strength or cardio first?

TXHunny84
TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Which are you supposed to do to get teh best resuls?... Cardio then weights?.... Or weights then cardio?....and how long should I do each? I'm also doing 20-30 minutes of circut training too. I'm totally new to weights and strength training so I appriciate all the tips and advise! I want these last 10-15lbs of stubborn vanity fat to go and get my BF% down! Thank you

Replies

  • FireBrand80
    FireBrand80 Posts: 378 Member
    I'd say weights first in general, but a lot depends on what your goals are and how your routine is set up.
  • Lone_Wolf70
    Lone_Wolf70 Posts: 2,820 Member
    Always cardio first to get your heart pumping before you lift. You will have others tell u differently, but it has always worked for me.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Weights. And if you did them right, you won't be up for much more than a light walk.
  • EyeLikeTacos
    EyeLikeTacos Posts: 324 Member
    This depends on your level...

    When I first started lifting..I saw huge results by doing cardio in the AM and lifting in the PM.

    If I combined the workout...I would do my lfit first then Cardio afterwards...

    Now that I have been doing this for over 10 years...I do a light cardio for warm up then lift...and a light cardio afterwards.

    Honestly...you should try to never combine the two if you are planning on doing a serious cardio session.
  • nlwilliamson
    nlwilliamson Posts: 225 Member
    The trainer I have been working with had me doing weights first, so that I won't be fatigued from the cardio, that way I can lift more weight and keep my form correct because i'm not so wore out, although I do a lot of cardio with my strength training so that way works for me but it may not for everyone, I just started doing this and it seems to be working well
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    Weights. And if you did them right, you won't be up for much more than a light walk.

    Ok thanks :)
  • EyeLikeTacos
    EyeLikeTacos Posts: 324 Member
    interval cardio got my body fat percentage down to7-8%..,SPRINTS FTW!
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    The trainer I have been working with had me doing weights first, so that I won't be fatigued from the cardio, that way I can lift more weight and keep my form correct because i'm not so wore out, although I do a lot of cardio with my strength training so that way works for me but it may not for everyone, I just started doing this and it seems to be working well

    Oh ok thanks I'll try this! It makes sense. :)
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    This depends on your level...

    When I first started lifting..I saw huge results by doing cardio in the AM and lifting in the PM.

    If I combined the workout...I would do my lfit first then Cardio afterwards...

    Now that I have been doing this for over 10 years...I do a light cardio for warm up then lift...and a light cardio afterwards.

    Honestly...you should try to never combine the two if you are planning on doing a serious cardio session.

    Doing two workouts a day sounds exhausting! LOL But I may try cardio in the AM and weights in teh evening.
  • aimforhealthy
    aimforhealthy Posts: 449 Member
    The trainer I work with recommends light cardio to warm up, 15-20 minutes. Then, strength training, then longer cardio with proper stretching. I feel awesome and not so much soreness afterwards. I often do yoga at night, too.
  • MzMiller1215
    MzMiller1215 Posts: 633 Member
    I never do cardio as a warmup. To warm up, I do 2 light sets of an exercise for the muscle group I am working on that day and do cardio at lunch or after work. I always do my strength training first thing in the morning because I have the most energy then.

    I suggest trying it either way and see what works best for you.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I do 30 minutes of cardio first followed by 90 minutes of weights. If I do weights first then cardio won't get done. It's all about what works for you.
  • KS_4691
    KS_4691 Posts: 228 Member
    weights first. ask any bodybuilder or serious athlete. don't reverse it.
  • quietcoral
    quietcoral Posts: 64 Member
    I usually do weights first... but that's only because if I did cardio first I would not have any energy for weights and I want to be fresh for weights.
  • MommyFancypants
    MommyFancypants Posts: 20 Member
    My trainer always said warm up with 5-10 of light cardio followed by your weight regimen and THEN 30 or more minutes of cardio again.
  • AmberBucsis
    AmberBucsis Posts: 30
    cardio, to warm up your muscles. Doing strenght traning first can cause injuries. All the DVDs (programs) ive tried, cardio and stretching is always first!!!
  • MikeInAZ
    MikeInAZ Posts: 483 Member
    I've always been told to do a little cardio for like 5 minutes. Then weights, then all out cardio. You do this so that your body burns the glucose in your blood for energy while lifting. Then when you do your cardio, it will go after the fat for energy and you will get better results. It makes sense to me.

    I usually do cardio first since I have more energy when I first start out. But that's just me! Try it both ways for a week each and see what gives you better results!
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I like to run hard (a fast pace that is not comfortable) for 1/4 mile then lift for 5 minutes I do this pattern until I've run 2 miles. This allows my heart rate to stay high and it breaks up the lifting to give my body some time to recover. When I lift this way it is all upperbody stuff. I love it and have seen great results.
  • MSmooth747
    MSmooth747 Posts: 55 Member
    I find that weights first gets the heart pumping, and cardio burns more calories after that.
  • musiche
    musiche Posts: 214 Member
    To be most efficient, everything I have read says this:

    Warm up for 5-10 minutes or so with light cardio or anything that elevates your heart rate and gets your blood flowing and help prevent injury.

