Do men need to do cardio?
When it comes to fitness, most people fall into one of two camps: the cardio enthusiasts who swear by long runs and bike rides, or the strength training devotees who lift weights religiously. As a personal trainer I’ve noticed that men often prefer weight training and tend to neglect the cardio side of exercise.
Weight training (also known as strength or resistance training) is great for increasing and maintaining muscle mass, improving bone health, enhancing strength and improving balance and coordination. However, it’s important that men get a good balance of both weight and cardiovascular exercise.
Most people know what cardio exercise is (running, hiking, swimming cycling etc), but I’ve found that a lot of men think that if they’re lifting weights they don’t need to worry about cardio, because they feel and look strong. Without cardio though, they’re missing out on some awesome benefits.
For men in particular, cardio can improve heart health, support weight management, improve mental health, enhance sexual health, and increase energy levels. Here’s a bit more detail for those wanting to know more:
Heart Health
Reduced risk of heart disease
Men are more prone to heart disease than women. Regular cardio helps strengthen the heart, improve its pumping efficiency, and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lowered blood pressure
Cardio helps lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and blood vessels, which is particularly important for men who may be at higher risk for hypertension.
Weight Management
Calorie burning
Men often have higher calorie needs than women. Cardio helps burn calories, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, especially as metabolism slows down with age.
Mental Health
Stress reduction
Regular cardio can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mood.
Improved sleep
Good sleep is crucial for overall health. Cardio can improve sleep quality, leading to better rest and increased energy levels.
Sexual Health
Enhanced blood flow
Regular cardio can enhance blood flow, which is essential for optimal sexual function.
Other Benefits:
Cardio improves your body's ability to use oxygen, leading to increased energy and stamina.
Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to illness.
Cardio can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and other chronic conditions.
It’s all about balance!
To create a well-rounded fitness routine it’s important for men to get a good balance of both cardio and weight training. So come on guys, get your running shoes on (or on your bike or in your speedos) and get moving.
Want to get a well balanced routine? Come and join one of my Tamahere-based boot-camps where you’ll get a good balance of cardio and weights.
P.S. This is my favourite Isagenix pack for supporting cardio.
