Order of Cardio/ Strength Training

runner475

I'm reading conflicting articles if Cardio should be followed by Strength Training and vice versa.

Does it really matter if I do Cardio 1st and Lifting towards the end?

My current goal is - muscle definition.

DaddieCat

It matters such that you should not be tired when you lift or your lifting will suffer.

Generally, it's recommended to lift first and cardio after, or to do them on separate days.

Lifting is all about effort, load, time under tension, etc. If you go into that already fatigued, you won't be able to give your best effort and thus the lifting will "suffer" and not be as optimal as it could be.

There is some benefit to training muscles that are already fatigued, but that's more of an advanced lifting technique used in hypertrophy training and not something really for the average person.

SonyaCele

the only thing is if you are too tired to effectively lift. i sometimes do cardio at lunch and lift after work, but by then i'm rested

JoRocka

^^ what they both said.

The only time I say "different" is really if you have different goals.
Example- if you're a marathoner- your running takes priority- I would make sure you get your runs in- lift when you can.

Otherwise lift- then cardio- for the aforementioned reasons.

SemperAnticus1643

Yes, what they said.

I was told to do first whatever my focus was because I will more than likely cut time short on whatever comes second.

newport3158

Depends on your body and what your body likes. EveryBODY Is different!

codename_steve

I'm a marathoner and I lift then run. I do legs on days when my runs are shorter/easier, then I do arms on speedwork days. But it's still early in my season, so as the mileage increases, I may have to adjust. Seems to be working so far though.