Cardio Vs Strength Training

Cardio Burns Calories. Strength Training Changes Your Body.

We’ve all heard it before: “I just need to do more cardio to lose weight.”
Cardio absolutely has its place — it improves heart health, fitness, and burns calories during a session.

But here’s the truth: strength training is what truly changes your body, boosts metabolism, and helps you keep fat off for good.
At CrossFit Jorvik, we teach our members to train smarter — not just harder — by combining both.

‍

1. Strength Training Builds Muscle and Burns Fat

When you lift weights, you build lean muscle. And muscle does more than look good — it’s metabolically active, which means it burns calories even when you’re not training.

‍

More muscle = faster metabolism = more fat burned at rest.

While cardio helps in the moment, strength training keeps your body working for you long after you’ve left the gym.

‍

2. Cardio Burns Calories Now — Lifting Keeps You Burning Later

Running, rowing, and cycling are great ways to move and sweat. But when you lift, your body uses energy to repair and rebuild muscle afterwards — a process that can last up to 48 hours.

That means your post-workout recovery is actually still helping you burn calories. It’s one of the reasons people who lift regularly find it easier to maintain their results.

‍

3. Stronger, Healthier, Longer

Strength training isn’t just about appearance.
It strengthens bones, joints, and balance, keeping you active and independent as you age.

Whether it’s picking up your kids, loading shopping bags, or staying pain-free — lifting makes daily life easier. The stronger you are, the longer you’ll keep doing the things you love.

‍

4. Every Rep Builds Confidence

Each lift is proof of progress.
Strength training builds discipline and confidence, not just muscle.

You’ll see it in your posture, your energy, and the way you show up outside the gym. The lessons you learn under the bar — patience, effort, consistency — translate into every area of life.

‍

5. Both Cardio and Strength Matter — But Don’t Skip the Weights

The best results come from balance.
Cardio supports your endurance and heart health.
Strength training shapes your body and drives long-term results.

If you skip lifting, you’re leaving results on the table.

‍

The Takeaway

You don’t have to choose between cardio and lifting — but if your goal is fat loss, strength, and longevity, make sure resistance training has a permanent place in your week.

At CrossFit Jorvik, our coaching team combines both: strength, conditioning, and accountability within a supportive community that helps you move, look, and feel your best.

‍

Ready to build strength that lasts? Chat to us today about joining.

‍