Strength is the work you perform to become stronger (resistance training) while conditioning is the work you perform to improve our cardiorespiratory system (cardio or higher rep work that keeps our heart rate elevated).
Resistance training can be performed using external resistance (like dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, machines..) or your bodyweight (like when you perform pushups, pull ups..).
Conditioning can be performed on cardio machines like treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals..or outdoors with activities like running, cycling. Or using lighter resistance keeping a high number of reps, in order to keep the heart rate up.
Whether you’re training for your a sports competition or to reach a certain goal of your life (like weight loss, body re-composition..), strength & conditioning can both benefit you.
Here are 5 benefits of strength & conditioning:
Improve heart health. Cardiorespiratory endurance training is an excellent way to improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, which is essentially how well your heart and lungs are doing their job. Remember your heart is a muscle as well!
Maintain or increase your muscle mass. Muscles are vital in daily activities, so it’s important to keep them active. Strength training is a great way to keep using the muscle mass we already have and ..build more.
Improve joint mobility. Mobility is the ability to take our joints through their full ranges of motion. A combination of mobility and strength training is needed to optimize our joints’ performance.
Better mood. Studies show that regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and thus decrease stress.
Improve overall quality of life. Being able to do the things we love with ease, with no pain, is important for our quality of life.