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Patrick Chandler

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May 5, 2023

How to Improve Your Cardiovascular Fitness by Lifting Weights

Can lifting weights really improve my cardio?

When it comes to improving your cardiovascular fitness, most people think of running, cycling, or swimming. However, did you know that lifting weights can also have significant benefits? Let's dive deep into how lifting weights can improve your cardiovascular fitness, as well as the research behind this claim.

The Research

A study conducted by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research discovered that lifting weights can improve cardiovascular fitness. In the study, 38 participants were randomly assigned to either a resistance training group or a control group. The resistance training group performed three sets of 10 repetitions of eight different exercises, three times per week for eight weeks. The control group did not perform any exercise during this time. The study concluded that the resistance training group had a significant increase in their VO2max, which is a measure of cardiovascular fitness, compared to the control group.

Another study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine also found similar results. In this study, 16 participants performed resistance training for eight weeks. The results showed that the participants had a significant improvement in their VO2max, as well as their muscle strength and endurance.

How Does Lifting Weights Improve Cardiovascular Fitness?

Wondering how lifting weights can improve your cardiovascular fitness? When you lift weights, your heart rate increases, which means your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your muscles. This increased demand on your cardiovascular system leads to improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, lifting weights can increase muscle mass, which can lead to an increased metabolism and improved cardiovascular health.

Incorporating Weightlifting into Your Fitness Routine

If you're interested in incorporating weightlifting into your fitness routine to improve your cardiovascular fitness, it's important to start slowly to avoid injury and gradually increase the intensity and volume of your workouts. This is called progressive overload! You may want to seek the help of a personal trainer to develop a safe and effective weightlifting program. Aim to lift weights at least 4 times per week, and focus on compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses that work multiple muscle groups at once.

The heart wants what the heart wants!

Lifting weights can lead to significant improvements in cardiovascular fitness. By gradually incorporating weightlifting into your fitness routine, you can increase your muscle mass, boost your metabolism, and improve your cardiovascular health. So why not give weightlifting a try and start pumping some iron? Your heart will thank you!

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