Is Only Doing Cardio a Waste of Time?
Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a long run. You've worked up a sweat, your endorphines are pumping, and no doubt you are on an exercise high. However, does that mean you can get by with skipping the weights and only doing cardio? Here's what happens when you skip lifting and only do cardio. The answers may surprise you!
Lifting weights keeps your body burning calories: Muscle takes a lot of energy to maintain, and the best way to gain muscle is by lifting weights. If you're looking for an extra calorie burning boost, balance cardio with weightlifting. You'll be burning more calories even when you're not working out, because your body will be trying to maintain your muscles!
Weightlifting is good for bones: Women are especially prone to osteoporosis as they age, and weightlifting helps counteract that. It's good for your bones because it helps to prevent density loss and keep them strong. By only doing cardio, you're missing out on this awesome benefit!
Your workout is losing effectiveness: Doing the same workout over and over gives your body a chance to get used to it. That means that you're getting less out of the same workout! If you only do cardio, try mixing things up with some weightlifting to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.
Running alone is unlikely to get you toned: While it's true that burning calories is a great way to trim fat, running alone probably won't get you that bubble butt you dream of. Weighed squats, deadlifts with a barbell, and utilizing the leg press machine, however, will pop that booty into place! If you want to see results faster, head to the weight machines and get working!
