The most common question I get asked is: Should I do cardio before or after weights?
When I first started working out, I would always try to get my cardio in before my weight session because, to be honest, I hated cardio and just wanted to get it over with. After I got more serious about working out and meeting my goals, I became more interested in what the most efficient way truly is. Should I continue doing cardio before lifting, or should I switch it up?
I have heard both sides of the argument and although both have their pros and cons, I believe in one way more than the other from first-hand experience. Let me explain.
What you decide to do first is strictly based off your personal goals. If your main goal is to improve endurance and lose weight, you will probably have the best luck doing cardio before lifting weights. If you’re focusing on building muscle, you might have the greatest success by lifting before doing your cardio.
Let me back up and go into more detail as to how I came up with this theory…
Weight Training VS Cardio
Weight training and cardiovascular activity are two different types of physical activity. They both have a different effect on our muscular cells and vital organs such as our heart.
Cardio is always an essential part of any training routine because it increases our endurance levels and strengthens our heart. At the end of the day, having a strong and healthy heart will lessen the chance for many diseases….