutrition is adequate). More muscle requires more energy to maintain and so the food you eat is used more efficiently and less of it is stored as fat. I won’t go in to detail about how women don’t build bulky muscles as that article has been done to death but if you want more information on the topic or proof, email me, call/ text me or just ask me. I’m more than happy to chat about the topic!

Resistance training is recommended by health professionals the world over to treat a myriad of health problems such as heart conditions, diabetes, osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, low self esteem and much more. The benefits cannot be overstated.

Now that we have discussed why resistance training is so important, the next step is to determine what kind is the best. The answer is whatever kind you enjoy doing the most and will stick at. The best exercise programme in the world is useless if it is not followed regularly. 

For me, the best exercise is weightlifting. Since I started weightlifting over two years ago, I have gained lots of lean muscle and lost a lot of fat (meaning I am now two dress sizes smaller). I now eat more food than I used to and I can enjoy more treats without worrying that I won’t fit in to my favourite jeans.  I have more energy, I sleep better and I really look forward to training. The feeling of lifting more weight this week than I did last week or last month is very empowering and the confidence boost from it really does transfer to all aspects of my life. I feel ready for any challenge whether it is playing football with friends, helping a relative move house or helping a stranger when their car gets stuck.

The best way to find out what works for you is to try many different things. Give each new thing a chance and stick with it for a few weeks to a few months and if you don’t like it, move on and try something else. It doesn’t have to cost the earth. You can get a very effective resistance training workout at home using everyday objects such as chairs, steps and even tins of food. 

If you want more information about anything I’ve mentioned above, call, text or email. 0877915646, info@deelynch.com