Lifting then cardio vs. cardio then lifting.

The theory behind lift first then cardio is that if you're tired you will not, most likely, work out with the same intensity that you otherwise would. Like everything else related to fitness and weight loss there are differences of opinion (and, sadly very little hard data to back up each sides' claims)

If you're happy with your results stick with what you're doing.

I also find this theory to be true. If I cardio first, I cannot lift at the same performance level because I'm tired from all the cardio.

I also note that when I lift first, my cardio performance is affected, but that doesn't worry me as much.

But I also agree that OP should do with whatever works. If you already have "amazing results" and are happy with it, feel free to tell people to STFU and do what is working for you.

Or try swapping it for a week and see if the results get even more amazing, if you're genuinely curious about it.

Thank you, same question! I was told the same thing this morning by a trainer at my gym. She says it's harder to push our muscles to true failure if you are tired from cardio. My lift days are Tuesdays and Thursdays AFTER Zumba. I drop my daughter at school at 8:30 and Zumba starts at 9:00, so there is no time to lift first. I love my Zumba, and I REALLY don't want to give it up to lift first unless there is a definitive proven reason that I can't benefit as significantly if I do cardio first. Real science anyone??

I'd agree with what most people have said about 'whatever works for you'.

I'd also suggest it depends upon your goals. If your main goal is to improve your cardio, do cardio first to get more out of it. If your main goal is to improve strength, do weights first.

Maybe try a combination of both. Do it one way one day, then the next time the other.

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Lift first, do the cardio next or in another day.

I used to do cardio first because I hated boring cardio and I wanted to get it over with and save the best for last.

Now I do cardio and strength on alternating days, and only do the cardio that I enjoy...swimming, dancing, volleyball, jogging outside.

I tend to lift first and then do cardio after. Sides from not being tired during my lifting I've noticed that if I finish with cardio I'm not as sore the next day from lifting.

Cardio before lifting will sap your energy from lifting to a much greater degree than lifting will take away from your cardio. BUT, if it's working for you, then keep doing it your way. Especially if the primary benefits of lifting (muscular strength and size) are not your main goals, then it's perfectly fine.

This is one of those things gets argued back and forth on MFP but doesn't really apply to 80% of the users here. If you're going all out and trying to increase your max deadlift by 15% or busting your but to add a half inch to your arms, then it matters a lot and you need to switch. But if you're just trying to improve some baseline strength and muscle tone, do it whichever way you want and ignore everyone else.

Thanks for replys.

My main goal is strength endurance. As well as shedding fat. Through this process I have gained inches
where it counts(ie. arms, shoulders, chest.) and drastically lost inches where it counts.(ie waist, hips etc.)
I've gone from a 42 pant to a 32 pant in the past year. I've been good about mixing up my lifting routines
so that I don't get complacent in my goals.

Strength-Endurance = Heavy Weights + Short Rest + Volume

Sounds like you are getting great results with what you've been doing! Unless you are stalling or feel the need to change it up to progress, I'd say stay with it! What kind of strength routine are you currently doing?