Strength Training Vs. Conditioning: What’s the difference?

The world of fitness is full of expansive terminology, from types of workouts to different exercises, let alone the names of machines! Today, let’s see what the difference between strength training and conditioning really is so you are empowered to choose one or the other, or both for your personal fitness journey.

What is strength training?

First up,  strength training—a type of workout focused on developing the maximum strength of your muscles. Strength training not only makes you stronger, it makes you healthier too. A strong core, for example, supports your organs and your back so you experience less lower back and hip pain. Strength training usually involves fewer repetitions and more resistance and is performed with a lower heart rate. An example of strength training is a deadlift with a weight on the bar.

What is conditioning training?

Conditioning training, on the other hand, is focused less on strength and more on bringing out a higher heart rate during workouts. Conditioning usually involves more repetitions and less resistance during exercises. An example of conditioning exercise is working on your core with movements like mountain climbers, where you are using your own body weight and continuously tightening your abdominal muscles to perform the exercise. A more basic example is running or biking! 

The main aspect of conditioning is improving your heart rate consistently over time so the 50th time you bike, your overall heart rate will be lower than on that very first cycling session.

Strength training vs conditioning training

Strength training and conditoning also differ based on the time commitment each one requires, and the goals and results one has. Using the chart below, you can see which one you lean more to and which one you might find more fun!

The best part about making the distinction between strength training and conditioning is that you don’t need to choose just one! In fact, you will perform better if you are implementing a combination of both conditioning and strength training in your fitness routine.