The book entitled Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? By Dr.
Alex Hutchinson provides an excellent overview of modern fitness science and
what works and what doesn’t work. As the book is focused on actual research it
provides some excellent discussion on the most effective methods of getting in
shape and the potential health benefits of doing so.
There are fads and there are fads. Fads come and go with
lots of claims and false research projects that are designed to give a specific
result that can mislead consumers. Their focus is not on science but on the
actual lending of perceived credibility within marketing campaigns and messages. Don’t
blindly believe most of the claims of fad diets, pills, and 10 minute widget
exercises that will give you six pack abs.
Working out is a process that entails creating stress on the
human body. Depending on what someone wants to accomplish they can either move
toward brute muscle strength or lean cardio endurance. One can take on a cross
training program for general fitness but should work cardio on some days and
weights on the others. Each day should have their own focus to maximize change.
The book provides a number of strong chapters that include
fitness gear, aerobics, strength training, recovery, aging, weight management,
and nutrition. You might be surprised that most supplements do not work but
that certain ones such as amino acids can actually help one gain strength. The book
will discuss how research shows the increases and decreases of performance
based upon these issues. A moderate amount of whey protein and use of amino acids can have a beneficial effect. Yet protein itself can ignore certain building blocks. See study
While working out with weights it important to understand
that slurping down protein shakes after protein shakes won’t do you much good
unless you’re a professional body builder. Even then the evidence is relatively
week and has a marginal effect. Yet it is important to use at a minimum 60% of
your 1-time maximum weight to ensure you are putting enough stress on your
body. Protein is helpful but for the far majority of people will simply increase unnecessary calorie intake.
The book will give food for thought of those who are serious
about their physical fitness. Every person should have a level of such exercise
to maintain health as well as reduce stress. The book will make a strong case
for being involved in exercise as well as help you ignore those common myths
that waste time and energy in one’s busy day. There is support for the belief
that exercise can improve performance in your work life so there are few
drawbacks to getting fit today.
Hutchinson, A. (2011). Which
Comes First, Cardio or Weights? NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-06-200753-7
