Most people want to get in shape and live a healthy life but they are not aware of the exercise routine they need to follow to make that goal a reality. They are confused in deciding with what exercise plan they should begin with, either aerobic, or cardio exercise or weight training.

The best answer to this question is - both. A good workout agenda is one which will consist of both cardio and weight exercises. But before you begin you should be aware about the variation between the two exercises and the difference in the outcome you will obtain from both. Cardiovascular system is strengthened by doing aerobic and cardio exercises and also affects your lungs, heart and blood vessels which feed your muscles helping them to work together efficiently. It helps your body in building more stamina by strengthening your cardiovascular system. The chance of heart disease and heart attack reduces if you have good cardio health. The risk of getting cancers, strokes also gets minimized. Thus, if you have good cardiovascular condition then you can assure of having good physical condition and longer healthy life.

The process of increasing muscle strength by the use of weight resistance is popularly known as weight training. The danger of injury and ill health reduces if you have a strong body. While weight training strengthens muscles at the same time it also raise bone mass, reducing the hazard of bone fractures. Research has proved that the people lifting weights are benefited in the same way as those who are doing cardio workouts. An exercise program that combines both cardio and weight training workouts is considered to be the best to get in shape. An activity which combines both type of workout is swimming. While swimming utilizes of lot of muscles and at the same time it also increases the heart beat and breathe. A huge amount of aerobic endurance is required for swimming. Both cardio and weight training workouts are performed all together even if you are just striding in the water.

When looking to get in shape you should design exercise plan and make an effort to include both cardiovascular and weight training in it. Jogging, spinning(biking), walking, aerobics, on the whole everything which increases your heart rate from its standard resting rate can be done in place of swimming. You can also combine the weight training in all the above exercises. In case you are using the free weights for the first time then always begin in the guidance of the trainer. You should always start with a light easily managed weight and then move to the heavy ones once you are physically competent.

However, if you are looking to get in shape you should not rely only on the weight training or cardio exercises you should also follow a nutritious healthy diet plan. Yes exercising will help you to burn the calories but there should also be a proper diet chart in order to control the consumption of calories and fats. It is suggested to consult a doctor before exercising or following a diet chart.