Sunday, May 5, 2024
It's a legitimate question: Why bother with cardio? As someone who enjoys lifting and getting stronger through resistance training, occasionally playing (non-endurance) sports and who doesn't plan on running any marathons, I've had to ask it myself.
Let's consider some of the benefits of lower-intensity training (50-75% max heartrate) and how it will likely benefit your resistance training.
Equally important, endurance exercise offers numerous health benefits, including increased arterial compliance, decreased blood pressure, improved insulin sensitivity, improved glycemic control and decreased body fat content.
So, while I encourage chasing gains, if you really want to reach your potential, don’t neglect your aerobic system!
-Spencer Weldon