Weight training and cardio on same day or alternate?

SolidGoaled

Does it matter or affect the quality or results of your cardio or resistance training if you alternate the workouts (doing cardio one day, weights the next, then cardio the next day, weights the next, etc) or if you do them on the same day (cardio first, then weights, next day do the same thing or take a day off)

I do know you need a day off in between muscle groups when lifting. I am asking rather, if it matters if say, you're planning 4 cardio days and 2 resistance days, could you put those two resistance days on the same days as your cardio and take 3 days off per week off and get the same results?

jeepzilla

Thats how p90x works one day weights on cardio. you have to give your muslces time to heal and rest..
I wouldn't try and stack cardio or any other work outs. I would just do them on the day your suppose to... I know I can't run everyday so I don't.

theresnoeggs

I do both on the same day-4x a week. And some cardio the other 3 days.

I always do my cardio first so my HR is up when I do my strength...

liveinbliss

It really just depends on your intensity. If your cardio is walking at 3.0 miles an hour you can certainly do it on the same day or almost everyday for that matter. But if you are doing your cardio at a high intensity you might be able to do upper body, but lower body may not be as effective that day. I do try to combine some of my workouts just to conserve time, but they are usually a light cardio and upper body together. I save lower body for it's own day and intense cardio for it's own day and I always take at least one day off! You should judge mostly by how you feel though.

MistyMtnMan

To make it easy on yourself, I'd recommend weight training 3 days a week. 2 days is too little to do much. Keep it three.

I don't think it really matter whether you do cardio on your off days or not. Make sure if you do your cardio on your weight training days, do it AFTER. You will be too burned out to lift very well if you do cardio before.

The best would be to alternate. Do 3 days Weight Training and the off days, do cardio.

Ex. Mon, Wed, Fri Weight Training. Tues, Thurs, Sat Cardio.

I think you'd benefit the most because you'd be doing something everyday, plus it will be less time each day rather than a huge workout a few times a week. You'll burn calories more consistently.

bjberry

In my youth, I did upper body one day and lower body the next and walked two miles (after the weight training) every day. I did this for 6 days a week and took one day to totally rest. I lost about 13 pounds and two clothing sizes in two months.
Note: This was when I was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1996. With my family back home, I had nothing to do except work 10-12 hours per day, so exercise helped fill the time and make me feel better. Hope this helps. :drinker: (lots of water)

koosdel

I think it depends on your routine and goals. I do my cardio immediately after weight training. The reason I do cardio; increased insurance, and it helps with soreness.

I do cardio on off days, but mostly because I can't sit still. I gotta be moving all the time.