So can cardio and strength training be combined? The answer to this question is an absolute YES. As a matter of fact, if you are currently involved in a strength training program that doesn’t elevate your level of perceived exertion, get your heart pumping, and cause you heavy breathing then you aren’t truly strength training in my book. Every lift that you execute should be physically exerting to a degree. If you have enough breath and effort to listen to your ipod or talk on your cell phone while strength training then you aren’t strength training. Check out this following cardio strength training method that I have included below for maximal results.
Kettlebell Training (Cardio Strength Training)
If you are looking for a workout that will yield the benefits of both cardiovascular fitness and total body strength then you have found it with the dynamic art of kettlebell training. You may be familiar with kettlebell training by now and understand that it is one of the most dynamic and effective strength workouts that you can possibly engage in. If you have experienced a true kettlebell workout then you understand exactly what I am talking about. You see kettlebell training is an effective cardio strength training method because it is primarily movement based in nature. Not only is it movement based, but you are having to engage in movement patterns that require you to control and stabilize the resistance of an iron cannonball with a handle! You can see why this is so appealing in the strength and fitness world. Strength endurance lifts such as swings, snatches, and jerks are particularly exerting lifts that you can do with the kettlebell for optimal strength and cardiovascular performance. When you execute these various movement patterns with the kettlebell or kettlebells you quickly elevate your level of perceived exertion. Once you complete those first set of swings or snatches you heart rate will race and pound like it is about to come out of your chest. You can imagine the endless benefits that will occur with your body from practicing these drills over time. This type of workout will change your cardio strength training routine forever. If you haven’t begun to implement this ancient art form into your workouts then you are missing out my friend.
Take the time to learn about how to execute kettlebell lifts if you are wanting to optimally condition your body for both strength and cardio. If you want to learn more please feel free to access the rest of my articles on the issue for free. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart my friend!
