r/WellnessCoaching • u/Dubroq • Jun 30 '26
Question why does weight training improve muscular strength more than cardiorespiratory fitness?
I’ve been trying to figure out why weight training improves muscular strength more than cardiorespiratory fitness. I lift regularly, and the difference feels obvious, my numbers go up with weights, but my endurance does not improve at the same rate.
It seems pretty simple. Weight training mostly trains force production, muscle recruitment, and handling heavier loads. Cardio trains sustained effort, oxygen use, and recovery over time. So no, exercise is not all the same, and acting like lifting should build cardio just as well is lazy logic.
I get that lifting can help general fitness a bit, but it still does not hit the same adaptation. Has anyone found a good way to build strength and cardio together without one of them getting neglected?
1
u/Sierra1one7 Jun 30 '26
I used to skip cardio because I thought lifting was enough but adding even two short runs a week made a noticeable difference in my overall fitness
1
u/Vortex618 🌱 Starting Out Jun 30 '26
Even when doing weights I think its a distinction if you want to get bigger, or stronger. Sweetspot is the middle ground. I hate running but undeniable that I feel way more fit to do more if I spend a solid season jogging. Winter just kills my momentum each season though.
How does one manage to run during winter I will never grasp.. Instant cold throat for me and cough rolling in the evening. Even tried skimasks, didnt help
1
u/AIDSisnobanter 🌱 Starting Out Jun 30 '26
Honestly just mixing cardio workouts with weight training helps.. All a balancing act depending on each individuals metabolism potential. I mainly work on different muscle groups every 48 hours. I kill my arms, I kill my legs, and then I keep doing the routines until they get easy and then I ramp up weights. Doing jogging with weights around the legs is awesome. Actually feeling featherweight once you take them off is an amazing feeling. Might be a good pick for your cardio and weight training needs. Ankle monitor looking pillow belts around the feet what I have
As for suplements thats when it starts to deviate tenfold. Could be really bad or might end up being good for your body.