Resistance Training vs. Cardio for Heart Health: What Actually Matters
Greg Goldberger • February 4, 2026
Why strength training and cardio both play a critical role in long-term heart health
Heart health is often reduced to one recommendation: do more cardio. While endurance training plays an important role, it is only one piece of how the cardiovascular system adapts to stress. In this episode, Dr. Greg breaks down why resistance training also plays a critical role in heart health and why a balanced approach matters.
The conversation explores what “cardio” and resistance training actually mean from a physical therapy perspective. While traditional cardio improves the endurance of the heart, resistance training challenges the heart to respond to short bursts of high demand. Because the heart is a muscle, training it to be strong and adaptable is just as important as training it for endurance.
This episode also addresses common misconceptions around weight loss and cardiovascular fitness. Dr. Greg explains how resistance training impacts metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and overall cardiovascular demand differently than steady state cardio, and why exercise selection such as compound versus isolated movements can significantly influence heart health outcomes.
Ultimately, the episode highlights why well rounded training programs that include both aerobic and anaerobic exercise support better heart health, performance, and longevity. Whether your goal is weight loss, improved fitness, or simply staying healthy for daily life, understanding how different forms of exercise stress the heart can help you train smarter.
Dr. Greg talks youth sports psychology, performance anxiety, and men's mental health with LMHC and CrossFit coach Maggie Mahaney.
Getting back into a workout routine after time off? Learn how to return to exercise safely and avoid re-injury from a Jacksonville physical therapist.
Dr. Greg explains why herniated and bulging discs show up on MRIs of pain-free people, and what your imaging really means for your back pain. Listen now.
Discover why August sees a spike in sports and workout injuries in Jacksonville — and how to keep training, playing, and moving without getting sidelined.
Dr. Greg explains why fall brings a wave of new injuries and how to ease back into routine without getting sidelined. Listen now.
Looking for the best physical therapist in Jacksonville or St. Johns? 7 questions to ask before you book, plus why one-on-one, cash-based PT may get better results.
Knee pain going up or down stairs in Jacksonville or St. Johns? Learn what's behind it, why it often starts elsewhere, and how PT helps. Don't wait to act.
Dr. Greg explains why summer activities like pickleball, golf, and vacations spike injuries, plus his top tips to stay active and pain-free.
Dr. Greg explains why aging doesn't have to mean losing strength or mobility — and how consistent movement keeps you independent for life.
Sciatica or ordinary low back pain? Learn the symptoms, causes, and why stretching often isn't enough. Sciatica treatment for Jacksonville & St. Johns.