Cardio vs Strength Training for Women: Which is Better for Fat Loss?
To lift or to run? That is the question asked by most women who want to lose fat. Although both cardio and strength training can help you lose fat, there are advantages and disadvantages of each program during training and its effect on your pro cheer fitness. Let’s explore them so you can choose what’s best for you.
It Depends on Your Schedule
Cardio burns a lot of fat per session while strength training burns more fat if done every day. If you can only exercise on weekends due to a tight weekday schedule, then high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio workouts are your best choices.
However, if you have the time to lift every day, then strength training for losing fat is right for you. There is a trick to make strength training work as a weekend workout - make the program intense with long durations. If not, dedicate your entire weekend to strength training.
The only downside here is you’re going to experience a lot of intense muscle sores during the first 3 weekdays.
Both are Good for Fat Loss but the Bodily Effects are Different
Strength training burns fat and contracts your muscles. Most of the time your weight will not drop due to protein intake but your body will have a more beautiful figure. This means more muscle mass with a lower body fat index.
Cardio is different. Your fat might be burnt but your body will be skinny with some flabby areas. Shortly speaking, you have a low body fat rate but you have no slim abs, toned biceps, or a big butt.
Cardio Gives You a Lesser Chance of Experiencing Sores
In terms of how you feel after training, you don’t feel too many muscle sores from cardio. But by strength training alone, you experience a lot of sores throughout your body. This is due because your muscle microfibers are torn and are recovering.
However, cardio helps in soothing muscle sores due to the increased blood flow from intense activities. Cardio also prevents or minimizes muscle sores if done with moderate-high intensity after strength training.
Cardio is Budget-Friendlier but You Can Do a Few Strength Training Workouts in an Affordable Way
Cardio workouts do not need a gym membership or expensive equipment to be done. You can just go running, biking, or rowing outdoors. You can also use a box as a platform for step-up exercises.
With strength training, you’ll need to buy a lot of equipment or apply for a gym membership for training. You can make strength training budget-friendly by doing bodyweight workouts or buying small weights. But that only works until you reach your fitness plateau.
When that happens, just add more reps, sets, and intensity. You can also use resistance bands with your bodyweight exercises.
Strength Training Boosts Metabolism Keeps it Elevated After a Session
Cardio workouts can raise your metabolism after exercising but it doesn’t last long. Since strength workouts need protein and energy to let your muscles recover from sores, it burns more fat and keeps your metabolism up even when you’re at your resting state.
And that increased metabolism state lasts for days after your last strength training. By doing strength training daily, you condition your body to be in a permanent state of fat burn.
Conclusion
Strength training is the best for fat loss among aspiring and current pro cheerleaders because you need to be sexy and fit for the auditions and live arena performances. However, if you’re on a tight budget and schedule and already have a lean body to begin with, then cardio training is your best fitness program.
Need a Great Workout Routine for Your Pro Cheer Audition Prep?
Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give out their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.
Thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader?
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