Is There a “Best” Exercise for Your Health?
A client recently asked me:
“What’s the best exercise I should be doing?”
It’s a simple question—but it highlights a common misunderstanding.
Many people are either doing cardio or strength training… but not both. And that’s where they’re missing out.
The Truth: It’s About Combination, Not Perfection
For long-term health, you need three things:
Aerobic exercise (cardio)
Resistance training (strength)
Balance and flexibility work
Each one does a different job.
But the real impact comes when you combine them.
What the Research Shows
When we break it down, the difference becomes very clear:
Aerobic Exercise Alone
Reduces heart disease risk by ~20–30%
Reduces type 2 diabetes risk by ~25–35%
Reduces certain cancer risks by ~10–20%
Resistance Training Alone
Reduces heart disease risk by ~10–17%
Reduces type 2 diabetes risk by ~15–25%
Reduces certain cancer risks by ~10–20%
Combining Both (The Most Powerful Approach)
Reduces heart disease risk by ~40–50%
Reduces type 2 diabetes risk by ~40–60%
Reduces certain cancer risks by ~20–30%
Why the Combination Works Better
Cardio improves your heart, lungs, and metabolic health.
Strength training improves muscle mass, insulin sensitivity, and physical resilience.
Together, they cover far more of what your body needs to stay healthy and functional.
What Should You Aim For?
According to general guidelines:
Cardio:
75 minutes vigorous OR 150 minutes moderate per weekStrength training:
At least 2 sessions per weekBalance & flexibility:
At least 2 sessions per week
A Better Question to Ask Yourself
Instead of asking “What’s best?”, ask:
What am I already doing?
What am I neglecting?
What’s the simplest way to improve my balance?
Final Thought
The goal isn’t to be perfect.
It’s to build a routine that covers all the bases—because that’s where the real health benefits come from.
If you’d like help building something that fits your lifestyle, feel free to get in touch.
