Cardio vs Weights

Ah, the age-old battle of cardio versus weight training. On one side, we have the runners, cyclists, and group class attendees, armed with their heart-rate monitors and an ability to suffer through endless treadmill sessions. On the other side, we have the lifters, whose idea of cardio is walking from the squat rack to the water fountain.

❓ So, which one is better? Which one should you do? And, most importantly, which one lets you eat the most food afterward?

🚴 The Case for Cardio 🚴‍♀️ 

Cardio is great for heart health, endurance, and burning calories (so yes, it does let you eat more). It helps improve stamina, keeps you mobile, and is scientifically proven to make you feel accomplished even after just a 10-minute jog. The downside? If you’re only doing cardio and avoiding strength training, you might struggle with muscle fatigue and a less efficient metabolism over time. Also, let’s be honest—cardio can feel like punishment some days.

🏋‍♂️ The Case for Weight Training 🏋‍♀️ 

Lifting weights helps build strength, improve bone density, and boost your metabolism. It makes you look strong, feel strong, and, let’s face it, opening peanut butter jars becomes much easier. Plus, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest—so you can thank your deadlifts for that extra slice of pizza. The downside? If you only lift and never get your heart rate up, your endurance will suffer, and taking the stairs could still leave you gasping.

🏋 So, What’s the Best Option? 🚴‍♂️ 

Here’s the secret: the best exercise is the one you actually enjoy and will stick with. If you hate running but love lifting, start with weights. If the idea of bench pressing terrifies you but you love a good cycle, start with cardio. The real trick is to do what you love first—then sneak in the other one so your body gets the full package of benefits.

🤩 The Winning Formula 🤩 

The ideal solution? A combination of both. Strength training builds muscle, and cardio keeps your heart healthy. You don’t need to do them every single session, but adding both into your week can make a huge difference.

So whether you're team cardio, team weights, or just team "I want to be able to eat more snacks," mix it up and find a balance that works for you.