Lifting vs. Cardio: Which Is Better for Your Health?

Which is better for your health: lifting weights or doing cardio? In today's episode, we discuss a new meta-analysis comparing the effects of strength training and aerobic exercise on a range of health markers, including blood sugar, blood pressure, body composition, and cardiovascular fitness.

We dig into the results, discuss what other research tells us about exercise and longevity, and explore how to balance strength training and cardio for better health, both now and as you get older.

Lastly, we answer a handful of listener questions about lifting vs. cardio.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Opening banter
• 04:30 - New features in the StrengthLog app: Social, AI assistants, and a Strava connection
• 12:00 - Study review: Lifting vs. cardio for better health
• 23:15 - Program of the week: Beginner Hybrid Athlete Program
• 26:30 - Listener question 1: Lifting or cardio to live past 100?
• 29:00 - Listener question 2: How much muscle is enough for health? Is too much muscle bad for your health?
• 35:00 - Listener question 3: Should you lean into your strengths or weaknesses when it comes to choosing between lifting and cardio?
• 39:30 - Listener question 4: What's the optimal daily cardio routine alongside strength training?
• 43:30 - Listener question 5: Does having an active job change your cardio needs?
• 48:00 - Listener question 6: How do you maintain your leg and ass muscles when running more?

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