Cyrus Broacha, who has been working on his physique for the past few years, recently advocated that all Indian men do strength training but not cardio unless you are “really large and are trying bodybuilding”.
“I don’t do cardio. Don’t say cardio, I hate that word. Indian men don’t do cardio; you will just get uglier. They will never lose their belly because of the blueprint of the body. So, hands become skinny, legs become skinny. They have no lats, they have no deltoids. So, you will become more pronounced,” Broacha told ANI.
According to Broacha, men should lift weights and maintain a healthy diet. “Cardio is of benefit only if you are really large and you are trying bodybuilding. It’s when you cut into the competition. Only strength training…as we age, for sure,” said Broacha, 54.
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Taking a cue from his confession, we consulted an expert to determine if there is any truth to the same.
Is cardio better or strength training? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Dr (Prof) Raju Vaishya, senior consultant, orthopaedic, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said strength training provides long-term protection for bones, joints, and muscles far beyond appearance. “It is one of the best methods of maintaining independence and mobility throughout a lifetime. As we age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises like squats, lunges, or even lifting stimulate bone turnover and enhance mineral density, strengthening bones and making them more resistant,” said Dr Vaishya.
For young adults, this translates into building a strong foundation early in life. For older adults, it serves as a means to resist the inevitable increase in bone loss and maintain strength for daily activities.
Muscles act like natural shock absorbers, cushioning joints against impact and wear. When strengthened properly, they reduce the risk of degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. For example, Dr Vaishya said that targeted quadriceps and hamstring exercises help stabilise the knee, while strengthening the core and back muscles eases the load on the spine. “This is why many orthopaedic patients recovering from injuries are prescribed resistance exercises rather than repetitive cardio. Such routines not only aid in faster healing but also restore balance and reduce the likelihood of recurrence,” said Dr Vaishya.
So is cardio useless?
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That’s not to imply cardio has no function. “Cardiovascular activity is important for normal heart function, lung capacity, and stamina. Yet, when done excessively without balance from strength training, it tends to increase joint pain, develop muscle imbalances, and lead to overuse injuries due to fatigue. The optimal strategy is balance: doing strength training two to three times a week in conjunction with moderate cardio,” said Dr Vaishya.
The goal is not about building bulk but about protecting your framework, your bones, joints, and muscles for the long run. “Cardio strengthens the heart, but strength training strengthens the structure that carries you through life. For better balance, mobility, and independence, it should form the backbone of every fitness journey,” said Dr Vaishya.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.