Cardio Vs. Weightlifting: What’s Better for Weight Loss?

Patients often have questions about exercise. A common question asks which type of exercise is best for assisting weight loss: cardio or weights. This article will address the benefits of both and how incorporating both into your routine can help lead to lasting results.

Cardio: Burn More Calories per Session

Cardiovascular exercise is a superb addition to your routine. The main benefit of cardio is the calories per session you can burn. Cardio is a much better exercise for burning calories per workout session compared to weightlifting. Sustained, low-impact cardio burns more calories than weightlifting given the same amount of time. Though cardio will benefit you in the short term, weight training also carries some long-term benefits—especially for Lap-Band® patients. 

Weights: Increase Resting Metabolism and Calories per Day

Weight training may burn fewer calories per session, but it does increase the number of calories you burn per day. Muscle burns more calories while at rest—even more than fat. With this added strength, you may increase your resting metabolism. Adding weights to your routine may help you build muscle over the long term, thereby aiding your long-term weight loss. 

Incorporating Both Exercises

To experience both benefits, you may want to incorporate cardio and weightlifting into your routine. For Lap-Band patients, doing both exercises may be helpful for short and long-term weight loss. The Lap-Band Program also allows patients to experience long-term weight loss in the form of a fully adjustable gastric band. 

The Lap-Band is placed via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This gastric band limits the amount of food you can intake, encouraging prolonged weight loss. Patients also benefit from the Lap-Band Program, which helps establish healthy eating and exercise habits. For more information about the Lap-Band, register for our free online seminar.