Shirley Elliott

Cardio vs weight training vs Interval training

The benefits of weight training for women and those over the age of forty far outweigh those that just choose cardio. Yes cardio is very important, but to add weight training and interval training will add many benefits.

I have always believed in training cardio and weights separately,however as my training progressed into fitness training for my shows I started combining my weight training with short intervals of high intensity cardio with phenomenal results and watched as the fat literally melted off my abdominals and glutes.

Combined with the fat burning meals at regular intervals, I managed to achieve huge success throughout my various competitions.

When I decided to implement  personal training as my career, I modified the routines over and over again until I found a perfect A+ style that benefited  all SOMATOTYPES. I applied and re-modified the routines until I witnessed success in my most in not all my clients.

In my research I have discovered that Interval training which is the combination of Cardio and weight bearing exercises and the inclusion of a few core exercises  has been dynamic in transforming and reshaping womans bodies, with a high level of success.

In the world of FITNESS, Long, slow, low-intensity cardio and weight training has always been split into two different periods of training. One focusing on burning fat while the other builds muscle  New studies have however revealed that Long duration, low intensity cardio will break down lean muscle for your energy needs.

Strategic cardio is absolutely essential in getting a lean, muscular body.

It keeps the fat coming off week after week… yet it doesn’t destroy lean muscle tissue in the process… like long, drawn-out cardio does.

And that’s definitely something that you don’t want.  Interval training is one of THE most effective ways to burn fat while preserving muscle. I recommend it almost exclusively in my programs! This nice thing is, interval training is also one of THE most effective ways to improve your overall cardiovascular capacity as well.

Research shows that high intensity, short duration cardio burns fat more effectively… while reducing lean tissue breakdown.

The higher  the intensity of the cardio… the greater the fat-loss. And more importantly, the less of a negative impact it has on muscle breakdown.  Take the example of the sprinters body as compared to the long distance runner…Sprinters are very lean and muscular. Long distance runners are lanky, frail, and have very little muscle.

So with the combination of weight bearing and cardio interval training….. fat loss I have found,has been the single most positive result in my clients.I will go into more scientific detail as to how the bodies muscle fibres are related to this type of training,in the months to come via news letters and my blog,all scientifically researched and proven faultless by experts in the field of Nutrition and exercises.

Our muscles are made up of different types of muscle fibres:type 1 and type 2. However a 3rd type has been discovered and this makes for some really interesting reading! This 3rd muscle fibre is why this type of exercise routine has been the most successful and most effective and I have found like minded experts to correlate this type of training!!

The trick is knowing where to start and how to progress from there. You can’t just jump in and start sprinting up hills without knowing what you’re doing and building yourself up to it. That’s a good way to not only hurt yourself but exhaust yourself as well!

*Please Note: this information does not constitute medical advice and should not be taken as such.  Please consult
your physician before starting any exercise program.