    Do your resistance training (weight lifting, body weight training, etc.) so you can max your muscle output. Working your major muscle groups first means you will get a better workout per rep and be able to achieve the 80% of your max effort you are aiming for with resistance training.

    Then do your cardio workout. Your goal here is calorie expenditure, not muscle growth, so maxing your muscle output is not critical, all that matters is that your work hard and get your heart rate up to 80% of your max heart rate for the most cardiovascular benefit. Cardio does help work all the little support muscles that tend to get overlooked with resistance training, and help contribute to lean muscle mass.

    Follow all of this with a cool down, (I always aim to get off the machine when my HR has dropped below 120), and a great set of stretches. Stretching AFTER a workout (when your muscles are limber, warm and full of moisture/blood to make them more pliable, this also helps prevent you from 'stiffening up' after) is where you will get the most improvement in your overall, everyday flexibility.

    Of all the controversial articles I have read and information I have been given, this makes the most sense to me and has offered me the most benefits and success in the least amount of time.
  • jamers3111
    jamers3111 Posts: 495 Member
    I do cardio in the morning then when I get home I do strength training after I go for a light jog. I know most people can't fit 2 workouts in but I think I workout more efficiently when I do two 1hour workouts than doing one long one. Just my opinion :)
  • virichi08
    virichi08 Posts: 465 Member
    Weights. And if you did them right, you won't be up for much more than a light walk.

    Ok thanks :)


    I agree, i hvnt lifted in a few months and started back again Saturday ...I FORGOT HOW TIRING IT CUD BE. I cud only do 30 mins on the stairmaster and it was thee longest 30 mins of my life...(im used to doing and 1 or more of cardio in one sitting) But personally for me either way works..
  • Raynne413
    Raynne413 Posts: 1,527 Member
    I always do weights first so that I'm not so tired when I do the weights that it effects my form. Recently, though, I mix the two. I warm up on the elliptical, do one set of my strength exercises superset, 5-10 minutes on the elliptical, my next set, and so on. That way I get to mix both and I'm done.
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    weights first. ask any bodybuilder or serious athlete. don't reverse it.

    Really? why?
  • TONYAGOOCH
    TONYAGOOCH Posts: 470 Member
    The trainer I have been working with had me doing weights first, so that I won't be fatigued from the cardio, that way I can lift more weight and keep my form correct because i'm not so wore out, although I do a lot of cardio with my strength training so that way works for me but it may not for everyone, I just started doing this and it seems to be working well

    ^^^This^^^ My trainer also told me this. It has to do with the amount of oxygen your body uses. If you do cardio first then you will be taking oxygen away from your muscles and then you would only be using them at about 60% instead of 100%. If you do weights first then your muscles get the full benefit of your oxygen storage.
  • carolsmithnp
    carolsmithnp Posts: 2
    After reading all of the posts I think I need to get a trainer when I'm ready for weights. I'm still working to get into a rythm in doing regular cardio. So far 30 - 35 minutes on a treadmill 4 - 5 time weekly.
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    I've always been told to do a little cardio for like 5 minutes. Then weights, then all out cardio. You do this so that your body burns the glucose in your blood for energy while lifting. Then when you do your cardio, it will go after the fat for energy and you will get better results. It makes sense to me.

    oh ok I didn't know that. Thank you!
  • EyeLikeTacos
    EyeLikeTacos Posts: 324 Member
    Which came first the chicken or the egg..

    You can get results using both methods.

    Everything depends on your targets...If you really want to maximize your lift..Then Lift first.

    If you want to maximize your time or cardio intensity...do the Cardio first.

    As for the comment about weight lifters or body builders...Most will say LIFT...then walk or do stair stepper.

    (HEAVY) Cardio technically CAN ruin gains from lifts.

    OP...go with what you feel the most comfortable with.

    Especially if you are new...You can pretty much get away with doing it anyway mix it up everyday...You will get results.

    I have personally done both....I personally prefer heavy cardio after lift.

    I have a friend who played Football for VT...and he does 2 to 5 mile runs before lift...but mind you...he already has size...He only does that to shed fat and not add more muscle.
  • TXHunny84
    TXHunny84 Posts: 503 Member
    The trainer I have been working with had me doing weights first, so that I won't be fatigued from the cardio, that way I can lift more weight and keep my form correct because i'm not so wore out, although I do a lot of cardio with my strength training so that way works for me but it may not for everyone, I just started doing this and it seems to be working well

    ^^^This^^^ My trainer also told me this. It has to do with the amount of oxygen your body uses. If you do cardio first then you will be taking oxygen away from your muscles and then you would only be using them at about 60% instead of 100%. If you do weights first then your muscles get the full benefit of your oxygen storage.

    I didn't know that about the oxygen!! That's good to know thank you!

    So if I did cardio first...and then the weights I could actually end up breaking down my muscles because they're not at 100% with less oxygen storage?... Essentially make my weight training do damage or just not building muscle like I want?...

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