Is strength training all you need?

Today, we want to revisit a topic we have touched upon in previous posts: the relationship between aesthetics and health span.

Recently, we've seen a trend on social media where influencers are promoting the idea that you don't need to do cardio to look good, and that weight training and nutrition alone are enough. While there is some truth to this, we believe that this is a very narrow-minded approach that overlooks the bigger picture of health and fitness.

In our opinion, taking a broader approach to your fitness regimen is more beneficial in the long run. You can have the best of both worlds, and achieve optimal performance, health, and aesthetics.

One important aspect of your fitness to consider is your VO2-max. VO2-max is a measure of your body's maximal oxygen uptake during exercise and is a powerful predictor of your cardiovascular health and fitness level. It indicates the maximum amount of oxygen that your body can use during intense exercise and is a key determinant of your endurance performance.

Research has shown that low VO2-max is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mortality. In contrast, higher VO2-max levels are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, as well as increased longevity.

Fortunately, VO2-max is a fitness parameter that can be improved with regular cardiovascular exercise. By consistently challenging your cardiovascular system through aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, you can increase your body's ability to transport and utilize oxygen, leading to improvements in your VO2-max.

Improving your VO2-max can have a range of benefits beyond just reducing your risk of chronic diseases. It can also lead to improved endurance performance, increased energy levels, and improved overall fitness. By including regular cardiovascular exercise in your fitness routine, you can improve your VO2-max and achieve optimal health, performance, and longevity.

Improving your VO2-max through cardiovascular exercise is, therefore, a key component of a well-rounded fitness regimen, and is a powerful predictor of your overall health and fitness level. By also prioritizing this aspect of your fitness, you can improve your endurance performance, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and achieve optimal health and longevity.

So, while it may be tempting to focus solely on weight training and nutrition to achieve your desired physique, we urge you to consider a more holistic approach to your fitness routine. You can achieve optimal performance, health, and aesthetics by combining cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and proper nutrition.

Stress management is an overlooked variable that is important for optimizing your health and performance, and we want to mention it before you go out and train 10 times per week. Chronic stress can lead to a range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of chronic diseases, impaired immune function, and decreased cognitive function. Incorporating stress management practices into your routine, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help to mitigate the negative effects of stress and improve your overall health and wellness.

We’re big believers in a holistic perspective on training and living in general—one thing can’t give you all the benefits you’re looking for, and we hope you don’t get persuaded by narrow-minded influencers.

Øverst på formularenUntil next time

Scott and Lennart

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Use It or Lose It: Proprioception