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Strength Training vs Cardio Junkies Debate

As I was pounding away some miles on the boring treadmill, I was thinking. I don’t know about you, but it feels like the fitness world is becoming more and more divided. I get that in life we have different talents and passions. But I feel like there is a war waging and it is getting intense out there. It is a war against weight lifting verses cardio junkies. I feel like these two worlds are growing farther and farther apart.

I have a lot of visions, hopes and dreams. One of my aspirations is to merge these two divided groups. I have done a little self-research and I think that it is so interesting the feelings between these two groups. I was talking to some body builders and they pretty much talked about cardio like it was a disease and how they didn’t want anything to do with it. They often expressed their feelings as though people were just wasting their time on those cardio machines. As I talked to some people who only believe in cardio, who said they can go a whole year without ever picking up a weight.

Do you know the benefits of strength training?? These are from the Mayo Clinic:
· Develop strong bones: By stressing your bones, strength training can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
· Manage your weight: Strength training can help you manage or lose weight, and it can increase your metabolism to help you burn more calories.
· Enhance your quality of life: Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do every day activities. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.
· Manage Chronic conditions: Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease, depression and diabetes.

Do you know the benefits of cardiovascular activity? My uncle had a triple bypass surgery on his heart 5 years ago. They told him he was only expected to live about 2 years after that surgery. He is a phenomenal road biker and I believe that what has kept him alive is his will to build a strong heart through cardiovascular training.

Here are some benefits of cardiovascular training:
· Weight loss
· Strong heart and lungs
· Increased bone density
· Reduced stress
· Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
· Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
· Better sleep

I am a believer that combining these two worlds just a little bit would really help the overall health of the fitness industry. Every runner could benefit from strength training and every body builder could use some time taking care of their heart. So as the new year is here, and we are doing a little self-analyzing, lets try something new! Cardio Junkies, pick up those weights and to you big lifters out there, jump on a treadmill.

I think that a lot of people, including me, get stuck in their normal routine. Change it up a little bit. Through some heavy weights around, run an extra mile. I promise it won’t hurt ya! 😊

Happy running,
Kylie

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