Cardio or strength first?

2»

Replies

  • DreesPerformanceTraining
    DreesPerformanceTraining Posts: 187 Member
    Doing them on separate days is probably ideal, but if you do them on the same day, the research I have read says that it is actually better to perform cardio first. Without getting too in-depth, doing cardio after lifting turns off the muscle building signal within the body. This is probably minor and for most people it doesn't really matter which you do first.
  • JoshuaMcAllister
    JoshuaMcAllister Posts: 500 Member
    chalaivy wrote: »
    I think I'm finding that I like cardio better when I get it out of the way first, and I do feel a little more pumped for weights as long as I cool down for a little bit after cardio....

    Is it too much to do cardio and weights both 5 times a week? I try to do cardio for my first 20-ish minutes of my workout then go over to weights for about 40ish min. Does that ruin the effectiveness of either regimen?

    I don't know what stage of your goal you are at the moment but I wouldn't over complicate things for yourself right now. The ideal is doing both, there is no reason why you can't to both each time you go in, if it is helping to work towards your goal. The only issue I would foresee is you possibly over working certain muscle groups over that period. Look into structured programs, the last thing you need is to gain any injury from over working something.

    You'll see results from either cardio/weights, weights/cardio as long as you stick to the deficit. Most arguing either for one or the other seem to have set goals, like myself. On heavy weight/strength training days I start with that, for all the reasons stated above. If I'm training light with calisthenics, bodyweight and circuits, I'll start with cardio because I'd like a greater burn. I wouldn't necessarily think it will ruin the effectiveness of your regimen, when you get closer to you target weight and begin maintenance you may wish to re-evaluate but for now keep at it.
  • Officially_Rosey
    Officially_Rosey Posts: 73 Member
    chalaivy wrote: »
    I think I'm finding that I like cardio better when I get it out of the way first, and I do feel a little more pumped for weights as long as I cool down for a little bit after cardio....

    Is it too much to do cardio and weights both 5 times a week? I try to do cardio for my first 20-ish minutes of my workout then go over to weights for about 40ish min. Does that ruin the effectiveness of either regimen?

    For me it doesn't seem to be too much (and as for this month I've been going everyday). I aim to do at least 30mins of cardio then 30-45mins strength-training, but then again the heaviest I'm currently lifting is 40kgs in deadlifts which is probably not much to others. Guess it depends on how intense your strength training sessions are.
  • chalaivy
    chalaivy Posts: 101 Member
    JoshuaMcAllister wrote: »
    chalaivy wrote: »
    I think I'm finding that I like cardio better when I get it out of the way first, and I do feel a little more pumped for weights as long as I cool down for a little bit after cardio....

    Is it too much to do cardio and weights both 5 times a week? I try to do cardio for my first 20-ish minutes of my workout then go over to weights for about 40ish min. Does that ruin the effectiveness of either regimen?

    I don't know what stage of your goal you are at the moment but I wouldn't over complicate things for yourself right now. The ideal is doing both, there is no reason why you can't to both each time you go in, if it is helping to work towards your goal. The only issue I would foresee is you possibly over working certain muscle groups over that period. Look into structured programs, the last thing you need is to gain any injury from over working something.

    You'll see results from either cardio/weights, weights/cardio as long as you stick to the deficit. Most arguing either for one or the other seem to have set goals, like myself. On heavy weight/strength training days I start with that, for all the reasons stated above. If I'm training light with calisthenics, bodyweight and circuits, I'll start with cardio because I'd like a greater burn. I wouldn't necessarily think it will ruin the effectiveness of your regimen, when you get closer to you target weight and begin maintenance you may wish to re-evaluate but for now keep at it.

    I'm just starting. I need to look for a trainer to talk to so that I can be sure I won't hurt myself. I just made today my second day where I ran a mile straight (slower speed) but my shins hurt for a little bit and went away. Also have already hurt one of my calves and my elbows (everything is better now)... So I'm trying to slow it down and not push myself too hard.
    Thanks for the advice :)

Categories