Short of time so what is best, a quick run or weight training?

You have a very busy schedule so you want to get the most out of your workout, right? You are debating will you go for a fast walk/ run, or will you do some reistance training, using your own bodyweight, or weights/kettlebell/medicine ball etc.

The experts say that weight training would be more beneficial. You can only burn so many calories in a 30 minutes run/walk, but with weight training you are gaining muscle and therefore burning more calories even on rest days. For every additional pound of muscle you gain by lifting weights, your body burns around 50 calories extra every day, even while at rest.

Some women are afraid that they will bulk up if they lift weights but this will not happen. The growth of muscle tissue is very dependent on testosterone and women tend to produce 10 times less than men, so women would really have to work hard at building bulging muscles naturally.

I have dumbbells and a resistance band which I use frequently. There are so many exercises you can do with these, they are definitely a worthwhile investment ! Get dumbbells that challenge you. If you can do more than 15 reps easy of any exercise, I think you should really get a heavier weight.

Cardiovascular workouts are also vital however, and cannot be ignored. Cardiovascular exercise means that you are involved in an activity where your heart rate is elevated, but you can still talk.
Benefits include:

• Weight management
• Increases lung capacity
• Helps reduce risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and diabetes
• Helps reduce stress 

There are many, many more benefits so it is vital cardio is included in your program along with weight training.

However my message is don't ignore the weight training!