My opinion: The most important part about adding strength training and cardio to your life is that you do it, and you do it consistently. Incidentally, I just read an interesting article on this very topic in the March 2009 issue of Oxygen magazine, and how the combination could possibly help fight diabetes:
Certain kinds of protein in your body, like A-FABP, have been associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Good thing researchers are on top of it! In a recent Clinical Endocrinology study, 45 women were placed on a three-month exercise program and it was found that combining cardio with strength training reduced A-FABP levels. Subjects also lowered their BMI, waist circumference and cholesterol. The key? At least 45 minutes a day of aerobic exercise, combined with at least 20 minutes of strength training, five times per week.
So if you're just getting started with fitness, and have an hour to get in your workout, why not plan for 40 minutes of cardio and 20 minutes of strength five times per week? You can alternate upper and lower body focus on those strength days. It really is about what works best for you and your schedule. This is really what I love about the Beachbody programs - they have such a variety and most are geared toward getting your workout in within a reasonable amount of time.
I personally do 30 minutes of weight training three times a week with ChaLEAN Extreme, and I get in 30-45 minutes of cardio six days a week. This is really what works best for me. I find that I stick to my program better, and I have an easier time keeping up with healthy nutrition when I get consistent workouts in each day.
Whatever you decide to do, just make sure not to ignore the strength training piece. While cardio is a serious calorie burn during the workout, strength training builds that muscle which stokes your metabolism to make you a calorie-burning machine all day long!
Keep Pushing Play!
Court
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