When we think of exercise that is good for our heart, we immediately turn toward cardio. You think spin class, runs, HIIT, or anything that gets your heart beating hard for an extended period of time.
BUT it's been proven that strength training is also a very effective method of strengthening both your muscles (duh) and your heart muscle. There have been studies for years that focus on the more dynamic aerobic exercise practices and the results have shown that those types of exercises help to strengthen your heart. However, not until recently, have studies focused solely on static strength training and its effect on heart health.
The results from the studies that isolate strength training have been consistently showing a positive benefit for heart health equal to or sometimes greater than that of cardiovascular type training. AND it actually doesn't take hours in the gym pumping iron to gain the effects. Just a moderate 1-2 hours/week of strength training can lead to heart health benefits.
What this means for you?
DO BOTH!!!!
The studies also showed that combining strength training with cardiovascular exercise boosted the results.
I'm pretty sure we all know this, but sometimes it's hard to motivate ourselves to do one type of exercise over the other. So just doing a little bit of both types is what you should aim for.
And in the spirit of Valentine's Day- we wanted to let our clients, friends and extended Arete Athletics family know- WE LOVE YOU!!! Thank you for being part of our lives and making us smile. We feel a genuine connection to everyone we coach and we hope you feel the same way about us.
And in case you haven't met her yet- let us introduce Lanna- our "golden" doodle puppy (yes, we know she is black and white!) She is 14 weeks old and full of spunk and cuddles. We are smitten!
Happy Valentine's Day!