signalsCardio Vs. Weight Training
January 26th 2007 16:20
When I was first starting to get in shape, I stuck with cardio religiously, pedaling away on the exercise bike or gliding on the elliptical machine. I didn't want to "bulk up," I said, and so I didn't go near that scary area where all the guys were bench-pressing huge weights and looking macho. Besides, I wanted to drop the most weight possible.
I did feel somewhat curious when I read about different weight-bearing exercises in my fitness magazines and saw the fitness models with sculpted bodies (mine was thin, but soft). While being aware that I would never look quite like that, I decided maybe weight training could give me an edge. Plus, just between you and me, I HATED cardio. There's something so mind-numbing about doing the same thing over and over. I don't even like walking outside.
I didn't really know what the machines did, so I simply spent some time walking around the whole area and reading the instructions on all the machines. Soon, I got the hang of it, and started doing different muscle groups on different days.
I believe weight training is really worth doing, even if you are female and think you're going to get big. Trust me - you're not. We girls have to work to build muscle, unlike guys, who put it on easily, because we don't have as much testosterone. It's a way to feel stronger and look more toned and defined. Besides, each pound of muscle burns 50 calories.
I still hate cardio to this day, and have definitely been slacking off on that end lately, but it's worth it too, I know. It's good for your heart and your endurance and overall fitness. Even if I only manage to do it a couple times a week.
I did feel somewhat curious when I read about different weight-bearing exercises in my fitness magazines and saw the fitness models with sculpted bodies (mine was thin, but soft). While being aware that I would never look quite like that, I decided maybe weight training could give me an edge. Plus, just between you and me, I HATED cardio. There's something so mind-numbing about doing the same thing over and over. I don't even like walking outside.
I believe weight training is really worth doing, even if you are female and think you're going to get big. Trust me - you're not. We girls have to work to build muscle, unlike guys, who put it on easily, because we don't have as much testosterone. It's a way to feel stronger and look more toned and defined. Besides, each pound of muscle burns 50 calories.
I still hate cardio to this day, and have definitely been slacking off on that end lately, but it's worth it too, I know. It's good for your heart and your endurance and overall fitness. Even if I only manage to do it a couple times a week.
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Comment by JohnR/Nomythfitness.com
You are 100% right about cardio being boring. It is like recreated the Bataan death march on a daily basis.
Comment by Anders
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