Aerobics increases metabolic rate, which boosts caloric expenditure and reduces risk factors of cardiovascular disease, such as abnormal blood fats, high blood pressure, abdominal fat deposition, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Appalachian State University in North Carolina found that weight training produced unique cardiovascular benefits. Weight training caused greater increases in blood flow to the arms and legs and decreased post-exercise blood pressure longer than aerobics. Combining weight training and aerobics is the best way to promote cardiovascular health. (Journal Strength Conditioning Research, published online November 10, 2010)