Many people approach physical fitness for cosmetic reasons. But real fitness training is a balance of proper cardio and strength training. It is about body mind & spirit. Not good looks.
In today’s fitness scenario amongst the masses, I find more shallow reasons for people to workout. They are obsessed about a particular shape and size of the human anatomy. The 6 pack abs quest, big biceps, body fat percentage etc. These are all reasons purely cosmetic in nature to workout.
It is quite noticeable in gyms, guys pumping iron with much bigger upper body but tiny legs. They are very much focussed on big biceps chiselled chest strong back. But there is no strategy to achieve a balanced symmetrical overall strength.
If you never strength train your legs, you will never achieve impressive strength. A strong upper body combined with a weak lower body is a disaster for the future. It is a wrong strategy where you are neglecting your base and core to become strong. Nothing will produce more Human Growth Hormone in your body than a 5 sets of Leg press or squat or deadlift. Having mentioned these exercises note that achieving good form and technique should be your first priority rather than trying to lift heavy. Movement, rhythm and technique are the key elements to attain better results and avoid injuries. If you are able to achieve this first, you will automatically become stronger to lift more. But if you are not using your bigger muscles to your strength potential, which means training beyond your comfort zone. You are just doing a tick in the box in terms of your gym workouts.
Do also focus on cardio routine. It is an important part of your fitness programme. But only cardio with no strength training or vice versa, is a wrong strategy towards fitness training.
Therefore workout for the right reasons. We should all be pursuing physical fitness for the sake of whole health: body, mind and spirit. Looking good is the side effect of being healthy. It should never be the aim.