Question for those who lift and run

kar328

Hi, I'm trying to get back into a routine of heavy lifting a few times a week. My work schedule is 7P-7A three times a week, so my weeks are always different. I'm also trying to get more out of the cardio mindset, work on my lifting and find a good balance. I walk and run outside (great mental therapy as well as physical). My idea of running is now two miles at a time, so I'm not talking hard core here.

Usually there's time during the day to do one thing in the morning and one in the afternoon, but today I was pressed for time, so I went to the gym, did one of the SL 5x5 workouts as well as a few of the machines, did one errand on the way home, and then ran two miles. Those two miles felt like a struggle, especially in the beginning, although I did end up in the time range I've been hitting lately.

So my question is, if there's a time crunch, would running first be better? Does it matter?

Thanks

hill8570

Depends how how tired those two miles make your legs. Squatting or deadlifting with tired legs is a good way to get hurt. Running on tired legs is only annoying.

ceckhardt369

If you split your lifting into what body parts you are working that day then I would suggest running before working your legs. If you are doing upper body weights that day then you should be fine running before or after. Just listen to what your body is telling you, and it seems to be saying that running after lifting doesn't work well. Also, it seems like you did fine with this, but if you are doing both legs and running in the same day try to have about 1-2 hours between the workouts to give some time to rest.

JenAndSome

If you are doing Stronglifts is it really necessary to also use the machines? I am pretty sure you squat every lifting session on Stronglifts. For me personally I would rather run with slightly sore legs than try to squat with tired legs so I would lift first. I tend to run on days I don't lift though. The day after leg day is always rough but the run actually makes them feel better.

DaddieCat

Stronglifts doesn't really intend for you to do much more than the program calls for as when you get to heavier weights, it should be close to all that you can do simply to do what stronglifts requires. If you feel the need to do cardio, I'd recommend it after your lifts as doing it before will compromise the integrity of your lifts.

Additionally, don't forget that rest/recovery days are just as important. Most accomplished lifters that I've met will not hesitate to tell you that "less is often more". It's not the volume of your workouts, unless you are on a volume based program, that matters, but the overall effort and progressive overload that will help with strength gains.

Michael190lbs

I always do Cardio after lifting I want all the energy I have for strength I typically hit the gym at 5am drive home at 630 drinking a protein shake with 2% milk then do cardio at Home 50 min of Biking about 19-21 miles depending on my energy and motivation.. Why? Because it works for me no other reason

hill8570

BTW, if you've got the extra time for the gym work, instead of screwing around on the machines I'd recommend something like Ice Cream Fitness -- it's basically a 5x5 program with a bunch of accessory lifts.

pobalita

My shortest runs are 6 or 7 miles so I try not to lift and run on the same day. I prefer to lift then do some low impact cardio in the gym. If I have to do both on the same day, I lift first then run, but the run is always slower and somewhat miserable when I do it that way.

ew_david

I would lift first then run, but that's because my primary goal is to be stronger and lift heavier, not be a runner.

kar328

Oops, been busy with back to back 12 hour shifts and that need for sleep. Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate it. Too bad work gets in the way of my journey to a fitter body and life

ltworide

On days I lift and do some kind of cardio I try to lift first then do cardio either afterwards or later in the day.

Guess it depends on what your priority/goals are. Do the exercise/activity that is most important to you first, let your goals dictate how you train.