What is the difference between cardio and strength training?

Cardio, or cardiovascular exercise, focuses on elevating your heart rate for sustained periods to improve heart and lung function, burn calories, and build endurance. Examples include running, cycling, and swimming. Strength training, also called resistance training, focuses on working muscles against resistance to build muscle mass, increase strength, and improve bone density. Examples include lifting weights, using resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like push-ups. The key difference is the primary adaptation each produces. Cardio improves your aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health, while strength training builds muscle and increases metabolic rate. Both are important for overall health, and many fitness programs combine them for balanced results.