It is a common belief that resistance training is only used for developing muscle size and strength, and that aerobic exercise is only used to burn body fat and to improve heart health. Although that is largely true, there are a few ways to make both forms of exercise effective for all of the above. The following is a brief explanation of each form of exercise and ways to adjust them and make them more effective to help you reach your goals.
Resistance training is the use of free weights and machines to tone and develop muscle. Resistance training can be used with heavy weights and low repetitions (6-10) to develop muscle size and strength and bone density, but it can also be used with higher repetitions (12-20+) and minimum rest between sets (30 seconds or less) to improve aerobic conditioning and muscle endurance, and to help burn body fat.
Aerobic exercise is the use of activities such as walking, running, cycling, etc. to improve endurance, heart health, and to burn body fat. But by increasing resistance and intensity through increased tension, speed, or elevation of your aerobic machines or activities, aerobic exercise can also develop muscle and improve bone density, especially in the legs.
The bottom line is that all exercise involves muscle tissue and the heart. By varying the intensity and duration, and repetitions, you can achieve various benefits using both resistance training and aerobic exercise. If you have questions or comments regarding this or any other topic, or suggestions for future newsletters, feel free to contact me.
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
Resistance training is the use of free weights and machines to tone and develop muscle. Resistance training can be used with heavy weights and low repetitions (6-10) to develop muscle size and strength and bone density, but it can also be used with higher repetitions (12-20+) and minimum rest between sets (30 seconds or less) to improve aerobic conditioning and muscle endurance, and to help burn body fat.
Aerobic exercise is the use of activities such as walking, running, cycling, etc. to improve endurance, heart health, and to burn body fat. But by increasing resistance and intensity through increased tension, speed, or elevation of your aerobic machines or activities, aerobic exercise can also develop muscle and improve bone density, especially in the legs.
The bottom line is that all exercise involves muscle tissue and the heart. By varying the intensity and duration, and repetitions, you can achieve various benefits using both resistance training and aerobic exercise. If you have questions or comments regarding this or any other topic, or suggestions for future newsletters, feel free to contact me.
By Larry Schweer
Certified Personal Trainer
National Level Competative Bodybuilder
Email Larry Questions at: Guru@Paramount-Supplements.com
