THIS Is Why Strength Training BEATS Cardio

Summary

This video explores the debate between strength training and aerobic exercise, emphasizing that while both are important, strength training offers superior benefits for overall health. It builds muscle, improves cardiovascular fitness, enhances joint mobility, and reduces mortality risk. Aerobic exercise, while beneficial for heart health, does not provide the same comprehensive advantages. The video ultimately recommends strength training as the key element in any fitness routine, while still acknowledging the value of aerobic activity when included in a balanced program.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aerobic training improves cardiovascular health, lung capacity, and overall work capacity, but does not significantly build muscle or strength.
• 😀 Strength training increases muscle mass, strength, and overall function, improving joint mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks.
• 😀 Aerobic training has immune-boosting effects, reduces the risk of infections, and helps in recovery from illness or injury.
• 😀 Strength training enhances grip strength, which is linked to lower all-cause mortality and better overall health.
• 😀 Aerobic training can aid in weight loss, but strength training helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss and can increase metabolism.
• 😀 Strength training is crucial for preventing sarcopenia (muscle wasting) as we age, and it also boosts bone density.
• 😀 Studies show that strength training can improve cardiovascular health, including increasing VO2 max, which measures the efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
• 😀 Both aerobic and strength training can help manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol, but strength training may have a more significant impact on mortality risk.
• 😀 Strength training is superior for building muscle mass and strength, but can also provide cardiovascular benefits when manipulated through specific training variables like circuit training or supersets.
• 😀 When choosing between strength training and aerobic training, strength training is the superior choice because it provides a broader range of benefits, including muscle growth, strength, and cardiovascular health.

Q & A

What is the main debate discussed in the video?

The video discusses the debate between strength training and aerobic exercise, aiming to determine which is best for overall fitness and health.

Can both strength training and aerobic exercise be used together?

Yes, the video emphasizes that in a perfect world, both training styles should be used together to reap maximum benefits.

What does the video recommend about the minimum amount of activity for health?

The video cites government health recommendations, which suggest 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, plus two days of weight training.

What is aerobic training and how does it benefit the body?

Aerobic training involves exercises that depend on the aerobic system, using oxygen to produce energy. It improves cardiovascular health, lung capacity, immune system function, and can aid in weight loss.

How does strength training differ from aerobic training?

Strength training focuses on building muscle mass and increasing muscle strength through weightlifting or resistance exercises. Aerobic training primarily improves cardiovascular endurance.

Why is strength training important for overall health?

Strength training enhances muscle mass, strength, bone density, joint mobility, and even grip strength, all of which contribute to better health, lower mortality risk, and improved functionality.

What is the connection between grip strength and mortality?

Studies have shown that stronger grip strength is linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality, suggesting that grip strength may be an indicator of overall health and longevity.

How does strength training impact diabetes risk?

Strength training increases muscle mass, which plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels. More muscle helps the body handle glucose better, reducing the risk of diabetes, even in individuals with a healthy BMI.

Can strength training improve cardiovascular health?

Yes, strength training can enhance cardiovascular fitness by increasing the demand on the heart and lungs, improving markers such as VO2 max, and providing cardiovascular benefits similar to aerobic exercise.

What is the recommended choice when only one training style can be done?

If only one training style can be chosen, the video argues that strength training is the superior option, as it improves strength, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health, while aerobic training focuses mainly on cardiovascular fitness.