Strength or Conditioning

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (link below) suggests that strength training (improving muscle strength using weights) alone is associated with a 10-15% reduction in all-cause mortality (death due to any cause)

But did you know that strength training combined with metabolic conditioning (improving muscle endurance and cardiovascular ability) is associated with a 30-40% decrease?!

Unless your singular goal is to be a power lifter, weightlifter or world’s strongest man / woman, you need to spend some time developing your metabolic engine in order to stay fit, healthy and improve your lifespan.

Conditioning encompasses three key areas;

Metabolic systems. Also referred to as energy systems, of which there are two: the aerobic system which drives the ability to produce power for longer periods of time, and the anaerobic systems, which predominantly provide power over shorter durations of activity.

Movement capacity. If you move inefficiently by having terrible technique or poor mobility, you are more likely to fatigue more quickly or run the risk of injury.

Mental performance. This is not just about mind over matter or being mentally tough. Its about thinking about what you are doing, how you are doing it and the energy you are using to do it (dynamic energy control).
That’s why my personal training programmes are never just about either ‘strength' or ‘conditioning’, but focus on both elements combined - that way you will not only look better, but you’ll also feel better and live better as a result.

source: British Journal of Sports Medicine - https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/13/755.