3 Reasons Resistance Training is Better than Cardio for Moms

In my opinion, resistance training is better. 

I’m speaking to the average mom who has little time or energy and isn’t training for any specific endurance event. If that sounds like you, and you’re a mom who wants to be heart healthy, wants to reduce the risk of injury and pain, and wants to feel and look strong in her body…resistance training beats cardio. If you’re in the position of having to make a choice between a strength or cardio workout, I’m making the choice for you, its resistance training). Here is why:

1. Resistance training can improve your VO2 Max. V02 Max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. Activities like running and spinning are often what we think of when we hear the term “cardio”, and we often associate those activities with improved cardiovascular health (heart health). And our assumptions are correct. Regular participation in activities like those most likely will improve your V02 Max/aerobic capacity. However, studies also show that resistance training, specifically various forms of circuit training, will also improve your cardiovascular health/V02 max. 

2. Two for One: As mentioned above, the right resistance training workout will improve your cardiovascular health. Performing a 30-minute circuit training workout with 6-10 different exercises, three days per week is enough to improve your heart health, but also provides you with all of the benefits of strength training, like bone health, disease prevention, and blood sugar regulation. So if you’re like most moms and can’t imagine fitting in any more than short 20-30 minute workouts a few days per week, resistance training will cover both your strength and aerobic needs.

3. Aesthetics: Having a baby can change the shape of your body, and this goes beyond weight. You might notice more rounded shoulders, a flatter but, or fat in places it wasn’t before. Resistance training specifically targets your muscles, and with the right program, you can build back your glutes, improve your posture, and increase your lean mass. Resistance training is essential if you’re trying to reshape your body. Not to say cardiovascular training will not do that, but it’s more of a side effect than an intention. 

So am I saying cardio activities like dance and brisk walking are not beneficial for moms? Nope, not at all. If you enjoy them and it’s something you can stay consistent with, then by all means you should do it. If you want to do a family bike ride every weekend or run a half marathon then yes, cardio can be an important part of your exercise program. If you enjoy the endorphins running produces, or if you’re exercising to lose weight then cardio might be great for you (side note, cardio isn’t better for weight loss, but it’s an additional way for you to burn calories outside of strength workouts). However, if your goal is to maintain general fitness and you want to maximize the benefits of exercise in the least amount of time…then resistance training IS better for moms. At least in my opinion.

If you need guidance, find a program that is right for you!

Exercising for Weight Loss: Are You Taking the Right Approach?

When it comes to weight loss, there are many factors, but simplified, to lose weight you need more energy (calories) going out than energy (calories) coming in. This is where exercise is an asset. When you’re moving you’re using energy (burning calories) so exercise in addition to consuming less calories in your diet are two top weight loss strategies. Research shows that moms have the most weight loss success when combining nutrition and exercise. You can check out expert nutrition strategies for weight loss here.

I have one disclaimer before I dive into my recommended approach. I titled this article using the word “exercise”, but what I’m really talking about is the umbrella term Physical Activity. Physical activity is broad and means your body is moving, whether for sport, fun, commuting, exercise, etc. I make this distinction because I consider exercise a structured form of physical activity that comes with the intention of improving physical fitness. Both require energy so we’ll discuss both exercise and physical activity in my top three considerations for weight loss.

My Number One Recommendation: Move More. Do not make the mistake of thinking only exercise burns calories. It all counts. You pick up any fitness magazine and weight loss is always tied to exercise. But, as a mom you probably have more opportunities during your day just to “move” than to “exercise”, so physical activity deserves just as much attention as your workouts. You want to burn more calories every day? Increase your physical activity and move more! A future post is coming on moms and physical activity, but a good starting point is to think about times that your children (even if its tummy time) are moving and how you can join in for a few minutes here and there. More minutes of movement equals more calories used.

My Number Two and an Essential Consideration: Resistance training (strength training, weight lifting, etc.) is a must! In my opinion, resistance training is more important than cardio when it comes to weight loss. Resistance training is movement, so while performing it you’re burning calories AND while you’re recovering from it, you’re burning calories. More importantly, resistance training ensures that you’re preserving muscle while losing weight (meaning the weight you’re losing is fat). Sure you can drop weight without resistance training, but muscles are what gives you shape and helps your metabolism in the long run, so you want to lose as little lean mass as possible. For health benefits, it is recommended that you perform resistance training on each major muscle group twice per week. For most moms I find this is a good starting point because this baselines isn’t yet being met. Your goals, needs, physique and other parts of your exercise program will determine your resistance training needs, but beginning with two workouts each week is essential.

Third Recommendation: Consider your Cardio. Outside of the health benefits, cardio (or aerobic) exercise is a great way to make sure your body is efficient at using the food you consume for energy. At one point spending hours and hours at the gym on a machine was everyone’s approach to weight loss. Now HIIT (high intensity interval training) is all of the rage. Fitness trends change as research progresses. This doesn’t mean the old way is no longer good and doesn’t make the new way the best way. My point is that there are benefits to all types of cardio depending on your goals, abilities and most importantly what you enjoy. If your end goal is to run Broad street then running should be a part of your weight loss plan. If you’re short on time, HIIT is a great way to burn calories long after the workout is over. If you prefer music and choreography, dance classes might be your best bet. Get your heart rate up and burn calories in a way that’s appropriate for you.

As I mentioned early, physical activity isn’t the only factor in weight loss, but if you’re not “moving” your approach is lacking. I give general advice with caution because when it comes to exercise, it’s safer and more beneficial when it’s customized for you. If you’re a new mom, check out my guide to see if you’re ready to embark on your weight loss journey.

If you’re new to exercise, having trouble getting started, or aren’t progressing any more, let me help you with a customized approach.

Get moving!