Focus Fitness UK provides students with the skills and knowledge to best advise clients when it comes to exercise and lifestyle choices, whether you opt for the Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training or the Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Personal Training. 

 

A question that health and fitness professionals get asked on a regular basis is; which is better, cardio training or weight training? The honest answer is, it depends! We all know that exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle so the focus should be less on picking sides and more about finding the right balance for the individual. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both weight training and cardio to help you guide your clients towards their fitness goals.

 

Weight Training:

 

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Pros:

  1. Muscle Gain: Weight training is the key to building muscle. It’s the quickest way to sculpt a lean, strong physique.
  2. Metabolism Boost: Muscles are metabolic powerhouses, which means they burn calories even at rest.
  3. Bone Health: It strengthens bones and can help prevent osteoporosis.
  4. Functional Strength: It improves everyday movements, making tasks like lifting heavy shopping bags a breeze.

 

Cons:

  1. Time-Consuming: Weight training sessions often require more time and equipment.
  2. DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness): Muscle soreness after a workout can be uncomfortable. Your clients will curse you after leg day!
  3. Plateauing: Without variety and progression, muscle gains can plateau.

 

Cardio Training: 

 

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Pros:

  1. Calorie Burn: Cardio torches calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss.
  2. Heart Health: It strengthens the heart, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improves endurance.
  3. Mood Enhancement: Cardio releases those feel-good endorphins, reducing stress and boosting mood.
  4. Versatility: You can do cardio almost anywhere with minimal equipment.

 

Cons:

  1. Muscle Loss: Excessive cardio without resistance training can lead to muscle loss.
  2. Time-Consuming: To burn significant calories, longer cardio sessions may be necessary.
  3. Joint Impact: High-impact cardio such as running can be hard on the joints, leading to injuries.

 

With these pros and cons in mind, it’s important for PTs to create training programs which incorporate a mixture of training strategies to reap the benefits of both training styles. Here’s how to strike a healthy balance and get the most out of the two:   

Strength and Cardio Days: Create workout routines that combine both. For example, three days of weight training and two days of cardio.

Nutrition Matters: Remind clients that a healthy diet also plays an important role in their fitness journey.

Listen to Your Body: Encourage clients to pay attention to their bodies. Rest when needed, and don’t overdo it. 

 

In the end, there’s no clear winner between weight and cardio training. It’s all about what your personal fitness goals are and finding a program that you can remain consistent with and that suits your lifestyle. As PTs, our job is to educate, motivate, and inspire our clients to lead healthier lives. The courses on offer with Focus Fitness UK provide students with the skills to do just this, providing in-depth knowledge of exercise and nutrition as well as ways to motivate clients and support them on their fitness journey.

 

To start your career as a personal trainer contact us on: 0208 920 2114 or email info@focusfitnessuk.com