If your heart had a voice, what do you think it would say?
“Run! More cardio! Let’s go!”
“Pick up those weights! Strong muscles = strong heart!”
“Uh... can we get a little of both, please?”
Spoiler alert: Your heart wants both.
Most of us have been taught that cardio is the holy grail of heart health—running, biking, dancing, or sweating it out in a spin class. And yes, cardio is fantastic for your heart. But strength training is just as important—and might even have a few extra perks!
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you should lace up your sneakers for a jog or grab some dumbbells, keep reading. Your heart is about to drop some knowledge. � ✨
Cardio: The Classic Heart Booster ❤
When you hear "heart health," you probably think of walking, jogging, biking, or Zumba-ing your heart out(literally). And for good reason—cardio is fantastic for strengthening your heart and lungs.
How Cardio Helps Your Heart:
✔ Strengthens the heart muscle (so it pumps more efficiently)
✔ Improves circulation and oxygen flow
✔ Lowers blood pressure.
✔ Helps regulate cholesterol levels.
✔ Increases stamina and endurance.
Basically, cardio makes your heart better at its job—pumping blood and oxygen to keep you
moving and grooving.
But before you assume cardio is the only way to keep your heart strong, let’s talk about a game-changing factor in heart health: muscle.
Strength Training: The Underrated Heart Protector
What if I told you lifting weights can lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce your risk of heart disease—without a single treadmill involved?
Yep, it’s true.
Strength training doesn’t just build muscle—it protects your heart, balances your metabolism, and helps prevent the very conditions that lead to heart disease.
How Strength Training Helps Your Heart:
✔ Lowers blood pressure (yes, really!)
✔ Improves circulation and vascular health.
✔ Increases insulin sensitivity (which helps regulate blood sugar).
✔ Reduces visceral fat—the deep belly fat linked to heart disease.
✔ Boosts metabolism and keeps your body strong as you age.
Think of it this way: Cardio trains your heart to be more efficient, while strength trainin
helps remove the stressors that put your heart at risk in the first place. It’s like a one-two punch for heart health.
So... Which One Should You Focus On?
🎉 Both! 🎉
A heart-strong routine includes a mix of cardio and strength training—because they work together to keep your heart happy, strong, and efficient.
The magic formula?
✔ 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week (brisk walking, dancing, biking, etc.)
✔ At least 2 strength training sessions per week (bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, or lifting weights).
If you’re a cardio fan, sprinkle in some strength training to protect your heart long-term. If you’re a weightlifting lover, don’t skip cardio completely—your endurance and circulation
will thank you.
It’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about finding the balance that makes you fee strong, energized, and unstoppable. 💥
Your Heart-Strong Challenge This Week!
🔥Add two strength workouts this week—even if it’s just bodyweight squats, push-ups, or resistance bands.
🔥 Get moving for at least 10 minutes every day—even a short walk does wonders for your heart.
🔥 Drop a comment below: Are you more of a cardio lover, strength training fan, or
somewhere in between?
Remember, your heart is working 24/7 for you—so give it the love it deserves! ❤
Stay strong,
Erica
P.S. Want more heart-healthy movement tips, motivation, and ways to build strength without
burnout? Join me in Move Every Day with E!
📲 Instagram: @EricaJonesWoolley
📲 Facebook: Erica Jones Woolley Coaching
📲 TikTok: @HealthandHappinessCoach
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