Weights or Cardio?

Scott Schwab

I have been asked many times whether a person should do more of cardio or more of weights. The answer in short is that both should be done, but the real question is what are you trying to achieve? The interesting thing is that no matter what your goals are, they will be achieved faster and more effectively if you combine the two methods. I personally like to combine the two every day. Here is what I mean. Have you ever seen the girl on the cell phone who doesn't seem like she really came to work out(hair make-up done)? Or the guy that has all of his buddies around that talk and laugh and really don't get much done. Here is a new idea, when you're at the gym be at the gym. I understand that there are some people that need to be by there phone at all times or be with someone every second of the day, but you are not one of them. Trust me, you will get more done if you set aside the time you want to go to the gym and make it a priority. Those calls will still be there when you're done, and those buddies will still want to chat. You need to get your heart rate up for about 30 minutes before your body really starts receiving all of the intended benefits of exercise. So along with the stretching that you need to do each day, try something new that will benefit you. When I go to the gym I will choose a series of 4 differing exercises and cycle them. They need to be different exercises and provide challenge to you. Let me give an example. Say you are planning to do upper body. Cycle between curls, bench, incline, and pull-ups. This way you are getting a great arm, shoulder, chest, back workout at one time. The secret is to choose weights that are not to heavy and go as fast as you can between each station. Like I have said before do 10 reps 4 times at each station. Not only will this work your muscles in a new way that promotes toning, as you move quickly between the stations you will start to build up a sweat. By moving between the stations and completing your reps you are getting your heart rate up, which in the end is our discussion this week on strengthening your heart. Try it and tell me what you think.