Is Cardio or Lifting Better for Losing Weight?

If you're looking to lose weight, cardio is a better option than lifting weights. Although both are beneficial to a workout, cardio simply burns more calories and will help you lose weight at a faster rate.

Function

Cardio is any exercise that raises your heart rate, like walking, running, biking or swimming. Weight lifting is a type of training that strengthens and develops muscles.

Time Frame

Both cardio and weight lifting contribute to weight loss. Lifting weights does, in fact, burn calories, but the constant breaks and slow movement involved means less calories are burned than by doing cardio exercises for the same period of time.

Misconceptions

Some experts believe that having more muscle weight will burn more calories. This is partly true, but muscles burn a negligible amount of calories per day. Weight lifting is beneficial, but does not contribute significantly to weight loss, according to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Considerations

It is recommended that you only lift weights two to three times per week to allow your muscles time to recover. On the other hand, you can do cardio every day, leading to more weight loss.

Potential

Do both! A healthy workout consists of both cardio and weight lifting. In combination, you can lose weight and build muscle, giving yourself a toned look.