Slow Down for Strength

The latest fitness craze is slow-motion weight training. Recent hype claims that it's all you need to stay strong and fit. While strength training is important, and less time-consuming than aerobics, you need to combine it with some cardio, says Richard Cotton from the American Council on Exercise. We list the health benefits of each ty

CARDIO
1. Burns more kilojoules Thirty minutes of aerobics can slash twice as many kilojoules as half an hour of weightlifting.
2. Strengthens your heart Aerobic exercise cuts your heart disease risk.
3. Reduces cholesterol Cardio actually changes the size of cholesterol-carrying proteins, so they do less damage.

STRENGTH TRAINING
1. Prevents osteoporosis Weightlifting puts stress on your bones, aiding calcium retention.
2. Improves athleticism Lifting weights enhances performance in everyday activities, such as grocery shopping and heavy lifting.
3. Increases muscle s we age, we lose muscle, making us more susceptible to weight gain and injury.
4. Burns more fat The more muscle mass you have, the more kilojoules you burn.