Most people who want to lose weight know that they have to do some sort of cardio exercise. They have heard this over and over starting from the time that Jane Fonda made it famous. Cardio exercise takes on many forms and can be done indoors or outdoors. When coupled with a healthy diet, cardio will help you burn calories which may shed those unwanted pounds. What many don’t realize is that cardio and a sensible diet may not be enough. Cardio gives you stamina, but it doesn’t give you strength. Weight lifting has mostly hung in the shadows reserved by many for athletes and hardcore exercise enthusiasts. The best exercise routine will actually couple cardio and weight lifting together.

Cardio exercise is the exercise that will burn the most calories. The more calories that are burned, the more likely a person is to shed unwanted pounds. Cardio when practiced correctly, keeps your heart and lungs healthy. A healthy heart means a quicker metabolism, better stamina leading to a healthier you. Cardio exercises are many and varied. The most popular are running/jogging, power walking, biking, cycling and aerobics. Cardio routines can be enjoyable and fun.

Weight lifting is the exercise that will help maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles and flexibility. Muscle tone, better posture, less chance for injury and a positive state of mind are some benefits. Weight lifting is exercise of resistance. For it to be effective, just chose the weight amounts that you are most comfortable with, but are still challenging. For toning, light weights are enough with simple lifts in various positions. Athletes and those stacking on the power may require more weight, but overall benefits are the same. Research has found that weight lifting exercises may reduce the chance for disease including diabetes and osteoporosis.

Cardio is great for improving the health of your heart and lungs. It’s the best exercise for burning calories and can be done everyday at different levels of impact. Changing the cardio workouts often will ensure that you do not plateau soon. Weight lifting rounds out what cardio exercise alone cannot provide. Weight lifting is resistance exercise which strengthens your muscles and wards off many diseases. It does not have to be cardio or weight lifting. The best exercise regime includes cardio and weight lifting exercise topped off by a sensible diet and can lead to a longer, happy life.