A comparison of the cardiovascular effects of running and weight training

Weight training is believed to result in little cardiovascular benefit compared to aerobic conditioning. In this study, heart rate and blood pressure changes in previously sedentary men were observed at rest and during simulated daily physical activities before and after a controlled 16-week conditioning program of either weight training or running. Body composition, peak oxygen uptake VO₂peak), and strength were assessed before and after the study. At rest, during isometric exertion, and while performing two levels of treadmill walking, runners and weight trainers had lower estimates of myocardial oxygen consumption compared to controls. After training, both runners and weight trainers decreased their percent body fat. VO₂peak was increased among runners, while only the weight trainers increased strength. These effects are comparable to aerobic exercise during isometric and mixed isometric and dynamic activities, and can occur without enhancement of peak oxygen uptake.