What Is the Difference Between Resistance Training and CV And Which Is Best for My Weight Loss?

Gyms have often been divided into 2 distinct groups of users: Those who run/step/row and those who lift weights. More specifically, the Aerobics group and the Anaerobics Group. Aerobic training is exercising (most likely on a treadmill or similar equipment, playing sport, or running outside) with the presence and requirement for oxygen. Oxygen fuels the body via the heart and lungs and the intake of breath. Muscles are taxed to a less intense degree. Anaerobics (most likely using weights, or explosive strength sports such as sprinting or athletics) is exercising without the presence or immediate requirement for oxygen and the muscles are used most intensively via the use of muscle energy (glycogen) and further down the microscope, chemical energy sources ATP and CP.

After that quick science lesson – which is the best way to train for your goals? I am going to suggest that in a majority of cases training anaerobically is going to be a vital component of successful weight loss and toning. It is also utterly essential for muscle building and strength training. Only when a client comes to me wishing to train for a marathon or triathlon do I prescribe aerobics (CV) and even then I would include a small amount of anaerobic training to ensure joint strength, stability and postural correctness.

Let’s be clear though that using cardio equipment (CV) isn’t always aerobic, and using weights isn’t always anaerobic. Cardio done in an intense interval fashion stimulates the muscles, and weight training done in a circuit fashion, with higher reps possibly, works out the respiratory system and is great for endurance and fitness. Hope that’s not confusing!

So why does anaerobic training work well for toning and weight (read FAT) loss. You have possibly always thought that slogging away on a treadmill, stepper or going for that morning 5 mile run is the only and best way to lose weight. Well, cardio vascular training done at a relatively long and steady state does indeed burn calories, but it doesn’t stimulate the metabolism for very long like anaerobic training does. This is because the body has to undergo long and calorie-draining recovery processes following, for example, an hour of weight training. Anaerobic training burns calories during AND after the workout! Long distance CV can also be stressful on the body due to the number of repetitions done (1000s of steps!) – this can also cause a reduction in lean muscle tissue, something that is also vital to a fast metabolism, effective weight loss and staying toned.

So ignore the myths of the cardio “fat burning zone” and ditch that low intensity run for some weight training!