WEIGHTS VS CARDIO

Fitness can mean so many things to so many different people. Whether you love to power through weights with a protein shake, or ramp up the treadmill the morning after that spontaneous Wednesday night gin, everyone has their own routine that they love to follow. If you’re new to fitness however, it can be difficult to know where to begin and which one you should be doing more of – weights or cardio?

At Mirafit, we understand that fitness is a science and can be a tricky subject to navigate. But if you’re looking to get the most out of your sessions and work it like a pro, then finding the right balance between burn and build can really help you achieve your fitness goals.

STRENGTHEN, TONE, SHAPE AND BUILD

Resistance training is not just about lifting weights – it includes floor work, resistance bands, Yoga and Pilates - to name just a few. And if you’re dreaming of teaming defined arms with a peach butt then leaning towards this type of workout will certainly help you get there.

Strengthening your muscles has lots of benefits too:

• Prevent injuries - It can help to prevent injuries – especially in later life – as stronger muscles support your joints.

• Boost your metabolism - Your body burns more calories maintaining muscle mass than it does fat, so having more muscle increases your resting metabolism.

• Power up - Being stronger will help you to speed up your cardio routine, allowing you to achieve more and be more explosive in your workout.

• See the difference - Targeting specific areas can help you achieve shape and definition so you can see the results of all that hard work!

Fitness however, is about overall health and just working your muscles won’t always contribute to heart health or aerobic endurance.

CARDIO FOR BEGINNERS

Whether you love to run, row or bounce your way through the week, there’s no doubt that getting your heart rate up so you feel the heat, can really contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Building up your cardio training will help you:

• Burn fat - Try High Intensity Interval Training or hill running for the ultimate cardio workout!

• Reduce Stress - Bad day? Hit the treadmill, power up the speed and free up some thinking space with your favourite playlist.

• Strengthen your heart and lungs - Boost your day – and your energy levels – with a quick blast, morning, noon or night!

• Boost your endorphin levels - Up your happy hormones with regular cardio exercises.

• Stay healthy - Reduce your risk of developing serious illnesses and boost your immune system too!

WEIGHT TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS

There are lots of benefits to both weights and cardio training but just doing one type of training could be counterproductive.

A cardio only routine will result in muscle loss and will also put you at risk of injury if your joints are not supported properly.

Follow a weights-only regime, and you’ll miss out on the benefits of cardio training.

So including both in your workout is the best option. However, as ratios go, it is worth making sure you have slightly more resistance training included in your routine than cardio.

Weight training is controlled and allows you to work specific muscle groups independently so you can address certain areas. Cardio training can have a much higher impact and if continued without the proper support, can result in muscle imbalances and joint problems.

New to resistance training? Try these essential pieces of kit to get you well on your way to a fitter, more powerful you:

Deluxe Double Handle Pilates Ring

• Mirafit Deluxe Double Handle Pilates Ring - Freeform resistance work can sometimes be a little daunting – especially when all the mats at the gym are taken up by the ex-cast members of Footloose. But developing your own routine gives you the freedom to target the areas you want to work on most. This Mirafit Deluxe Double Handle Pilates Ring is designed to help you perfect your form while you tone, strengthen and stretch. And the best bit is, you don’t need to be a Pilates pro to use one.

Soft Touch Dumbbell Weights

• Mirafit Soft Touch Dumbbell Weights - Whether you’re longing to do press ups like a pro or just shake a bit less violently while holding the plank, build up your stamina and strength in the comfort of your own home with these Mirafit Soft Touch Dumbbells. Ideal for beginners, you can work your upper body with ease starting with an accessible 0.5kg.

Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop

• Mirafit Weighted Fitness Hula Hoop - Great for getting your core muscles in shape, the Mirafit Weighted Hula Hoop is designed to help you spin, thrust and boogie your way to a firmer, fitter you. Perfect after a long day, the repeated motion is relaxing and gives you time to perfect your technique while nodding politely at the neighbours.

Another simple way to add extra resistance to an exercise is to run whilst using weight vests. By adding to the weight that must be carried around, you increase the difficulty of the movement, and reap more reward from it.

Exercise Mat

• Mirafit Foam Mat - Stretch out, curl up, tone, crunch and press your way through your routine with this Mirafit Foam Exercise Mat. It’s ideal for cushioning you while you work out but thin enough to be rolled away neatly for next time.

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Tags: Equipment > Dumbbells ; Equipment > Hula Hoop ; Exercise Type > Cardio ; Exercise Type > Resistance Training ; Exercise Type > Strength