by Jack Serapiglia

Created on: August 25, 2008   Last Updated: September 16, 2008

The choice between weight training and cardio workouts is literally a difference in size. As in, are you looking to bulk up or slim down? While there are many other benefits to both types of workouts (including better health), the most noticeable difference is what happens to the body after performing each type of workout. Weight training will add muscle mass to your frame. Cardio workouts will take fat mass off your body.

As the ends of both trainings vary, it is not surprising that the methods of both workouts differ as well. To see how, we need to look at what is involved with each.

All weight training involves building up muscle mass through weight lifting exercises. Doing these exercises builds up strength over time (physiologically what happens is your muscles actually begin to "tear," which causes soreness. The tear heals back bigger, which is why your strength increases).

The two most commonly used methods for weight training are specific body part workouts and circuit training. Working out specific body parts on given days is exactly how it sounds. Each day you focus in on one or two body parts (the main areas of focus are the chest, the biceps, the triceps, the legs, the shoulders and the back). Generally, you do three to four different exercises for each body part, three "sets" for each exercise, with 10 repetitions each. You can alter the weights after each set is. Each day the body part or parts is changed, giving your muscles a chance to recover from the workout they received. At the end of every week you should have worked out every one of the six major body parts.

Circuit workouts do not focus on specific body parts each day. Instead, they involve working out EVERY muscle group EVERY day. The repetitions are the same as above (ten per exercise), but you do only one set per exercise as you go through one circuit. In all, there are about 20 exercises done over the course of one circuit, and this process is repeated every day (though the exercises done for each portion of the circuit may change). Most gyms will set aside a room or a group of workout machines that will constitute one full circuit.

Cardio training (short for cardiovascular training) is any exercise using major muscle groups continuously for a sustained period of time. The most familiar workouts (and the ones that do not require gym memberships) are running, biking and swimming.

Performing these workouts builds up your endurance by consistently having your muscles work. As this occurs, your heart beats faster then it normally does during the course of the day. This in turn helps increase your metabolism, which then helps burn fat throughout your body.

Cardio workouts can be done every day, though when first beginning you should take it easier until your body becomes accustomed to the workouts. Just like with weight training, you can increase your workouts as you feel your endurance grow.

While there are noticeable differences between both training methodologies, there are some big similarities. For one, you should consult with a doctor before starting any program to assess if you are healthy enough. Secondly, in the case of weight training, you should consult with an expert (such as a personal trainer) to learn how to use the differing machines.

And finally, both types of training should be specific to you. After all, this is your body. These training methods only hope to make it a little healthier. And a bit bigger or smaller, depending on what you are going for.

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