Cardio and Strength training...same day????

if i fail while running will i be holding a 200 pound barbell over my head? will not reaching my desired HR zone have the same effect as utilizing poor form while holding up a 400 pound barbell with my back?

not all failing is created equal

True, failing is not all equal.

HR zone is not the best predictor of effort as it can vary too much. We use power meters as cyclists as the power meter doesn't lie. Either you make the power, or you don't independent of what your HR says. Running would be using speed/distance being met independent of your HR to make your numbers. It's probably only important to those who train to race (on their feet, or on the bike). And obviously moot for the sake of this discussion, but I just thought I'd raise the issue when it comes to choosing weights or the cardio to be the first of the day or the second of the day.

On leg day of weights, I would not schedule a bike ride that required the highest power outputs I can make on the same day as it is very likely I wouldn't make my numbers without some pretty serious suffering and tearing down of tissue. And if I did, I would require more rest and recovery to bounce back from the day than I could afford based on following a structured training plan. Again, if not racing - no big deal. But everyone has already mentioned that doing cardio and weights on the same day depends on one's goals.

If you're squatting 400 pounds, my guess is that endurance running and having a typical endurance runner's body isn't your gig. Sprinting sounds like it could be your cup of tea though if you aren't having to move too heavy of a body versus the competition. So I guess we should add that not all running is created equal.

I'm just hoping to hold 2 hours in Zone 2 HR (151-158 for me) today on the bike after yesterday's lifting session, bad round of golf, and trimming trees worked me over from top to bottom. The bike ride should flush all of that away...

....after a 30 minute cardio session) increases the risk of injury through poor form.

Thirty minutes is just warming up

But I think the key point that this draws out is what everyone means by cardio. The majority of respondents on these boards see it as 30 minutes of droning along at a moderate pace on one of the torture devices in the gym. In that case, it really doesn't matter as that's not a session where the quality really matters. If one is actively training; cycling, swimming, running, whatever, then the quality of the cardio session does matter, which is where one has to be more thoughtful about the session balance.

....after a 30 minute cardio session) increases the risk of injury through poor form.

Thirty minutes is just warming up

But I think the key point that this draws out is what everyone means by cardio. The majority of respondents on these boards see it as 30 minutes of droning along at a moderate pace on one of the torture devices in the gym. In that case, it really doesn't matter as that's not a session where the quality really matters. If one is actively training; cycling, swimming, running, whatever, then the quality of the cardio session does matter, which is where one has to be more thoughtful about the session balance.

Ha. Yes, I did think that. Does depend on the intensity. Giving 100% for 30 minutes would have me knackered and ready to head home or at best the next 30 minutes would watch me slowly flagging. In either case, I would not want to be lifting heavy lumps of iron.

Wow, you strength train 6 days/week? What strength program are you following?

I would suggest finding a 3 day program and do cardio opposite days. You can do it the way you are but will not be the most effective use of your workouts and recovery

I'm not following a program. I just split my strength training into three muscle groups and do them twice a week which equals 6 days.

I will guess back, upper body, and lower body.

Ya it's fine but do the cardio after your lifting. Your muscles will get more of a workout.

Can you explain the why about this? I do my weight lifting after cardio and now I'm worried I'm doing it wrong.

They have actually done studies that shows that when you do weight training before cardio your cardio expenditure does not decrease, but when done opposite, your body is more fatigued and less likely to lift as heavy of weights, etc.

Ive been able to life the same amount before and after.

That cool but next time try a PR for running a mile then try PR for any muscle group. Something is going to give.

it depends on what your doing and what your goals are. I do kettlebells which is basically weighted cardio. i do three days on, one day just cardio and then a rest day. repeat.

You'll be fine. I do both every day, 7 days a week.

I do my cardio in the early morning and my weight lifting in the evening, all in the same day.

I do this only when I have to - usually a very early run and evening lifting with a lot of refueling in the middle.

Otherwise, I'm not a fan of doing cardio then immediately weightlifting. If you do cardio with any intensity your lifting will suffer. For me personally, lifting is of the most importance so I prefer to do it on it's own day.

That cool but next time try a PR for running a mile then try PR for any muscle group. Something is going to give.

And how much energy is actually burned in running a mile?

http://www.runnersworld.com/weight-loss/mythbusting-running-mile-always-burns-same-calories

I've seen lots of track runners at meets set a PR in a distance such as the mile, and also in other events on the same day.