The debate of which is better, cardio or weightlifting, has gone on for decades. As with anything else, there are benefits and risks associated with each.

 

Both cardio and weightlifting are beneficial for weight loss and also assist in combating mental illness and reducing stress. However, cardio tends to put a lot of stress on your joints, which can lead to conditions like arthritis. In addition, cardio exercises do not target specific body areas and consequently do not allow you to shape your physique. On the other hand, cardio is great for strengthening your heart and improving one’s lung capacity, unlike weightlifting. 

 

Weightlifting does, contrarily, allow one to target specific areas of the body and shape them. Weightlifting is typically low in impact on the joints, too. While weightlifting increases bone health, it has no impact in heart health (like cardio does). And the soreness from lifting weights can cause one to feel immobile. Weightlifting also boosts one’s metabolism, while cardio does not. But, cardio does positively impact the immune system, while weightlifting does not.

 

All in all, a healthy balance of both cardio and weightlifting will surely improve your fitness.

 

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