Cardio then weight VS weights then cardio

7opoundsin16weeks
7opoundsin16weeks Posts: 211 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been wondering about this for a long time. Which is better; to do cardio first then lift or lift then do cardio? I was thinking weights then cardio cause by doing weights first you are telling your body that you need those muscles so that the body doesn't metabolize muscle fiber during cardio, but instead burns fat. I haven't done research but I based my theory on what I learnt in physiology class. What do you guys think?

Replies

  • Katetw
    Katetw Posts: 188 Member
    I actually just came on here now to ask this very same thing! Any ideas?
    My brother said best to do cardio first to warm up, but I'd like some opinions from people who, I don't know, actually exercise. :)
    Thanks!
  • 7opoundsin16weeks
    7opoundsin16weeks Posts: 211 Member
    I actually just came on here now to ask this very same thing! Any ideas?
    My brother said best to do cardio first to warm up, but I'd like some opinions from people who, I don't know, actually exercise. :)
    Thanks!

    LOL. great minds think alike (or ask the same questions). warmup is important before lifting. but what i meant was vigorous to very intense cardio. If I find the answer someday I'll keep you posted
  • blaquebutterfly75
    blaquebutterfly75 Posts: 136 Member
    I do about five minutes of cardio just to warm-up, weights, then my cardio session. I have to do weights first because personally, if I'm tired from my cardio session, I can't lift as heavy as I want.
  • ambervaldez79
    ambervaldez79 Posts: 210 Member
    I have been told by my personal trainer to warm up well for about 5 minutes, then do strength training to expend more energy on lifting, THEN do cardio.
  • ajhugz
    ajhugz Posts: 452 Member
    I don't know whats better, but my trainer had me doing 20 min of cardio before strength training and a cool down walk on the treadmill after.
  • MercenaryNoetic26
    MercenaryNoetic26 Posts: 2,747 Member
    I warm up prior to lifting then, if I feel like it, do cardio. I don't do more than 1/2 hr at a time. It's my own personal preference.
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Do a 5 minute cardio warm up then lift then follow with cardio.

    I got sucked into doing a 45 minute cardio class at my gym back to back with a muscle based 30 minute one afterwards and by the end of the last class, I wasn't as strong as usual.
  • ChelleBalady
    ChelleBalady Posts: 204
    My trainer has me do a warm up on the treadmill then strength training and I end with cardio.
  • doc800
    doc800 Posts: 148
    I am told by the trainers at my gym to lift then do cadio. Several of the trainers compete so I tend to believe them.

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