For those who want to lose weight quickly, it’s common to have doubts about weight training or cardio. Find out which method is most effective
A very common question, especially for those starting physical activity with the goal of losing weight, is how to lose weight faster: with cardio exercises or weight training.
In this sense, it is worth emphasizing from the beginning that both weight training and cardio have specific health benefits. After all, they contribute equally to the person seeking a better quality of life. Both provide benefits for overall health, improving cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, bone health and mental well-being.
Differences between weight training and cardio
According to Max Well Almeida de Carvalho, physical educator at Premiere Training Gym, bodybuilding focuses on resistance training and strength training. Then use weights to strengthen and develop your muscles, leaving them more toned and visible. “The most common goals are to increase muscle mass, increase strength and muscle definition,” he says.
Cardio involves activities that increase your heart rate and breathing. This is the case, for example, of running, cycling, swimming or dancing, with the aim of improving cardiovascular health. “The most common goals for those who choose this activity are to burn calories, improve cardiovascular resistance, reduce stress and increase physical condition,” explains the expert.
What about weight loss?
When it comes to burning calories, cardio is effective at burning calories immediately during activity, especially in high-intensity exercises. Bodybuilding, on the other hand, significantly contributes to speeding up your resting metabolism, as it contributes to an increase in muscle mass, which can lead to continuous calorie burning, Maxwell explains.
Additionally, weight training helps preserve and build muscle mass, which is important during weight (fat) loss to avoid loss of lean tissue (muscle), the pro adds.
“The combination of strength training and cardio can create broader metabolic adaptations, leading to a more complete response to weight loss. The combination also contributes to improved body composition, helping to reduce body fat and maintain or increase muscle mass,” says the physical educator.
In the end…
Therefore, both contribute to weight loss, but often a combination is more effective. It’s worth pointing out that weight training benefits the musculoskeletal system, while cardio benefits the cardiovascular system. Therefore, both are important for the health of the body as a whole.
“In this sense, choosing between weight training or cardio depends on your personal goals, preferences, and health needs. Many people find a balance between both forms of exercise to achieve results,” says Maxwell.
The professional underlines that it is not recommended to do only cardiovascular activity, even for those who want to lose weight quickly, as for a “summer project”, considering that there could be a loss of muscle mass. Therefore, it would not be sustainable weight loss.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
