Train smarter: what cardio adds to your strength workouts

Written by Otaniyien Ekiomado

Cardio and strength training don’t have to compete. Used together, they help you train harder, recover faster, and see results that last.

At Feel Good Personal Training, we believe in a holistic approach to fitness – combining cardio and strength training to help you get the most from every session.

Though many people consider cardio and lifting as separate goals, in reality, they work best together. Cardio doesn’t just build endurance – it supports recovery, fat loss, energy, and long-term strength gains.

Improve endurance to power through your sessions

Regular cardio helps your heart and lungs deliver oxygen more efficiently to your muscles. This means you can push harder in your strength training workouts without fatiguing as quickly.

We build cardio into your routine with activities like running, cycling or high-intensity intervals. This improves stamina so you can complete more reps, lift heavier, and recover better between sets.

Recover faster between sets

Good cardiovascular fitness improves circulation, which helps your muscles recover more quickly during rest periods. That means shorter breaks and more productive sessions.

With a personal trainer, you’ll learn how to use cardio strategically to boost recovery and get more out of every strength workout – without burning out.

Support muscle growth and repair

Your muscles need oxygen and nutrients to recover and grow after strength training. Cardio helps increase blood flow, speeding up the delivery of these essentials.

At Feel Good Personal Training, we often alternate between strength and low-impact cardio to support your recovery while keeping your body moving.

Burn fat and reveal lean muscle

Cardio is a proven way to burn calories and reduce body fat. When you combine it with strength training, you build muscle while slimming down – which helps you look and feel leaner.

Our personalised plans help you balance cardio and lifting to reduce body fat while maintaining or building muscle mass.

Improve focus and mental resilience

Cardio doesn’t just train your body – it sharpens your mind. Whether it’s the focus needed in a long run or the grit to finish a tough HIIT session, that mental discipline carries into your strength work.

You’ll feel more focused, determined and better equipped to push through tough lifts and high-rep sets.

Move better and reduce your risk of injury

Cardio improves mobility and keeps your joints and tendons healthy – especially when it includes dynamic movement like swimming, brisk walking, or cycling.

This supports good form in your strength training and reduces the risk of injury, particularly in compound lifts like squats and deadlifts.

Boost energy and stay motivated

Cardiovascular fitness helps you feel more energised day to day – and that shows in your training. When you’re more energised, it’s easier to stay motivated and consistent with your programme.

At Feel Good Personal Training, we use cardio to keep you feeling positive, focused and ready to train.

Manage weight for better performance

Carrying excess weight can make some strength exercises more difficult, especially those that require movement and control. Cardio helps with weight management, so you can move more freely and perform better in your lifts.

We’ll help you build a plan that supports fat loss and mobility while keeping your strength goals on track.

Avoid burnout with balanced training

Overtraining can slow your progress or even lead to injury. Cardio offers a lower-intensity way to stay active while allowing your muscles to recover between strength-focused sessions.

Our personal training programmes include the right balance of cardio and lifting so you can keep progressing without burning out.

A balanced approach for long-term success

Cardio plays a powerful supporting role in strength training. From endurance and fat loss to mobility and motivation, it gives you the edge you need to lift stronger and recover faster.

At Feel Good Personal Training, we create personalised programmes that blend cardio and strength for lasting results. Get in touch to find out how we can help you build a leaner, stronger, more energised body.