In the fitness world, the longstanding question remains. What’s better: cardio or strength training? We break down the differences between endurance exercise and resistance training.

What are Your Fitness Goals?

When it comes to choosing the right exercise, it all starts with your overall fitness goals. Are you working out to lose a few extra pounds around the midsection? Are you looking to enhance your lung capacity? Do you want to tone up certain muscle groups? The goal is to be specific here, to really define what you’re looking to achieve. Be sure to shoot for realistic, attainable goals.

What Do You Prefer Doing During a Workout?

Seeing results from a fitness routine is all about staying consistent. While toning up your legs could come from both cardio and strength training, the idea is to choose exercises that motivate you, keep you feeling engaged, and help you stick with a routine in the long run.

What Does the Science Say?

While we could go on about the specific details of how exercise all works in conjunction with your body, instead, we'll keep it short and sweet: an ideal workout program includes both cardio and strength training.

Depending on your fitness goals, you’ll want to follow an 80/20 schedule. Focus on a workout routine that matches your goals. For example, if you’re looking to lose weight and tone up your muscles, then strength training is where you want to focus your energy. Add in a bit of cardio to help you with endurance, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching those goals!

If you’re not sure where to start, signing up for a fitness tracker, like MyFitnessPal, is a great way to get you going. You might also consider the idea of working with an online fitness coach.

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